A new law that allows for an expansion of racetrack card clubs in Minnesota also permits the Minnesota Racing Commission (MRC) to set threshold testing levels for therapeutic medications used in racehorses.

The commission said it will take about a month to establish the new drug-testing guidelines "based on the latest science, testing technology, and veterinarian expertise." The law states the expense of the testing upgrade will be paid through card club revenue the regulatory agency receives from Canterbury Park, in Shakopee, and Running Aces Harness Park, in Columbus.

The MRC indicated trace levels of therapeutic medications can be problematic (in drug tests) because they have no pharmacological impact or performance-enhancing benefits but are identified under the latest drug-testing technology.

"This legislation is critically important to assure racehorses are given proper medication therapy while preventing any potential abuse," MRC chairman Jesse Overton said in a release. "The MRC uses highly regarded and accredited drug-testing laboratories that have leading-edge technology that can, for the first time, detect trace levels of drugs