Pennsylvania-based axide content cases have been withdrawn. A disproportionately high number of laboratory reports of higher total carbon dioxide content levels prompted HIWU to start reviewing PETRL’s practices, and it collaborated with horsemen’s representatives during this time. Prior to requesting an administration study from the Kenneth L. Maddy Equine Analytical Laboratory at the University of California Davis to compare the results reported by the Program laboratories, HIWU conducted a thorough evaluation of PETRL’s testing documentation and laboratory procedures. The Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology and Research Laboratory is a drug-control and anti-doping program run by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority.
Before the ADMC program was put into place, the horse racing industry had been using and accepting PETRL’s instrument, a clinical blood gas analyzer, and associated methodology as a legitimate way to control total carbon dioxide content for years. HIWU did not find any indications of laboratory error or instrument failure on the part of PETRL. Nevertheless, the administration study data showed that PETRL’s results did not match those of the three other labs, each of which employed a different mass spectrometry instrument and methodology. HIWU has responded by issuing a new mandate that mass spectrometry be used as the industry standard for the confirmation of total carbon dioxide content analysis. Almost every other material governed by the ADMC Program is analyzed using this technique.
Regarding the Pennsylvania cases, HIWU was unable to submit previously analyzed samples to other program laboratories for comparison of the results due to the faster deterioration of total carbon dioxide content samples in comparison to other analytes. HISA proposed to return purse money, reimburse fines, notify Equibase to erase the disqualifications, and remove penalty points from the records of the impacted trainers in cases that had already been settled. There will be no impact on purse money that racetracks have already disbursed in connection with these cases.
Ben Mosier, executive director of HIWU, stated, “The benefits of a national ADMC program are represented by the identification of inconsistencies in total carbon-dioxide content testing across Program laboratories and HIWU’s subsequent responsibility to establish harmonization among them.” “In contrast to state-based regulatory frameworks, our Program labs are in ongoing communication to discuss and compare methods. This collaboration is what enabled us to identify and resolve discrepancies in total carbon-dioxide content testing despite the longstanding validity of the methods and instruments being used.”
Jeffrey A. Matty, Jr., executive director of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, said, “I applaud HIWU for acting in response to the high rate of total carbon-dioxide content findings at PETRL and ultimately facilitating the harmonization of total carbon-dioxide content testing among Pennsylvania and other states.” While the laboratory was being examined, Ben and his staff were in constant contact with us and listened to our horsemen’s worries.
For instances that have previously been settled, HISA’s offer to remove sanctions is also something we appreciate. “This procedure is an illustration of how a uniform, national system benefits horsemen and how HIWU and HISA can collaborate for the industry’s overall benefit.” Testing in Program labs is evaluated as ongoing to ensure consistency and fairness in results reporting. HIWU has implemented HISA Equine Analytical Laboratory accreditation as of Jan. 1. HEAL accreditation includes a robust Equine Quality Assurance Scheme sample program.
