With wins in the Preakness and Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands, California Chrome will head to New York for the 1 1/2-mile Belmont Stakes June 7 and a chance to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.

Trainer Steve Asmussen told NBC Sports Network that allegations made against him by PETA are untrue, and he hopes to have the chance to defend himself in court.

The commission approved model rule threshold levels for 24 commonly used therapeutic drugs. But a regulatory watchdog organization said the rules aren’t in lockstep with the National Uniform Medication Program.

All of the Oaks and Derby entrants, as well as a random cross-section of horses nominated to run in stakes May 2-3, were tested under Kentucky statutes that govern pari-mutuel horse racing.

Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse stakeholders in Florida said they are united in backing the National Uniform Medication Program, but its fate lies with the state legislature.

Thoroughbred industry stakeholders in West Virginia will meet May 6 to consider changes in the state’s racing rules, including a few related to the National Uniform Medication Program.

Changes made by the Association of Racing Commissioners International in regard to model medication rules led to an endorsement by the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA).

Ogden Mills “Dinny” Phipps has called for public release of the veterinary records of all horses entered in this year’s Triple Crown races.

Dr. Mick Peterson says catastrophic injuries won’t be eliminated, but that’s no excuse for not investing resources in the best and safest racing surface possible.

The president of horse racing’s umbrella regulatory group said April 8 the sport’s tendency for self-flagellation and participants’ refusal to take responsibility for their actions–or lack of action–is a major threat to the industry’s future.

Horse racing regulators and other industry officials were told April 7 they should use existing tools to push states to adopt the National Uniform Medication Program.

The outgoing chairman of the Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) said it is “vitally important” racing jurisdictions adopt the National Uniform Medication Program as soon as possible.

Racing industry organizations have stepped up their call for swift adoption of national model rules on medication and drug testing in the wake of investigations into allegations of mistreatment and over-medication of Thoroughbred racehorses.

A March 14 horsemen’s meeting on upcoming equine medication changes in Kentucky revealed some interesting information: The four months of racing at Turfway Park are the “cleanest” in the state, according to regular analysis of drug-testing results.

Kentucky horsemen March 14 received an overview of impending equine medication changes along with a few tips to avoid headaches when the new regulations take effect later in the spring.

A New York Racing Association (NYRA) committee could recommend to the full board of directors adoption of a house rule to combat “stacking,” which is simultaneous use of legal therapeutic medications.