British drug-testing lab receives Kentucky incentives

The world-renowned HFL Sport Science Inc., the largest sports-drug surveillance lab in the world, is reportedly planning on opening a drug-testing lab in Lexington, Ky. On Thursday, the England-based company received approval for $800,000 in tax breaks and a $425,000 forgivable loan to bring its services to the Bluegrass.

HFL is proposing to invest more than $4 million, including the state incentives. The loan—which would pay for about half the cost of the lab equipment—would not have to be paid back if certain criteria are later met.

A report issued by the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority stated, “HFL plans to establish a world-class bioanalytical laboratory delivering doping control and associated research for horse racing in Kentucky and expanding into other sport science activities." The report also noted that HFL would encourage collaboration with the University of Kentucky as a research partner.

HFL administers the drug tests for British horse and Greyhound racing, and also works with the World Anti-Doping Agency. HFL’s testing procedures in Kentucky for illegal substances would also include that of horse feed and sports supplements.

The University of Florida Racing Laboratory currently has the contract with the state of Kentucky, but it expires in April. Kentucky Horse Racing Commission chairman Bob Beck was quoted on Thursday as saying that HFL would be in the running for that contract next year.  

"I believe the establishment of the lab with HFL is conditioned upon them getting the contract for Kentucky's drug testing," said Beck.

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