Medication Summit Called 'New Beginning'

By Eric Mitchell

Updated: Wednesday, June 15, 2011 9:16 AM
Posted: Tuesday, June 14, 2011 8:27 PM

A baby step toward progress was how organizers described the two-day International Race Day Medication Summit held June 13-14 at Belmont Park.

"... The next step will be a follow-up meeting in July of the RMTC board, which will take over the lead in the debate and analysis of race-day medication use because it is a consortium of 25 racing industry stakeholders. The RMTC’s mission is to develop and promote uniform medication rules, policies, and testing standards in additional to coordinating research and education programs."  Read more...Source

I wonder how the bi-partisan legislation proposed in congress, if it passes, will affect how the industry responds. 

Horses for centuries ran without these drugs!  The rest of the world looks down on the U.S. and seems at times bordering on boycotting the American sport.  It seems that the "perfect storm" may be landing on the sport in the U.S. and they may have no choice but to address this issue head on.  The American Jockey Club supports the RCI recommendation of a 5-year phase-in plan, and others, including some breeders, favor this as well.

It will be interesting to see how all of this plays out.