appConfigEntityId

bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

isVideo

articlePageQuery

article

articleSchemaContent

content

hooksArticlePageAdvertisementConfigArticle

hooksArticlePageFloatingButtonConfigArticle

appConfig

filter

json

liveArticle

SCMP Sport

The Hong Kong Jockey Club has turned to some of the latest technology in artificial intelligence to help with anti-doping protocols in animals ahead of the 15th National Games, to continue its perfect record of never having produced a false positive.
Riders and horses will compete from November 10 to 19 at the Guangming International Equestrian Centre in Shenzhen, and this year, Hong Kong will send 11 pairs, its largest-ever team.
The club is also supporting the Games by helping with venue design, horse welfare, stable management, event service and support, and publicity and community engagement.
HKJC’s Racing Laboratory has been commissioned by the China Anti-Doping Agency to support the procurement of sample collection kits and the testing of samples from competing horses.
“The club is committed to upholding the integrity of sport by providing its consistently high-standard testing services for the 15th National Games, ensuring the fair conduct of the equestrian events,” Emmie Ho, head of the Racing Laboratory, said.

The lab will test samples for prohibited substances in competing horses.
“Traditionally, concerns have centred on athletes using stimulants to enhance performance and speed,” Ho said. “In equine testing, however, certain substances that may be overlooked are equally significant. These include agents that calm horses and reduce their responsiveness.
“For instance, in dressage competitions, where emotional stability is paramount, sedatives have historically been administered to horses.”
Blood and urine samples from a single horse can generate around 2,000 test results. The lab will use AI to screen the data and detect suspicious samples for further review by chemical analysts and highly qualified chemists.
The club said the use of AI was to enhance the reliability of test results and was not intended to identify positive findings or replace the role of chemists.
“Samples from numerous Asian Games, including Incheon, the recent Hangzhou edition and Qatar, are sent here for analysis,” Ho said. “Most notably, samples from the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where equestrian events were held in Hong Kong, were also tested at this facility.

“Regarding the National Games, samples from the previous 2021 Shaanxi National Games were processed here.”
For this year’s National Games, the club has committed more than HK$500 million (US$64.3 million) to the competition.
Established in 1970 and located at Sha Tin Racecourse, the Racing Laboratory is a world-class drug testing facility dedicated to providing analytical and advisory services in doping control.
It is one of only four laboratories worldwide to be appointed by both the Federation Equestre Internationale and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.
The lab, which has never recorded a false positive result in official sample tests, receives more than 20,000 samples each year, with most coming from local horse racing events.


Fallen firefighter Ho awarded Medal for Bravery in Hong Kong’s 2026 Honours List

Chinese swimmer Li Bingjie reveals secret of her return to LA Olympic track: cold buns

Hong Kong Marathon: Wong Tsz-to, Tsang Hiu-tung not getting carried away with 10km wins

Top city runner Virginia Lo to resume quest for another personal best at Hong Kong Marathon

2025 National Games

Hong Kong Jockey Club turns to AI to help with drug testing at National Games

Jacqueline Lai is part of an 11-strong Hong Kong team taking part in the National Games equestrian event. Photo: Jonathan Wong

The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Racing Laboratory is a world-class drug testing facility. Photo: HKJC

Emmie Ho, head of the HKJC’s Racing Laboratory. Photo: HKJC 

Hong Kong equestrians hope experience proves key in National Games medal quest

Hong Kong equestrian Jacqueline Lai at Tuen Mun Public Riding School. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Two-time medallist Jacqueline Lai will return to the National Games after 12 years away. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Former Olympian Thomas Ho said humidity could be an issue for the horses. Photo: Jonathan Wong

National Games: Hong Kong tennis chiefs hope golden November will boost sport’s elite status

Coleman Wong is considered Hong Kong’s best chance for a tennis medal at the National Games. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong’s Eudice Chong will face tough competition. Photo: Elson Li

Sport

China

Hong Kong

HKJC’s Racing Laboratory has been commissioned to support the procuring and testing of samples from competing horses


HKJC’s Racing Laboratory has been commissioned to support the procuring and testing of samples from competing horses.


Hong Kong Jockey Club

World Anti-Doping Agency

Hong Kong Jockey Club turns to AI to help with drug testing at National Games

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}HKJC’s Racing Laboratory has been commissioned to support the procuring and testing of samples from competing horses

HKJC’s Racing Laboratory has been commissioned to support the procuring and testing of samples from competing horses