An initial introduction in Kentucky of the Mid-Atlantic Uniform Medication Program received some raised eyebrows, but supporters of the changes are encouraged that the important racing state is giving the program some consideration.

The Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council (KEDRC), an advisory committee that makes medication policy recommendations to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC), received an introduction to the Mid-Atlantic Uniform Medication Program from KHRC Medical Director Mary Scollay, DVM, in an Aug. 14 meeting at the KHRC offices in Lexington.

Scollay included a chart that outlined the similarities and differences between current Kentucky medication rules and those of the uniform medication program, which has been approved by regulators in eight states.

The Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (THA) supports the reforms, which it hopes could pave the way for national uniformity. The program allows just 24 therapeutic medications and allows only Salix (furosemide, commonly called Lasix) to be administered on race day. The policy also calls for uniform sanctions for violations, uniform approved testing labs, and outlines withdrawal times for the 24 approved therapeutic medications