For the most part Thoroughbred racing industry organizations that have weighed in on the plan by Breeders’ Cup to phase out race-day medication use in the World Championships beginning in 2012 have been supportive.

Others, however, are walking the line or have indicated concerns over the plan to end race-day use of anti-bleeding medications, in particular Salix, for 2-year-olds in 2012 and the rest of the World Championships in 2013.

The Jockey Club issued a statement July 15 commending Breeders’ Cup but also encouraging the Thoroughbred industry to take steps to reform medication policies and impose stronger penalties for those who violate them.

"The Jockey Club applauds the exemplary leadership that Breeders’ Cup has displayed with its plan to eliminate race-day medications in its championship events over the next two years," James Gagliano, Jockey Club president and chief operating officer, said in the statement. "As we said back in April, the integrity of horse racing and the health and safety of our human and equine athletes requires horses to compete free from the influence of medication