Session 3: FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Medication Control Regulations

Session 3: FEI Equine Anti Doping and Medication Control Regulations
Monday, 29 April, 15:30 – 17:30

The third session of day one at the FEI Sports Forum saw a comprehensive discussion on Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCMR), the only FEI rules that are undergoing a full revision this year. The session shed light on crucial aspects of maintaining integrity and fairness throughout FEI disciplines, and horse sport in general. The panellists delved into various key topics essential for athletes, trainers, and stakeholders to understand and adhere to.

After a short recap of the 2020 FEI Sports Forum and the full rules revision of that year, the session kicked off with the topic of out-of-competition testing, emphasising the need for continuous monitoring to ensure a level playing field for all competitors.

During the discussion, the question was posed by FEI Legal Director Mikael Rentsch as to who remains responsible for out-of-competition testing - trainer, owner or athlete?  Delegates offered their viewpoints, with an interesting variety of responses from the International Jumping Owners Club and International Jumping Riders Club, among others.

Lynn Hillyer, Chief Veterinary Officer & Head of Anti-Doping with the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), explained the timeline and progression of the IHRB’s equine anti-doping and medication control protocols since the body’s inception in 2018, showing an impressive increase in sampling rates, strengthened further by a digitisation process necessitated by the Covid 19 pandemic.

The panellists turned their discussion to address the need for a special procedure for minors in controlled medication cases, to complement the already established procedure that addresses banned substances, showcasing the commitment to safeguarding the well-being of young athletes in the sport. 

One of the standout proposals from the session was the call for equal treatment for Endurance athletes and trainers in a fast-track administrative procedure.  By allowing both parties to be eligible for the administrative procedure in the case of a controlled medication positive, the proposal aims to promote accountability and shared responsibility in maintaining a clean and ethical sporting environment.

The topic of gene doping was also addressed, underscoring the ongoing efforts to stay ahead of emerging technologies and practices that could compromise the integrity of equestrian sport.  FEI Senior Veterinary Advisor Caterina Termine used simple and engaging analogies to explain gene doping, as well as highlighting the dangers of the former over the latter.  She also presented FEI proposals for new rules to be implemented, such as including provisions around gene doping within the current EADCMRs.

In the area of testing for prohibited substances, FEI Veterinary Director Göran Åkerström led a discussion that proposed the implementation of testing hair and fluid (saliva) samples as effective and non-invasive methods. This could mean an improved testing protocol that could prolong the detection window for several months.

The panel highlighted the meticulous approach needed in sample collection and analysis to detect any prohibited substances effectively, with Lynn Hillyer offering informative insights from her own experience at the IHRB, which currently utilises the testing of hair.  

In conjunction with this, the issue of ‘cocktail administration’ of controlled substances was raised, highlighting how adding multiple controlled medications together can effectively ‘cheat’ positive testing levels by providing a performance-enhancing effect to a horse without exceeding the reporting level which would result in the sample testing positive. In order to counter this, the FEI is proposing to reduce the reporting level in multiple substance cases by 50%.

The session moved on to a discussion of a proposed streamlining of the notification process for EADCMR violations by removing the two-stage notifications, reducing it to just one, and simplifying the administrative procedures for all parties involved. This change aims to enhance clarity and efficiency in addressing rule violations, ensuring a fair and transparent process for athletes and trainers.

Panellists
♦ Göran Åkerström - FEI Veterinary Director
♦ Caterina Termine - FEI Senior Veterinary Advisor
♦ Lynn Hillyer - Chief Veterinary Officer / Head of Anti-Doping, Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB)

♦ Moderator: Mikael Rentsch - FEI Legal Director