The Maryland Racing Commission voted Feb. 19 to adopt a uniform equine medication, penalty, and testing program proposed for Thoroughbred and Standardbred racetracks throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, a plan spearheaded by the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association.

While announcing Maryland would become the first state in the region-which has the highest concentration of racetracks in the country-to commit to adopting the policy, the MRC said it will carefully study an implementation plan and timeline for adoption while considering issues that could arise along the way.

The implementation of medication uniformity and policy throughout the country has wide support from leading industry organizations including the Association of Racing Commissioners International, American Association of Equine Practitioners, The Jockey Club, and the Jockey’s Guild. The effort in the Mid-Atlantic is considered a catalyst for reform.

A key regional meeting in the process was held earlier in February