Equine anti-doping and controlled medications policy

At Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), the welfare of the horse and fairness in competition are fundamental values. Our equine medication and anti-doping rules are designed to protect both, and they focus on two main areas:

Inappropriate medication during competition:
Veterinary treatment is essential when needed, but certain medications can mask underlying issues and affect a horse’s long-term health. Horses should not compete or participate in any other RoR activity while on medication that may compromise their welfare.

Doping (the use of prohibited substances to gain an unfair advantage):
Doping is considered cheating and goes against the spirit of fair competition. It not only compromises the integrity of individual events but can also damage the reputation and future of the sport. In line with the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC), the use of artificial enhancements in horses is strictly prohibited.

These rules are in place to ensure a level playing field and to protect the horses that make RoR events possible. We encourage all riders, owners, and support teams to understand and follow these rules, helping us maintain a safe, fair, and ethical environment for all.

1. Prohibited substances, sampling, and testing

1.1 General prohibition

1.1.1 Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) adopts a strict stance on the presence of Prohibited Substances in horses competing at any RoR event.

1.1.2 The presence of any Prohibited Substance, whether administered intentionally or unintentionally, is a breach of these Rules. This includes substances found in proprietary feeds, supplements, and common foodstuffs (e.g. chocolate).

1.2 Sampling and testing

1.2.1 RoR reserves the right to collect Samples from horses at any event. Sampling may be conducted randomly or on a targeted/risk-based basis.

1.2.2 Participants, including Owners, Producers, and Riders, consent to such sampling and acknowledge that all Samples collected become the property of RoR.

1.3 Strict liability

1.3.1 Owners, Producers, and Riders are strictly liable for any Prohibited Substances found in horses under their care or control, regardless of how the substance was administered or by whom.

1.3.2 A positive Sample constitutes a breach of these Rules by each of the Owner, Producer, and Rider.

1.4 Definition of a positive test

1.4.1 A Sample is deemed positive where:

(a) A Prohibited Substance exceeds the threshold level as set out in the FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations ; or

(b) Any concentration of a non-threshold Prohibited Substance is detected.

1.4.2 The result of an Analysis may be invalidated only if the Owner, Producer, or Rider demonstrates that a material procedural departure occurred and that it casts reasonable doubt on the result or interpretation.

2. Consequences of a positive test

2.1 If a Sample tests positive, RoR may:

(a) Impose financial penalties;

(b) Suspend or withdraw registration of the Owner, Producer, Rider, or any horses under their care;

2.2 These sanctions are without prejudice to the disqualification or suspension of the horse involved.

3. Sampling at RoR events

3.1 Sampling may be conducted at any event by order of RoR’s Managing Director.

3.2 Sampling must occur at the event venue.

3.3 RoR may require storage of Samples for later Analysis.

3.4 Owners, Producers, or Riders must provide the horse's passport (or equivalent identification) upon request.

4. Sample collection procedure

4.1 The Owner, Producer, or Rider (or their representative) may witness the sampling but is not obliged to do so.

4.2 The Sample will be split into an ‘A sample’ and a ‘B sample’, sealed, and labelled. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Anti-Doping Form (or any replacement) shall be completed. The “Responsible Person” on that form refers to the Owner, Producer, or Rider.

4.3 Any concerns about the sampling procedure must be recorded immediately on the Sample collection form.

4.4 If declining to witness the sampling, the Owner, Producer, or Rider must sign a declaration agreeing not to dispute the procedure later.

4.5 Failure to comply with Rule 4.4 constitutes a breach of these Rules. In the event of an unsuccessful challenge to the procedure, RoR may recover associated costs from the challenger.

4.6 The A sample shall be analysed by a designated Testing Laboratory.

5. Notification and B sample testing

5.1 If the A sample tests positive, RoR will notify the Owner, Producer, and Rider in writing.

5.2 The Owner, Producer, or Rider may request analysis of the B sample at their own cost. RoR will reimburse this cost if the B sample is negative.

5.3 Requests for B sample testing must:

(a) Be submitted in writing within 7 days of notification;

(b) Include agreement to cover all costs associated with the analysis and (if applicable) transportation.

5.4 The B sample will be analysed at the same Testing Laboratory as the A sample, unless the requesting party chooses Laboratoire des Courses Hippiques (LCH) and agrees to bear transport costs.

5.5 If no B sample analysis is requested within the deadline, the A sample result will be deemed accepted.

5.6 If the B sample is negative, no disciplinary action will be taken, unless there is credible evidence of tampering or other misconduct.

6. Evidentiary provisions

6.1 Facts regarding positive test results may be established by any reliable evidence, including admissions.

6.2 The Testing Laboratory is presumed to have followed correct procedures under BHA standards unless proven otherwise.

6.3 If the presumption is rebutted, RoR bears the burden of proving that the departure did not affect the result. If RoR satisfies this burden, the result shall stand.

7. Withholding of prize money

7.1 Any prize money due in relation to a horse that has been tested will be withheld until the analysis result is known.

7.2 If money has been credited and the result is later positive, the recipient must repay it to RoR on demand.

8. Notices

8.1 Documents shall be deemed properly served if:

(a) Delivered in person;

(b) Sent by first-class post to the address provided on the RoR registration or event entry form; or

8.2 Documents sent by first-class post are deemed served 24 hours after posting (excluding non-working days). Emailed documents are deemed served at the time of transmission.