Drug Testing & Compliance
Ensuring Fairness & Animal Welfare
The Louisiana Racing Commission enforces strict testing and compliance programs to keep racing fair and to protect the health and safety of every horse and rider.
Why Testing Matters
Drug testing is one of the most important tools the Commission uses to ensure the honesty and safety of horse racing in Louisiana.
Every test, inspection, and investigation helps maintain the trust of the public and the people who work in the sport.
Our compliance program:
Any violation of medication or testing rules can lead to fines, suspensions, or disqualificationaccording to the Rules of Racing.
Tip: Always review the current Medication and Testing Rules (Title 35, Chapter 15) before racing or training.
Drug testing prevents the use of banned or performance-enhancing substances. Our goal is simple: to keep competition fair and horses healthy through science-based testing and oversight.
Transparency & Reporting
Testing results and disciplinary actions are managed according to the Louisiana Rules of Racing and are subject to review by the Commission.
For questions about the testing process or laboratory selection, contact the Louisiana Racing Commission Compliance Division at (504) 483-4000.
Equine Drug Testing Laboratories
All official equine drug testing for Louisiana racehorses is performed by certified laboratories under contract with the Commission. These labs test samples collected before and after races to detect any banned or over-threshold substances.
Primary Laboratory
Industrial Laboratories Co.
6116 E. Warren Avenue
Denver, CO 80222
(303) 287-9691
Contact: Petra Hartmann, Director, Drug Testing Services
Human Drug Testing
The Commission also maintains a testing program for human participants in racing, such as jockeys and stable personnel.
Contracted Laboratory
ARCpoint Occupational Solutions (AOS)
220 N. Main Street, Suite 325
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 271-3210
Approved Referee Laboratories
The following facilities are authorized to perform testing on split or referee samples when requested by an eligible individual:
These are independent labs that can re-test a sample if an owner, trainer, or other authorized person requests a second opinion on test results.
When a sample is collected, it’s split into two parts: one is tested by the primary lab; the other is securely stored as a “split” or “referee” sample. If the first test is positive and the licensee requests verification, one of these approved referee labs conducts the re-test.
Equine Referee Laboratories
University of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology & Research Laboratory
220 E. Rosedale Avenue
West Chester, PA 19382
(610) 925-6610
Contact: Mary Robertson, Ph.D., Acting Director
University of Kentucky
Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
824 Bull Lea Run, Suite 105
Lexington, KY 40511
(859) 218-5646
University of Illinois at Chicago
Analytical Forensic Testing Laboratory
2242 W. Harrison Street, Suite 110
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 413-0134
Contact: Brendan Heffron, Director
University of California – Davis
California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory – EACL
620 West Health Science Drive
Davis, CA 95617
(530) 752-8700
Fax: (530) 754-5588
Contact: Ben Moeller, Ph.D.
Ohio Department of Agriculture
Analytical Toxicology Laboratory
8995 E. Main Street, Building #3
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
(614) 466-2910
Contact: Soobeng Tan, Director
Human Referee Laboratories
Alere Toxicology Services
1111 Newton Street
Gretna, LA 70053
(504) 361-8989
Get Licensed to Be Part of Louisiana Racing
We help jockeys, owners, trainers, and other racing professionals get approved to take part in races across the state. Learn how to apply and renew your license before the season begins.
Know the Rules. Keep Racing Fair.
The Rules of Racing help cover everything from safety, to wagering, to conduct, and more. Review them here to understand how the Commission helps keep racing strong and fair for everyone.