Racing jurisdictions and racetracks are making some headway on tightening the screws on integrity in the sport, though one official Dec. 6 described it as a "minefield" due to legal issues and court fights.

Members of a panel at the University of Arizona Global Symposium on Racing and Gaming, which took place Dec. 3-6 in Tucson, discussed dealing with drug violators in horse racing and reported progress, particularly in New Mexico. But it remains a struggle that requires constant commitment, officials said.

"This really a minefield going forward," said Chris McErlean, vice president of racing for Penn National Gaming Inc. (PNGI), in regard to racetracks being able to take action against offenders. "Racetracks, horsemen, and fans want and demand action on these cases. But the simple answer is it’s not really so simple."

McErlean discussed several cases in which PNGI tracks have ejected licensees only to have the action overturned in court. In West Virginia, for instance, the racing commission now has the right to hear appeals on such cases