Our Role

Our laboratory's commitment to upholding the highest standards in horse racing integrity is exemplified by our active involvement in the testing of over 22,000 mainly racing and equestrian samples annually. These samples originate both domestically from Hong Kong and internationally.

The main function of Racing Laboratory involves:

(i) Pre-Race Testing

To ensure all declared starters are free of prohibited substances before racing, urine samples (or failing that, blood samples) are tested prior to racing on each race day. Results are reported to the Racing Stewards at least 30 minutes before the scheduled race.

(ii) Post-Race Testing

Approximately twenty-five percent of the runners per race day are chosen by Racing Stewards for post-race testing, which includes first and second place-getters as well as the favourites. Both urine and blood samples collected from these selected horses are analysed comprehensively for prohibited substances.

(iii) Other testing

Racehorses are also tested at other times, such as during training, upon transferring stables, and returning from spelling or overseas competitions. Blood, urine or hair are collected from registered horses for the analysis of prohibited substances. In addition, to ensure racehorses are not exposed to prohibited substances through consumption of feed, feed samples are tested either by direct testing of the feed or via biological feed testing after consumption.

(iv) Analytical services provided to external authorities

The Racing Laboratory conducts testing on samples for overseas racing authorities, national and international equestrian authorities on a regular basis. In addition to our primary testing responsibilities, Racing Laboratory serves as a referee laboratory for racing laboratories worldwide. As a referee laboratory, we play a vital part in ensuring integrity and reliability in the testing procedures employed by our global counterparts.