UK Names Cole Equine Analytical Chemistry Lab Director

The University of Kentucky named Dr. Cynthia Cole acting laboratory director of the UK Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, effective March 15. Cole succeeds Dr. Scott Stanley, who the university moved out of that position in late February. Stanley was named the lab's director in 2018 after nearly 30 years at the Kenneth L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory at the University of California-Davis. According to a release issued by the university March 19, Cole "brings over 30 years of experience to this role, with a diverse background spanning academia, industry, and research." From 2002-06, Cole served as an associate clinical professor and director of the Racing Laboratory at the University of Florida and again from 2018-23 when the laboratory closed. Cole will "oversee all operations of the laboratory, including reviewing procedures from sample receiving to results and ensuring compliance with all applicable accreditation criteria," according to the release. The UK lab had lost its role as one of the facilities used for testing samples for the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit. UK said that Cole will also "provide guidance on chemistry and sample analysis to ensure the accuracy and reliability of testing procedures. Additionally, she will supervise daily laboratory activities, offering leadership and support to staff members to maintain the highest standards of performance." "With the resources, energy, and support that UK, the racing industry, elected policymakers, and other stakeholders have invested in the Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, it is poised to be an industry leader in forensic drug testing," Cole said in the release. "Moving forward, and working with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit and regulators of sport horse competitions, I am confident that we can achieve that vision." HIWU stopped sending samples to the laboratory as of Feb. 16, and samples that "would have been sent there previously are now directed to Industrial Laboratories," the agency along with HISA told BloodHorse March 4. Cole was one of the founding faculty members of the Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, serving there from 1995-2002. She holds a D.V.M., Ph.D., completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Florida, and is recognized as a diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology. UK notes Cole has also "made significant contributions in her industry roles" at Mars Petcare, Novartis Animal Health, IDEXX, and Piedmont Pharmaceuticals. "We warmly welcome Dr. Cole to the college," said Nancy Cox, vice president of land-grant engagement and dean of Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. "Her extensive experience and proven leadership will be instrumental in advancing the EACL's history of providing drug testing that meets the highest industry standards. She will also be instrumental in upholding the integrity of the equine industry, advancing the health and welfare of the horse." UK said that the lab is important to the mission of the Martin-Gatton CAFE, which "strives to be a leader in research, education, and outreach programs that advance the health and safety of the horse." The lab is expected to exemplify the highest standards of service for substance testing and regulatory programs. Despite no longer being used by HIWU for the testing of samples—that responsibility is carried out by five other labs—HISA and HIWU officials said they are "continually evaluating the status of the UK lab and will engage accordingly based on the best interests" of the Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program. Leveraging her background in veterinary medicine and pharmacology, Cole will also provide guidance on chemistry and sample analysis to ensure the accuracy and reliability of testing procedures. Additionally, she will supervise daily laboratory activities, offering leadership and support to staff members to maintain the highest standards of performance.