Sweden exempt from pre-race sampling in Britain
Sweden joins Ireland, France and Germany on the sampling exemption list.
Swedish racehorses are no longer subject to sampling requirements prior to running in Britain, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed.
The country has been added to the exemption list as its national legislation and the rules of its horse racing authority, Svensk Galopp, adhere to the BHA's anti-doping requirements.
Jamie Stier, the BHA's director of raceday operations and regulation, said: "We are pleased to confirm that Sweden’s anti-doping rules meet the criteria required for exemption from Britain’s sampling procedures for foreign runners.
"The key considerations that underpin the decision are that in Swedish racing the use of anabolic steroids is not permitted under any circumstances, there is no therapeutic use exemption and horses are subject to testing from registration until retirement from racing.
"This includes out-of-competition testing regardless of the horse’s whereabouts."
Ireland, France and Germany were already exempt from sampling requirements as key parts of their anti-doping policies reflect those of the BHA.
All other international runners must arrive in Britain 10 days before their intended race in order to be sampled.
BHA announced a revised equine anti-doping policy in June last year, when it confirmed Ireland, France and Germany would be exempt from the sampling requirements.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
