More than 50 racetracks and industry organizations have co-signed a letter to regulators urging them to adopt the uniform national model rules on medication and drug-testing reform.

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), which sent the letter, said Oct. 3 it specifies "model medication guidelines, inclusion in a multiple violator penalty system, and participation in laboratory accreditation and quality assurance programs." The model rules were adopted by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) and then by the Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI).

"Nationwide adoption of these reforms is essential to safeguarding horses and riders and providing uniformity to fans and participants alike," Alex Waldrop, president and chief executive officer of the NTRA and chairman of the RMTC, stated in the letter. "If you have not done so already, we urge you to commit to the reforms and move expeditiously to adopt all aspects of the reforms."

The NTRA said racing commissioners were told to expect "direct contact from industry representatives to determine their commitment to the reforms and timeline for adoption." Several jurisdictions have already adopted the model rules or have pledged to do so by Jan. 1, 2014