HK SEPT 14 - JOCKEY CLUB ISSUES INTERESTING INFORMATION REGARDING TESTING POLICY

By Graham Potter | Tuesday, September 14, 2010

After apprentice jockey KW Leung was suspended yesterday for supplying a sample which contained a prohibited substance (ketamine) on the opening day of the season, the Hong Kong Jockey Club issued the following information, which makes worthwhile reading to anyone interested in the secure policing of the industry.

‘The Hong Kong Jockey Club conducts a comprehensive jockey testing regime in order to identify the presence of prohibited substances.

‘This testing programme is in place so the Club is able to fulfil its duty of care to ensure where possible that the safety and welfare of human and equine industry participants is not compromised.

‘This testing regime includes the requirement under the Rules of Racing for jockeys riding in Hong Kong to supply or allow to be taken samples of their breath, blood, urine or other body fluids for testing by the Club’s Racing Laboratory.

‘During the 2009/2010 racing season, the Racing Laboratory analyzed 533 urine samples obtained from licensed jockeys, including apprentice jockeys, on race-days as well as after track-work and barrier trials for the purpose of testing for prohibited substances.

‘A similar number of breath samples were also obtained from jockeys for the purpose of testing for alcohol.

‘During the stated racing season, each jockey who was licensed by the Club for the entire season was subjected to testing for prohibited substances between 10 and 30 occasions.

‘Whilst a minimum of four jockeys are selected to provide samples for the purpose of testing for prohibited substances, including alcohol, at any given race meeting, this number often increases to the level where every jockey riding at a race meeting is required to provide a sample.

‘The Club is continually reviewing its policies and procedures so as to remain at the forefront of integrity functions as well as horse and rider safety and welfare.

‘Accordingly, the Club will continue to subject jockeys to testing for prohibited substances on frequent occasions, both on and away from race-day.

'Further, as with past and current practice, the Club will continue to liaise with all jockeys so that they are fully aware of their obligations and responsibilities under the Rules of Racing in respect of prohibited substances.’

*The length of Leung’s suspension (six months) is in line with the penalty handed down to Marco Chui who returned a positive test for the same drug in May last year. Chui reoffended earlier this year and is currently serving a twelve month suspension for the second offence.