The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has today published the following updates regarding medication control.

This includes the latest guidance about particular treatment and medication administered to horses, as well as reminders which we hope will be useful to licensed trainers and their veterinary surgeons.

For any questions, please contact: [email protected].

 

Use of beta-2 agonists

A reminder that the Rules have been amended to reflect updated requirements around the use of beta-2 agonist clenbuterol, following agreement on regulation of its use by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA).

The requirements came into effect on 1 April 2025 and are set out in this BHA notice, which has been updated to include guidance on the use of any beta-2 agonist, such as clenbuterol or salbutamol.

Beta-2 agonists are considered Category A Substances and are prohibited at all times, unless prescribed by a veterinary surgeon as a bronchodilator at the appropriate dose. Please see the BHA notice for full requirements.

We continue to discourage the use of beta-2 agonists such as clenbuterol or salbutamol unless absolutely necessary, and would highlight the minimum 30-day standdown for administration by any route (including inhaled and nebulised) between the last dose of treatment and the day of race.

Paragraph 1.3 of the Prohibited List Code has been updated accordingly.

 

Sildenafil

The use of sildenafil is prohibited at all times under the Rules of Racing.

We are aware that an extemporaneous preparation of an injectable product containing sildenafil, mepivacaine and glucose is being manufactured as a ‘veterinary special’ and sold for equine use.

There are risks associated with this kind of compound product as they have not been tested to the same standards of quality and safety as authorised medicines.

More details and further guidance is available in this BHA notice.

 

Administering injections

Administering injections to horses is considered a veterinary act and should only be performed by a qualified veterinary surgeon, or under their direct supervision by a veterinary nurse or veterinary student.

This is a legal requirement under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. Trainers are therefore not permitted, by law, to administer any substance intravenously (or intramuscularly) unless they hold the appropriate veterinary qualifications.

Guidance provided by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) considers these to be complex procedures that should not be delegated to anyone without the required qualification.

 

Human medication in racecourse stables

A reminder to trainers and teams that human medications, including common, over-the-counter products, must not be brought into the racecourse stables.

While personal medication of this type, such as pain relief and anti-inflammatories, may be considered harmless by those carrying it, these products are actually Category B prohibited substances.

There will of course be an exception for anyone who needs to carry personal emergency medication, but this must be declared to the BHA equine welfare integrity officers (EWIO) or veterinary officer before entering the racecourse stables please.

This will help ensure that trainers and teams aren’t inadvertently taking steps that could result in a Rule breach and a fine of up to £1,500.