The Horse Racing Laboratory

Internationally recognised expertise

The Laboratory of Horse Racing (LCH), located in Verrières-le-Buisson, is affiliated with the National Federation of Horse Racing. At the forefront of anti-doping research for equids in Europe and worldwide, it has been one of the reference laboratories of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) for more than 10 years and of the IFHA (International Federation of Horseracing Authorities) since 2017.

Occupying approximately 2,500 m², the Horse Racing Laboratory brings together more than 60 collaborators under the leadership of Dr. Ludovic BAILLY-CHOURIBERRY, all dedicated to toxicology analyses, including 9 scientists who are members of the AORC (“Association of Official Racing Chemists”).

Advanced equipment dedicated to anti-doping control analysis

The Laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, including more than 50 mass spectrometers.

The advanced techniques developed ensure reliable and specific detection and identification with appropriate sensitivity, while meeting regulatory and quality requirements.

The LCH is accredited by COFRAC in accordance with ISO 17025 and the ILAC-G7 document.

To fulfil its mission, the LCH comprises 7 analytical departments and one R&D department, bringing together 5 researchers, 3 technicians, and one or two Master’s or PhD students.

35,000 biological samples analysed each year

Each year, the LCH analyses around 35,000 biological samples, most of which come from French horse races. The Laboratory also works with international racing authorities and sporting organisations. The samples mainly consist of urine and blood, and to a lesser extent, hair.

For each biological sample (blood, urine, hair, etc.), the LCH receives two specimens : sample A, which is analysed immediately, and sample B, which is kept to allow a second analysis should the first test result prove positive.

Within the laboratory, all samples are processed anonymously through 18 specialised analytical lines, depending on the physicochemical characteristics of the substances being tested. All analyses are carried out under accreditation.

Research and Development Department

The Laboratory’s researchers take part in research programmes through regular national collaborations (Veterinary Schools, Universities, the French Institute for Horses and Riding) and international partnerships (Universities, industry, AORC, IFHA, FEI, European projects, etc.).

Each year, they publish articles in international peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Their research focuses on:

• The detection of gene doping;
• The development of indirect screening methods based on molecular fingerprinting;
• The use of artificial intelligence to enhance data interpretation and the detection of prohibited substances;
• The optimisation of global databases for the identification of unknown compounds;
• The automation and optimisation of analytical methods to detect an increasing number of molecules within constant blood and urine volumes;
• Forward-looking technical monitoring, particularly in cooperation with government agencies (Customs and the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control).

Publications in international peer-reviewed journals

Discover the scientific publications of the LCH featured in international peer-reviewed journals.