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University of Kentucky Equine Lab Director terminated ⁢following Examination into Testing Irregularities

LEXINGTON,​ KY -​ The⁣ director ⁢of the‌ university ‍of⁢ Kentucky’s⁤ equine analytical chemistry ⁢lab has⁤ been terminated ⁤following‍ a report detailing meaningful failures in testing protocols and misrepresented results, according ‍to a report released this week. The findings stem from an ‌investigation initiated after the ​Horse​ Improvement welfare Organization (HIWU) discovered a ‌sample ‍submitted for analysis had never been‍ opened.

In November 2023, HIWU⁢ requested “targeted confirmatory analysis” from the lab, then overseen‌ by ⁢Stanley, of a blood ‍sample suspected of⁢ containing Erythropoietin, a banned substance in horse racing. Over the subsequent two months, HIWU repeatedly sought updates on ⁣the analysis via in-person‌ requests, email, ​and phone calls.

Stanley initially reported​ in late ‌December ⁢2023 that the sample had been analyzed and the substance was not confirmed, stating‍ the ​lab would “repeat the ⁣analysis to ensure the result was accurate.” In‍ January ​2024, Stanley ⁢informed HIWU ​the substance was not detected.

Though, on february ⁣23, 2024, when HIWU inquired about the remaining sample⁣ volume for potential re-testing by another lab, staff revealed the original sample “had never been analyzed and, actually, had never even been opened,” remaining⁤ sealed in the lab’s refrigerator.

The investigation further revealed the lab:

* ⁢ did not ⁣comply with HIWU-mandated testing specifications and instructions, including standard​ operating procedures and analysis methods;
* misrepresented ‌both it’s ability to test for specific prohibited substances ‌and the completion of analysis for​ certain prohibited substances;
* ‌ ​and failed to ‍perform confirmatory analysis on 91 samples that initially screened⁣ positive for prohibited‍ substances, rather reporting them as negative under ‍Stanley’s direction.

The lab, now known ⁢as the Equine Integrity & Anti-doping⁤ Sciences (EQIAS)‌ Labs, was acquired ‌by eagle Diagnostics in April. ⁢Travis mays ‌was subsequently appointed‌ as the new⁤ director, having previously overseen drug testing‌ and toxicology operations at Texas ⁢A&M’s ⁤Veterinary Medical⁣ diagnostic ‍Lab.

Stephanie Kuzydym is an enterprise and investigative sports ‍reporter. Reach her at skuzydym@courier-journal.com or on ​social at ⁣@stephkuzy.