Racing begins saliva-based testing pilot to screen jockeys for cocaine

A saliva-based testing pilot has been launched in horse racing to screen jockeys for cocaine.

The two-month programme began at Lingfield and Kempton this week, where samples returned negative results.

The Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) said it was a "tremendously important development" to be able to detect the drug within 15 minutes.

British racing will become the first major sport in Britain to utilise on-the-day screening through oral swabs, should the pilot prove successful.

Enhanced testing has been called for on the back of a number of positive tests from riders in the past 18 months.

Riders, previously tested using blood, urine and hair sampling, would be stood down for the day.

An increase in positive urine samples has been recorded of late, with six in 2019 and five in 2020 – after no more than three in the years between 2012 and 2018.

Paul Struthers, Chief Executive of the Professional Jockeys Association, said: “We see the introduction of saliva testing as a tremendously important development, and it is supported by our members.

“An effective deterrent against the use of prohibited substances is an essential piece of the jigsaw in terms of keeping our jockeys healthy and safe.

"The increased testing which this methodology will allow, alongside the ability for on-the-day screening, represents a significant step towards that ambition.”

Brant Dunshea, Chief Regulatory Officer for the British Horseracing Authority, said: “Saliva testing is a progressive next step for our testing and surveillance of prohibited substances.

"In particular, the fact that it provides near-instant results means that we are now able to screen for the substance on the day of race.

“The fact that it is a more cost-effective methodology will also allow us to significantly ramp up our testing capacity – something that we are supporting further through the allocation of an enhanced testing budget.

"This should serve to act both as a deterrent to those who might consider using prohibited substances and provide reassurance to those who are competing on raceday.

“We are grateful to the Professional Jockeys Association for working alongside us in developing this methodology.

"It is important that it is assessed through a substantive trial period before we commit to it in the longer term, but this trial period is the final step in what has been an extensive process.”

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