Safer horse racing? Texas is standing in the way
New federal law will take effect on July 1. It establishes a regulatory authority overseeing simulcast thoroughbred racing. The new Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority is funded by the 25 state racing programs it regulates. Its anti-doping and medication control regulations will go into effect in January. Drug testing and enforcement will be overseen by Drug Free Sport International. There have been reports of horses failing drug tests and dying after races or practices due to overwork or poor track conditions. Last year, famous trainer Bob Baffert was barred from Churchill Downs after one of his horses tested positive for a banned substance.
