Advances in equine anti‐doping

I am most grateful to Editor-in-Chief Professor Mario Thevis for the opportunity to guest edit this issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, dedicated to equine anti-doping. It is six years since a similar initiative was undertaken by Associate Editor Dr Tiia Kuuranne1 and this issue contains just some of the significant advances that have occurred in our field during this time. Indeed, we can look much farther back in time to appreciate how far equine anti-doping has come since its recorded beginning in 1911. On this theme, the issue begins with a historical perspective written by Kremmer 2 that presents some of the early challenges for racing chemistry with a focus on the Australian experience relating to the Sydney laboratory. Returning to the present, Fragaki et al. 3 summarize some of the challenges currently faced in equine anti-doping and recent advances that are improving the work of racing laboratories. Specific to the threat of designer steroids, Waller and McLeod outline methods that racing laboratories can employ to maintain integrity.4 This information can be used in conjunction with work performed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club laboratory5, 6 to further expand detection capabilities for anabolic steroids in equine urine using gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). An impressive 14 original research articles are published in this special issue. On the ‘small molecule’ front these cover in vitro phase I metabolic studies of the selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) tamoxifen and toremifene,7 and population studies of 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR) in the horse.8 Equine pharmacokinetic studies are well represented with a focus on methylxanthines,9 betamethasone,10 and meldonium.11 Recent progress in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) analysis is highlighted by the large-scale collaborative work of Popot et al12 presenting interlaboratory reproducibility for the measurement of cobalt in equine urine and plasma. The scope of trace elements of interest to racing continues to expand with Choi et al13 reporting the application of lithium analysis for equine urine and plasma samples to propose a urinary threshold of 5 μg/mL. Moving to ‘large molecules’, there is a focus on the detection of porcine relaxin in plasma by liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS),14 and combating the potential misuse of etanercept, a new-generation anti-arthritic drug that inhibits TNF-α.15 These examples remind racing chemists of the need to remain up-to-date with human medical research and market release of new pharmaceutical agents that are increasingly peptide or protein based. Historically, this strategy was applied to veterinary health products and the need for continued surveillance in this area is highlighted by the work of Bailly-Chouriberry et al16 to detect misuse of a commercial GnRH vaccine using the combination of direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detection in plasma and indirect omics measurement in urine. A major initiative being undertaken by Racing NSW in Australia and other racing jurisdictions is the development and implementation of an equine biological passport (EBP) program. A perspective article is included in this issue that draws on the parallels between what racing authorities and/or their laboratories may aim to achieve from an EBP, and the past experience of clinical chemistry and human anti-doping areas.17 An application of one biomarker proposed for the EBP is presented by Viljanto et al.,18 who used the testosterone to epitestosterone ratio (T/E) to discern misuse of testosterone-containing products from naturally elevated testosterone in gelding urine. Probably the most significant message to take from this issue is the scope of multi-disciplinary work now being undertaken for the equine anti-doping effort. Historically, since the formation of the Association of Official Racing Chemists (AORC) in 1947, professionals engaged in this area have been called ‘racing chemists.’ While chemistry is undoubtedly central to the core function of a racing laboratory, the continual expansion of knowledge and expertise required to remain at the forefront of equine anti-doping is taking us further towards biology. As such, it is probably time to consider the term ‘racing scientists.’ Nowhere will this be more evident than in the effort to combat the threat of gene doping to the integrity of racing. A comprehensive review of candidate genes and technologies that could be misused in racing is presented by Wilkin et al.19 With respect to a genetic component for an EBP, Bailly-Chouriberry et al20 have presented a method for ribonucleic acid (RNA) sample preparation applied to gene expression profiling. A scientific journal is only as good as the published articles it contains, and so to all authors and reviewers who have contributed to this special issue, I say a very big thank you for the time and effort that you have given to make it a valuable resource for equine anti-doping well into the future. Future developments will, however, need to be undertaken without two of the leading racing chemists who have served our community over the past 40 years and have recently chosen to retire. Dr Yves Bonnaire FAORC graduated from Pharmacy in Paris in 1972 and soon after began collaborating with the horseracing industry. This activity intensified from 1975, following which Yves was appointed Director of Laboratoire des Courses Hippiques (LCH) in 1980. Yves is author of more than 50 scientific papers in international peer-reviewed journals, a member of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) Advisory Council, founding member of the IFHA laboratory certification taskforce, founding member of the European Horserace Scientific Liaison Committee (EHSLC), active member of the AORC and the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). In addition, Yves has worked as technical assessor for COFRAC (France), HOKLAS (Hong Kong), and MAURITAS (Mauritius). Barbara Morrissey FAORC has been an active member of the AORC since 1982, initially as a Professional Member and later as a Fellow, serving on various committees during this time and chairing the 12th International Conference of Racing Analysts and Veterinarians (ICRAV) held in Vancouver, BC, in 1998. Barbara has held various management roles with the Forensic Equine Drug Testing Department at Maxxam Analytics (formerly Cantest Ltd). She has authored or co-authored many peer-reviewed original research articles in well-reputed scientific journals, including Drug Testing and Analysis. Her exceptional contribution to Racing Chemistry spanning over three decades was recognized by the AORC award at the ICRAV held in Mauritius in 2014. Barbara served as AORC President from 2014 to 2016. Though I only got to know these two fine people during my past six years in racing chemistry, it is an honor to dedicate this special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis to Yves Bonnaire and Barbara Morrissey for the outstanding contribution that they have both made to equine anti-doping. All of us in the racing community wish them the very best in retirement.

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