On July 27 the Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) board of directors will consider a committee recommendation to categorize three designer drugs a Class 1–the most serious in horse racing.

The organization’s Drug Testing Standards and Practices Committee voted July 20 to add the following medications and drugs to the Class 1 list: methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDVP) and related analogues commonly known as bath salts; dermorphin; and synthetic cannabinoids. As Class 1 substances they would draw the highest penalties if found in racehorses.

Delaware Racing Commission member Duncan Patterson said the substances "have no place in racing" and encouraged tougher penalties that are spelled out in model rules.

Officials at RCI said methylenedioxypyrovalerone and related analogues have recently been found in post-race tests conducted in several racing jurisdictions. The substances, marketed in North America as bath salts, are considered "psychoactive with stimulant properties," they said