A move by the Kentucky Racing Commission to upgrade equine drug-testing standards in the state has stirred the pot in a simmering conflict between those who believe change is long overdue, and those who see it as a veiled attempt to tinker with medication rules. Kentucky’s medication policies have been targeted by those who believe they are too liberal.

The racing commission had issued a “request for proposals” for equine drug testing, which currently is handled by Truesdail Laboratories in California. The new contract was awarded to Truesdail, but another bidder filed a protest, so the matter was handed over to the state attorney general’s office.

When the conflict is resolved, perhaps within two weeks, the drug-testing contract will be finalized by the state Finance and Administration Cabinet, not the racing commission. Richard (Smitty) Taylor, chairman of the commission, said the number of ELISA (Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay) tests will increase from three to 30, and blood samples as well as urine samples will be tested.

Calvert Bratton, chief administrative officer for the racing commission, said the 30 ELISA tests will vary–about 100 are available. There will be five blood screens, he said