The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed that Japan Racing Association (JRA) -trained horses are no longer subject to the BHA’s Anti-Doping foreign runner requirements.
Under the BHA Rules of Racing, where such exemption does not exist, any foreign runner intending to race in Britain must have been in the country for at least ten working days prior to the race and provide a sample for analysis before being permitted to compete.
Following a review of the JRA’s anti-doping rules and procedures, the BHA is satisfied that Japanese runners should be exempt from these requirements, meaning that any future JRA trained runner may arrive in the country less than the ten working days set out in the Rules, and will not be required to undertake mandatory sampling in order to be eligible to race.
Brant Dunshea, Chief Regulatory Officer at the BHA, said: “I am delighted that the BHA and JRA have reached this agreement on exemption from the BHA’s Anti-Doping foreign runner requirements for JRA runners in Britain.
“Japan is a proud racing nation enjoying tremendous success globally and, like in Britain, their outstanding reputation is underpinned by a strong commitment to integrity and fairness.
“The presence of Japanese runners only enhances the key races anywhere in the world and we very much look forward to welcoming more of Japan’s best to the biggest meetings in Britain for many years to come.”
Dr Atsushi Kikuta, Director of Equine and Stewards department at the JRA, said: “On behalf of the JRA, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the BHA for its invaluable support and careful consideration regarding the JRA-trained horses’ exemption to the BHA Anti-Doping foreign runner requirements.
“The decision to grant this exemption signifies the BHA’s confidence in the JRA’s robust anti-doping standards and carries substantial significance for all participants within the Japanese racing industry. I am confident that this development will facilitate a greater number of Japanese runners traveling to Britain to engage in fair competition on a level playing field in the foreseeable future.
“With the Laboratory of Racing Chemistry’s recent appointment of the distinguished status of the IFHA Reference Laboratory, the Japanese racing industry continues to uphold its unwaveringly commitment in pursuit of the highest level of race integrity and welfare.”
Notes to editors:
1. Other nations that are granted exemption from the BHA’s Anti-Doping foreign runner requirements are: Ireland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Norway, and Sweden.
