Kentucky to OK mouthwash

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Kentucky Racing Commission is drafting language that will permit the use within four hours of post time of the equine mouthwash that led to the controversial scratch of Tenpins from the Sept. 14 Kentucky Cup Classic, Bernie Hettel, executive director of the Kentucky Racing Commission, said Friday.

Tenpins, trained by Don Winfree, was scratched after the colt was treated with an oral spray called Air Power within four hours of the Classic. The scratch prompted outrage from Winfree and other horsemen because such substances do not contain any illegal medication and have been widely used for many years in Kentucky, albeit against strict interpretation of state regulations that prohibit their use within four hours of race time.

Hettel said the new language covering such substances will be drafted in time for a regularly scheduled meeting of the commission on Tuesday in Lexington, where a resolution is expected to pass.