The National Uniform Medication Program wasn't on the agenda at the recent American Horse Council (AHC) convention, but progress on that front was addressed during forums and in conversations among attendees.

State-by-state adoption of model medication rules and the companion multiple medication violation penalty system continues around the country. On June 27 the Indiana Racing Commission updated the list of controlled therapeutic substances to 26 and also adopted updates to the penalty system; earlier in June the Maryland Racing Commission adopted the penalty system for medication violations.

During the AHC National Issues Forum June 24 in Washington, D.C., New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association president Rick Violette said he's optimistic about the industry despite a declining foal crop and decreases in pari-mutuel handle. He noted the earlier banning of anabolic steroids on race day, as well as progress on racehorse aftercare and the National Uniform Medication Program as reasons for optimism.

"There are really good things going on in racing, but we forget about them or leave them in mid-sentence," Violette said. "Eighty-eight percent of national handle is committed to (uniform medication rules). There are a few major racing states that need a kick in the butt, but we're light years ahead of where we were