Changes made by the Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) in regard to model medication rules led to an endorsement by the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA), which includes a Florida affiliate that has been categorized as not being on board with uniform regulations.

The RCI board of directors approved the model rules changes last week during its conference in Lexington, Ky. Regulators altered withdrawal times and threshold testing levels for a few substances and added two drugs to the "Controlled Therapeutic Medication Schedule" to make for a total of 26 substances.

The RCI acted upon recommendations by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC).

"Horsemen across the country want just one thing, a level playing field, and that's what uniform medication is all about," Florida HBPA executive director Kent Stirling, who also serves as chairman of the National HBPA Medication Committee, said April 11. "Florida is 100% on board with that goal, and we'll continue with an open and frank dialogue with the RCI, The Jockey Club, and the RMTC as we move forward united toward that common end