The umbrella group for regulators in North America is examining a new approach to out-of-competition testing that would not only target blood- and gene-doping, but also help identify horses at risk of catastrophic injury.

Out-of-competition testing, on the books in eight states, has different rules depending on the jurisdiction but was enacted generally to test horses while they’re in training either at the track or at training centers and farms. Ed Martin, president of the Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI), said Feb. 6 it can serve another useful purpose.

Martin was one of several speakers on an out-of-competition testing panel during the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) winter convention in Carefree, Arizona.

Martin offered several scenarios that could occur in the business: Some owners could pressure a trainer to race a horse that shouldn’t be entered; some veterinarians could pressure a trainer to enter and race a horse; and some practitioners could "enable" a horse to race when it should be on the sidelines