HIWU Mandates Uniform Testing Methodology for TCO2 Analysis Across Program Laboratories

[Wandering Eyes]

Edited Press Release

The Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology and Research Laboratory (PETRL), a Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program laboratory, has been directed to modify its instrumentation and methodology for TCO2 testing to mass spectrometry so that it is consistent with the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit's three other Program laboratories, HIWU announced Wednesday.

PETRL has already transitioned to this methodology, which is also independently endorsed by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.

HIWU began its review of PETRL's procedures in response to a disproportionately high number of reports of elevated TCO2 levels from the laboratory and worked with horsemen's representatives throughout this process. HIWU first undertook a comprehensive assessment of testing documentation and laboratory processes at PETRL before asking the Kenneth L. Maddy Equine Analytical Laboratory at the University of California Davis to conduct an administration study to compare the findings reported by the Program laboratories.

PETRL's instrument (a clinical blood gas analyzer) and related methodology had been used and accepted as valid by the horse racing industry to regulate TCO2 for years prior to the implementation of the ADMC Program, and HIWU found no evidence of laboratory error or instrument failure by PETRL. However, the data from the administration study indicated that PETRL's results did not correlate with those of the three other laboratories, which all used an instrument and methodology (mass spectrometry) different from PETRL's.

In response, HIWU has issued a new mandate for mass spectrometry to be adopted as the industry standard for TCO2 analysis confirmation. This method is used to analyze virtually all other substances regulated under the ADMC Program.

In the interest of fairness to horsemen, all pending TCO2 cases originating in Pennsylvania have been withdrawn; due to the accelerated degradation of TCO2 samples compared to other analytes, HIWU could not send previously analyzed samples to other Program laboratories to compare the results. For cases that have already been resolved, HISA offered to return purse money, refund fines, notify Equibase to remove the disqualifications, and remove penalty points from the affected trainers' records. Purse money that has already been distributed by racetracks in relation to these cases will not be affected.

In total, five trainers–Jorge Diaz, Bernard Dunham, David Jacobson, William Martin and Silvino Ramirez–served 30-day suspensions for TCO2 positives that had been processed by the Pennsylvania Lab.

“The discovery of inconsistencies in TCO2 testing across Program laboratories and HIWU's subsequent responsibility to establish harmonization among them represent the benefits of a national ADMC program,” said Ben Mosier, executive director of HIWU. “Unlike under state-based regulatory structures, our Program laboratories are in ongoing communication to discuss and compare methods. This collaboration is what enabled us to identify and resolve discrepancies in TCO2 testing despite the longstanding validity of the methods and instruments being used.”

“I commend HIWU for taking action in response to the high rate of TCO2 findings at PETRL and ultimately facilitating the harmonization of TCO2 testing among Pennsylvania and other states,” said Jeffrey A. Matty, Jr., executive director of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. “Ben and his team listened to our horsemen's concerns and were in ongoing communication with us while the laboratory was reviewed. We're also appreciative of HISA for their decision to offer to withdraw sanctions imposed for cases that have already been resolved.

“This process represents an example of how a national, uniform system helps horsemen and how we, HIWU, and HISA can work together for the benefit of the entire industry.”

Evaluation of testing at Program laboratories is ongoing to ensure consistency and fairness in results reporting. HIWU has implemented HISA Equine Analytical Laboratory (HEAL) accreditation as of January 1, 2025. HEAL accreditation includes a robust Equine Quality Assurance Scheme sample program.

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