Based on the below article from The Bloodhorse, it looks like the horsemen are still dragging their feet and trying to find a way out!

http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=28601

Kentucky Legislators Seek Answers on Drug Policy, Research
by Tom LaMarra
Date Posted: 6/13/2005 1:41:18 PM
Last Updated: 6/13/2005 3:55:25 PM

A legislative committee has requested information from the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority and Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council regarding race-day medication changes approved by each panel earlier this year.
The issue was addressed June 10 during a meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on Licensing and Occupations, according to the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. The Kentucky HBPA board of directors opposed the changes in the state's race-day medication policy.

The horsemen's group in a June 12 release said House Speaker Larry Clark, a member of the joint committee, wants legislative staff to get answers from the KHRA and drug council regarding implementation of the changes; the process used by the national Racing Medication and Testing Consortium in developing the standards approved in Kentucky; whether the model rules must be adopted in total; and whether all interested parties have had a chance to be heard on the issue.

"The fundamental question is this: Is there any empirical, objective evidence to suggest that Kentucky's current equine medication policies diminish the integrity of the Kentucky racing product and the confidence it enjoys in the eyes of the betting public?" Clark asked.

The policy approved by the KHRA allows for only Salix and one adjunct bleeder medication on race day. The current policy in Kentucky allows for use of multiple non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on race day.

Clark also asks for a status report on the drug council's budget and an explanation of ongoing research projects. The council gets about $800,000 per year from a small percentage of handle, but no projects have been awarded since late 2003.

Last spring, the equine drug research program at the University of Kentucky was suspended, and there has been no word as to whether it would be reinstated. The university's Gluck Equine Research Center carried out the projects recommended by the drug council.

Rep. Denver Butler, who co-chairs the interim joint committee, indicated in a statement the matter should be further investigated. "I have heard comments and read media reports over the past months that have raised some questions in my mind, and I think in the minds of several committee members."

Changes to the race-day medication policy and related penalties for drug violations must go through the legislative process after they're approved by the KHRA. Jim Gallagher, executive director of the KHRA, couldn't be immediately reached for comment on how the panel plans to respond to the legislators' request for information.