The head of the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) Aug. 11 outlined how the organization could assist the Thoroughbred racing industry should its factions come together and push for federal legislation authorizing USADA to handle equine drug testing and enforcement.

Travis Tygart, USADA chief executive officer and counsel, also addressed some misconceptions in his talk with industry stakeholders at a meeting organized by the Water Hay Oats Alliance (WHOA) in Saratoga Springs, New York. A day earlier The Jockey Club said it would pursue federal advocacy on the medication front as it continues to push for state-by-state adoption of the National Uniform Medication Program.

"Our interest in this is clean sport," Tygart said. "We're here for the right reasons. We wouldn't be here otherwise."

Tygart said a main reason USADA is successful handling drug testing and enforcement in the sports arena is the fact it is an independent organization, not a federal agency. USADA does receive federal grant money but isn't beholden to the sports it regulates, he said