HISA explains suspension of University of Kentucky testing lab

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority and Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit issued the following statement regarding the University of Kentucky Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory.

"On Tuesday, Feb. 13, leadership from HISA, HIWU and the University of Kentucky met in person to discuss concerns with the performance of the University of Kentucky Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory. At this time, HISA and HIWU were informed by the university that it was conducting an ongoing personnel investigation relating to Dr. Scott Stanley, the director of the UK lab, and Stanley was not permitted to be in direct communication with the other staff at the laboratory. The university also expressed staffing concerns related to the laboratory’s operations.

"Consequently, and in agreement with the University of Kentucky leadership, HISA and HIWU decided that starting on Friday, Feb. 16, all samples that were collected in Kentucky and Florida and would previously have been analyzed by the UK lab would be redirected to Industrial Laboratories indefinitely. HISA and HIWU advised the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and Florida Gaming Control Commission of this change in procedure.

"Going forward, HISA and HIWU are fully confident in the ability of Industrial Laboratories to handle the increased volume of samples and ensure that all samples are processed and analyzed in compliance with the anti-doping and medication control program.

"On Friday, March 1, HISA and HIWU were formally notified by the University of Kentucky that Stanley was no longer serving as the director of the UK lab. Following additional communications with the university, HISA and HIWU have opened an investigation into the UK lab’s performance and are also cooperating with the university’s investigation. HISA and HIWU will update the industry once our investigation is concluded.

"HISA and HIWU remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting the highest levels of safety, integrity, and welfare in Thoroughbred racing. As part of this commitment, we continually evaluate our partner laboratories through an external quality assurance program, as well as internal assessments. For the benefit of all human and equine stakeholders, laboratories who fail to satisfy our requirements will be removed from service in the ADMC Program."

BloodHorse reported Tuesday that Stanley will continue working as a researcher at UK's Gluck Equine Research Center, which operates separately from the laboratory.

A UK spokesman told BloodHorse that the university will announced plans soon regarding a search for a permanent director for the lab.