Research commissioned by The Jockey Club shows that, though the Thoroughbred industry has made progress in the area of uniform medication and testing standards, a state-by-state approach is at best problematic.
The chairman of The Jockey Club said Oct. 6 a centralized regulatory body for horse racing would facilitate changes necessary to improve the integrity of the sport in the United States, but acknowledged the chances of it happening are slim to none.
Research into cobalt funded by the United States Trotting Association has resulted in a recommended testing threshold of 70 parts per billion, the organization said Sept. 30.
The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) is expected to agree upon a cobalt testing threshold at its October meeting.
Gulfstream Park plans to offer furosemide-free races for 2-year-olds in 2015 and eventually operate an on-track pharmacy to ensure tight regulation of medication.
Panelists say continued improvement in regard to equine health and welfare is closely tied to major cultural changes in horse racing.
The head of the United States Anti-Doping Agency Aug. 11 outlined how the organization could assist the Thoroughbred racing industry should its factions come together and push for federal legislation.
The Jockey Club, Aug. 10, acknowledged progress on the effort to adopt uniform medication and drug-testing rules on a state-by-state basis, but also said it will advocate on the federal level for assistance in the form of legislation.
The Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission is working with LGS laboratory in Lexington, Kentucky, to facilitate quicker turnaround for equine drug test results.
Multiple racing jurisdictions have adopted all or parts of the National Uniform Medication Program, with others expected to be on board by the end of this year.
Panelists pushed for better communication and more transparency to help keep racehorses safe.
As the North American Thoroughbred industry continues its quest to lower the catastrophic breakdown rate, it is actively pushing the need to identify at-risk racehorses, even if the effort makes stakeholders uncomfortable.
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.
Declines in the number of foals and registered horses have created challenges for the equine industry at large, though the situation has raised another major question: Where have all the owners gone?
Member organizations of the Unwanted Horse Coalition reviewed progress on several fronts June 23 and solicited input on how to maximize existing programs.
The West Virginia Racing Commission signed off on several new regulations, including one that will allow the state to participate in the multiple medication violation penalty system that is part of the National Uniform Medication Program.
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