Lexington, Kentucky, September 16, 2025

News Summary

The University of Kentucky has fired Dr. Scott Stanley, director of the Equine Analytical Chemistry Lab, following a year-long investigation that revealed he falsified drug test results and engaged in fraudulent billing practices. The Board of Trustees emphasized their commitment to ethical standards in response to the serious allegations. Stanley, who disputes the findings and maintains his innocence, is considering legal actions to challenge his termination. The lab has since been acquired by Eagle Diagnostics, raising concerns about integrity in equine drug testing.

Lexington, Kentucky – University of Kentucky Fires Dr. Scott Stanley Over Alleged Ethics Violations in Equine Drug Testing Lab

The University of Kentucky (UK) Board of Trustees has terminated Dr. Scott Stanley, director of the Equine Analytical Chemistry Lab, on September 11 after a year-long investigation into alleged ethics violations. The board found that Stanley falsified drug testing results and engaged in fraudulent billing practices.

Stanley was responsible for directing the former Equine Analytical Chemistry Lab, which provided essential drug testing services for the equine industry. The internal audit conducted by UK revealed that Stanley reported a drug test result to the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) that was never performed. Furthermore, the audit suggested that other test results might have been compromised due to Stanley’s actions, prompting severe concerns regarding the integrity of the lab’s operations.

In addition to the falsification of test results, the investigation indicated that Stanley may have been involved in relationships that posed conflicts of interest. The Board of Trustees convened for a special session where they voted by voice to revoke Stanley’s tenure as a faculty member. Notably, he chose to waive his right to a hearing before the board.

After the dismissal, UK Board Chair Britt Brockman emphasized the university’s commitment to maintaining ethical standards and ensuring compliance with regulations. This decision reflects UK’s dedication to integrity in its programs and operations, particularly in sensitive areas such as equine drug testing.

In response to his termination, Stanley’s legal team condemned the board’s decision, asserting that the process was deeply flawed and fundamentally unfair. Stanley has denied all allegations made against him and disputes the findings from both the UK Internal Audit and the HIWU report. He expressed frustration over being denied access to vital evidence, data, and witness notes throughout the investigation despite numerous requests.

Stanley emphasized his lifelong dedication to the principles of science, integrity, and transparency. He has stated that he is exploring all legal options to challenge the revocation of his tenure and clear his name. Supporting his claims, a subpoena revealed communications between HIWU CEO Lisa Lazarus and Nancy Cox, Dean at UK CAFE, where it was advised that Stanley should refrain from participating in the horseracing industry as the investigations progressed.

Critics of the investigation from Stanley’s team argue that the reports muddled speculation with proven facts, calling into question the credibility of the findings. Following the termination of Dr. Stanley, the Equine Analytical Chemistry Lab was acquired by Eagle Diagnostics, which will take over its operations moving forward.

Background Context

The Equine Analytical Chemistry Lab was established to ensure integrity in equine drug testing, a vital component of the horse racing industry. Accurate testing is crucial for maintaining fair competition and the overall welfare of racehorses. The revocation of Dr. Stanley’s tenure raises significant discussions around ethics, accountability, and transparency in similar scientific institutions.

Conclusion

The firing of Dr. Scott Stanley is a significant incident within the University of Kentucky and the broader equine industry, highlighting the importance of ethical practices in scientific testing and the potential ramifications of violating these standards.

FAQ

Key Features

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

University of Kentucky Terminates Professor for Misconduct
University of Kentucky Dismisses Dr. Scott Stanley Over Ethics Violations

Additional Resources

• Kentucky Lantern
• BloodHorse
• LEX18
• WKYT
• WDRB
• Wikipedia: Horse Racing
• Google Search: Dr. Scott Stanley University of Kentucky
• Google Scholar: Equine Drug Testing
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Ethics
• Google News: University of Kentucky equine lab termination

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.