Drugs in racing: BHA plans zero tolerance policy on steroid use

“The enhanced, zero tolerance policy announced today, which exceeds the international minimum standard, has the objective of ensuring that British racing remains at the forefront of tackling an issue that ranks amongst the biggest threats faced by any world sport.

“It is also hoped that this will be another step towards global harmonisation across the sport and that the leadership role BHA has adopted on this issue can result in those nations that have not yet adopted the minimum standards following suit.”

Bittar also claimed their success during the Godolphin investigation proved their policies were effective.

“You don’t go into one if the biggest stables in the world, test 45 horses and get 11 positives if you’re regulation isn’t working,” he told BBC Sport.

“This just provided us with an opportunity to build on regulation and we’ve absolutely strengthened it. We now have one if the strongest anti-doping policies in place and people should absolutely have confidence on British racing.”

Jamie Stier, BHA director of raceday operations and regulation, added: “We have attempted to address every possible angle in the development of this policy but, while the objectives will remain the same, the policy itself will always remain open for review and further enhancements if required.

“The methods and approaches to regulating the use of anabolic steroids are something which racing, and any sport, must always look to be evolving.”

The BHA’s new approach has also been welcomed by World Horse Welfare,, external an international horse charity.

Chief executive Roly Owers said: “We hope this more robust policy will encourage other federations to harmonise towards ever higher standards around the globe to help better protect racehorse welfare.

“Allowing horses doped with steroids to return to competition after 14 months does on first appearance appear proportionate, balancing the gravity of the offence with enabling the horse to continue their career, so safeguarding their future.

“This announcement does provide an opportunity to reflect on whether this is a truly ‘zero tolerance’ policy. The punishment has to fit the crime and we believe there must be severe penalties for keepers or owners in breach of this rule to serve as a robust deterrent.”