LEXINGTON, Ky., Aug. 16 (UPI) -- The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority has approved sweeping racetrack drug rules despite objections by some horse owners.
Bill Street, chairman of the authority, said he would ask Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher to sign the new medication rules and penalties immediately, the Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader reported.
"I think it's the right thing to do for horse racing in this state," Street said. "The next challenge for us will be to make sure the rule is administered as intended. That means enforcement."
Kentucky previously allowed multiple non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, to be given within four hours of a race. The new rules, however, say horses may be given only one of three NSAIDs within 24 hours of a race.
Horsemen had favored a broader use of racehorse medications.
Fifteen other states have adopted uniform rules that limit race-day medication to Salix and one other anti-bleeder drug within four hours of a race.
