The West Virginia Senate passed an overhaul of the state’s horse racing regulations Feb. 25, which include mandatory pre-race veterinary exams for horses.

The revisions have met with some opposition from horsemen and breeders who claim their suggestions, as well as concerns from veterinarians, weren’t regarded. The rules now go to the House Judiciary Committee for review and action; the West Virginia legislative session ends March 12.

Along with mandatory pre-race exams, which are required for any track to receive accreditation from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance, the rules list testing threshold levels for drug contaminants and implement tougher penalties for drug offenses; a 116-pound minimum weight for jockeys, not including sex or apprentice allowances; allow trainers to enter more than one horse in an overnight race as long as others are excluded; and allow for uncoupled entries in stakes.

One official said the revised rules of racing, which have been in the works for more than a year, required give and take. Nationally, industry officials responded favorably to the changes