24 ICRAV 2026 Racing chemists working in laboratories around the world typically deliver drug screening, confirmatory analysis, and research/investigative results for the racing jurisdictions they serve. In doing so, reliance is placed on the validity of the laboratory methods and on the ability of the chemist to utilise the methods correctly. All methods delivering results which authorities rely on and from which actions may follow should be fully validated according to accepted industry protocols and which have received the approval of a relevant laboratory accreditation body. In instances where analytical results form part of a positive medication/doping control case that an authority wishes to pursue, a racing chemist could be asked to defend his or her analytical findings in formal inquiries (hearings/tribunals) or, indeed, on rare occasions, a court of law. To help prepare for such situations the AORC has established a guideline that was first developed by the late Dr John Vine when he was Laboratory Director at Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL). John’s experience as an expert witness gained by regularly attending inquiries and courts over many years was, and remains, unparalleled; consequently, the guideline benefits from considerable wisdom. ABSTRACT Procedural Advice to Racing Chemists – an AORC guideline Now retired from his position as Director of Sport and Specialised Analytical Services at LGC (an international life sciences, measurement and testing business), his previous responsibilities encompassed the drug detection associated with regulated animal sports, dietary supplements and feeds, and human workplace testing. As an experienced ‘racing chemist’ with long-standing and committed interests in the integrity of animal sports and associated safety and welfare matters, Dr Pearce has remained active in major international organisations associated with the regulation of such sports. These include the AORC (Association of Official Racing Chemists), the EHSLC (European Horserace Scientific Liaison Committee), the FEI’s (International Equestrian Federation) Laboratory Group, the IFHA’s (International Federation of Horseracing Authorities) Advisory Council and the RMTC’s (Research Medication and Testing Consortium) Scientific Advisory Council. Dr Pearce also serves as an Independent Scientific Advisor to the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) and the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB). He is a past president of the AORC, serving from 2018 until 2023. Dr Clive Pearce Independent Scientific Advisor, Saffron Walden, UK
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