The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority (KHRA) on Nov. 14 gave unanimous approval to revised medication rules that had been the subject of controversy when implemented under an emergency order signed in August by Gov. Ernie Fletcher.

The final draft, which is subject to regulatory review and possible change by the state’s Legislative Research Commission, differs from the emergency regulations as a result of feedback received during public meetings and correspondence received by the regulatory body and were not the result of “knee-jerk” reaction to the emergency regulations, said Connie Whitfield, vice chairman of the KHRA.

When the emergency regulations went into effect at the beginning of the Turfway Park meet Sept. 7, some horsemen protested by not entering horses at the track.

Under the regulations, the only medications permissible for race-day use are the anti-bleeder medication Salix and two of four adjunct anti-bleeder medications, administered up to four hours prior to a race. Three non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are permitted to be administered up to 24 hours before a race