Article from Lexington Herald Leader this week. Not too specific.


Integrity boost

Tougher drug rules will be good for racing


The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority took an important step Monday to help racing when it adopted new, stronger regulations to limit the use of drugs in racehorses.

Gov. Ernie Fletcher, who created and appointed the authority, should sign the emergency regulations as soon as possible.

Kentucky, rightly, considers itself the leading racing state in the nation. The most famous horse race in the world, The Kentucky Derby, takes place here, and most of the best thoroughbreds in the world are bred at farms in Central Kentucky. Lexington has even gone to court to defend its claim to be "The Horse Capital of the World."

So, it never seemed to fit that racing here could not claim the highest level of integrity. For years, Kentucky has been among the most permissive states in terms of medications allowed at the track. In addition, enforcement has never been so consistent or controversy-free as to inspire confidence in the betting public.

That's why Kentucky is doing the right thing in joining 15 other states that have adopted uniform rules limiting race-day medication. The new regulations permit only Salix and another anti-bleeder drug within four hours of a race.

Some horsemen complain that their concerns have not been heard and that the rules are too strict. However, there have been public hearings on these regulations, and there will be more. Emergency regulations require an opportunity for public comment before they are finally adopted.

Ultimately, the betting public drives the success or failure of the whole racing industry. The money flowing into parimutuel pools rewards owners, sustains tracks and pays trainers, jockeys and a host of other workers.

There may have been a time when horse racing, with less competition for the gambling or entertainment dollar, could be careless about integrity and still draw bettors. But that day is long past.

These rules are good for racing and good for Kentucky. To the Racing Authority: congratulations. To Fletcher: Sign the regulations soon.




JW