NTRA drug policy at issue

The Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association has informed the National Thoroughbred Racing Association that its continued membership in the group hinges on whether the NTRA continues to be involved with medication reform efforts.

Marty Maline, executive director of the Kentucky horsemen's association, said that the association outlined its concerns in a letter sent to the NTRA.

The Kentucky group opposed changes in raceday medication rules adopted earlier this year by the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority. Members of the racing authority said they worked closely with officials of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium to develop the rules. That panel is funded in part by the NTRA, and its executive director works out of the NTRA office in Lexington, Ky.

Maline cited "a strong feeling" within the horsemen's group that the NTRA "would be involved in marketing and wouldn't enter into the raceday medication issue."