"There is no current evidence that the use of anabolic steroids or other similar substances is endemic in British racing."

Zero tolerance of anabolic steroids to be introduced

Under new anti-doping rules published on February 24, the British horse racing industry will take a zero tolerance approach to anabolic steroids.

Tough new rules will come into force from March 2, in a bid to tackle doping in equine sports. Published by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the Equine Anti-Doping Rules state that no horse should be administered anabolic steroids during its racing life, with no exceptions.

In addition, horses will need to be registered from a younger age - initially within 12 months of birth. Over a two-year period, this will be phased to six months.

Anyone found to have administered anabolic steroids will face heftier penalties. There will be a mandatory stand down period of 12 months from training and the horse will not be eligible to start in any race in Britain for 14 months.

The BHA will also have greater access for testing registered horses and more control over horses running in Britain from international jurisdictions.

First announced in June last year, the zero tolerance policy on steroids aims to ensure British racing is at the helm of tackling one of the biggest threats to any sport globally.

BHA's chief executive Nick Rust said: "We hope that the steps we have taken will lead other nations to follow suit and implement rules that are as stringent as ours, for the good of the sport and the horse."

The new rules were borne of a lengthy consultation process, which launched in 2013 following the Godolphin scandal, where numerous horses at a thoroughbred racing stable in Newmarket tested positive for anabolic steroids.

Mr Rust commented: "There is no current evidence that the use of anabolic steroids or other similar substances is endemic in British racing. We showed in 2013 that when it does take place we are able to detect it and act on it. But we must never be complacent."

Long term, it is thought that hair sampling will play an important role in the BHA's testing methods, as it can detect substances that have been administered over a longer period of time than blood and urine tests.

For some time, hair sampling has been used only occasionally, but it is expected it will become more frequent as the new rules are bedded in. James Stier, director of raceway operations and regulation at BHA said it will become "a significant tool in our armoury".

Alongside the new rules, the BHA published a guide to explain what is required of those responsible for a horse. It has been sent to relevant bodies nationally and internationally, as well as to all licensed trainers and registered owners in Britain.