HFL Sport Science has announced that Dr. Rick Sams will be director of the new laboratory being constructed in Lexington that will take over equine drug testing for the state of Kentucky, beginning in February 2011.
Since 2006, Sams has been program director of the Florida Racing Laboratory of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida, which now handles the state’s drug testing.
According to a release from British-based HFL Sport Science, Sams has more than 30 years’ experience in developing and validating new testing methods as well as studying pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs and other substances in racehorses and other animals. Sams was previously a professor and director of the Analytical Toxicology Laboratory of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Ohio State University, a position he held since 1978.
"We are truly delighted that HFL has been able to secure such an experienced and well-respected laboratory director," said Kentucky Horse Racing Commission executive director Lisa Underwood in a statement. "We are excited to continue our relationship with Professor Sams. We also hope he will be interested in pursuing research projects as part of his equine program."
"Professor Sams is an outstanding addition to the HFL team, and the best possible candidate to lead HFL’s new laboratory in the United States," Dr. David Hall, CEO of HFL Sport Science said, in a statement. "HFL looks forward to building upon Professor Sams’ excellent reputation and offering state-of-the-art services to the racing community in the United States."
