On 25th March 2025, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) announced they were expanding their anti-doping programme to combat the threat of gene doping. So far, they have invested almost £2m in detection methods that will enable them to screen racehorses for any genetic manipulation. Although it is not currently believed to be a problem in the sport, BHA are taking a proactive approach to keep it this way, further strengthening its world-leading approach to anti-doping.
What Is Genetic Doping?
The World Anti Doping Agency defines gene doping as the nontherapeutic use of cells, genes, genetic elements, or modulation of gene expression, that have the capacity to enhance athletic performance. In more simple terms, it either involves editing existing genes or transporting a gene from outside a body.
This can have several practical applications as it would enable someone to introduce a horse to a gene that, for example, boosts lean muscle mass or increases red blood cell production. Basically, anything that would likely increase athletic performance. In doing so, it is possible to recreate the effects of banned performance-enhancing drugs, without needing to use any drugs. Instead, you can have these beneficial effects through gene modification. Darn these cheats and their cunning use of science!
How Common Is Genetic Doping?
Currently, there is no evidence to suggest genetic manipulation is taking place within British horse racing, or even racing abroad. However, scientific and technological advancements mean that it is something that could prove to be an issue if action is not taken. There have already been instances in other equestrian activities. Without deterrents and tests, some horses could easily gain an unfair advantage via genetic doping and it would go unnoticed.
Gene modification was first identified as a potential threat in 2019 and this triggered the BHA to develop a plan to tackle it. Six years ago they set up a team and have been pumping money into researching detection methods at the LGC laboratory in Fordham, located near Newmarket, with help also coming from the Centre for Racehorse Studies.
Why Would Genetic Doping Be a Problem?
There are three main concerns regarding genetic doping. The first relates to the integrity of the sport. Horse racing has been hurt by doping scandals in the past, for example, the one orchestrated by Mahmood al-Zarooni which saw him give anabolic steroids to 15 horses. Although this was an isolated case (in a sense) and one punished with an eight-year ban, it still harmed the sport’s reputation. No doubt a similar gene-doping scandal in future would have a similar impact and if such cheating occurs often enough, fans, especially those betting on the sport, will lose trust.
The welfare of horses is also a concern with gene modification as things can go wrong and the consequences, when this happens, can be severe. Finally, there is the fact it would undermine the entire concept of thoroughbred racing. Currently, the sport relies on selective breeding to produce the best horses, and this can only be done via live cover, rather than artificial insemination. Being able to improve horses dramatically via gene doping would severely undermine the whole foundation of thoroughbred racing.
Who Is Impacted by the New Policy?
Both National Hunt and Flat horses will be screened under the BHA’s new programme. Testing will take place as part of a regular raceday procedure and there will also be out-of-competition sampling to check on horses when they are not in action. Not only should this act as a major deterrent but the sophisticated screening methods that have been developed should catch any rule breakers.
There is a degree of international cooperation to tackle the threat of gene doping with the BHA in communication with the likes of Australia, France, Japan and Hong Kong. Due to this, big international Flat races are likely to undergo the same checks. Additionally, runners from overseas who travel for the big British races, such as those at Royal Ascot, will also face the same screening methods.
Testing will come into place for the start of the 2025 Flat season with the BHA keen not to waste any time as it seeks to take a world-leading approach to this danger.
What Does a Gene Doping Test Involve?
In the world of gene modification, things known as ‘vectors’ are effectively vehicles designed to transfer genes into cells. What the BHA’s screening will be looking for is the presence of the most common vectors. As new vectors emerge, it will be a case of ensuring that screening methods can detect the latest ones. The detection methods are still relatively new but the range of tests will expand and become more sophisticated as time goes on.