The newest version of model rules approved by the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) is now available at arci.com.

The ARCI’s model rules are designed to provide the template for racing regulatory entities and the framework under which the sport has made significant gains toward uniform regulations among jurisdictions.

The standards were reviewed and modified at the ARCI’s equine welfare and racing integrity conference in April. The biggest changes involve tougher standards and protocol for the official veterinarian’s list, which places restrictions on horses deemed unable to race because of illness, unsoundness, or infirmity.

The model rules strengthen the provision where horses cannot race anywhere else if on a veterinarian’s list in one jurisdiction until they are released by that state’s official veterinarian, unless there is an unforeseen administrative issue in gaining the release. It also places a minimum of seven days that a horse scratched or excused from a race be on the list