The University of Kentucky’s (UK) equine drug research program, funded by pari-mutuel handle under the auspices of the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, has been suspended indefinitely.

A memorandum obtained by The Blood-Horse indicates the decision was made March 31, but it wasn’t immediately known if there was a grace period. The program has worked closely with the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council, which hasn’t met since last year.

Scott Smith, dean of the UK College of Agriculture, declined to comment on funding for the program. He said an announcement would be forthcoming. LaJuana Wilcher, secretary of the state Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, didn’t return calls. But Mark York, deputy secretary for the cabinet, said: “We’ve been in conversations with the leadership of the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture to review and develop appropriate contracting and accountability procedures.”

The racing authority was placed under the cabinet when Gov. Ernie Fletcher abolished the Kentucky Racing Commission earlier this year