Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association
Posted: June 7, 2018
The Interstate Anti-Doping and Drug Testing Compact, signed into law in Maryland earlier year, began moving through the legislative process in Delaware when the House Agriculture Committee approved the bill June 6.
The bill authorizes the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission to participate in the compact, which is designed to streamline the adoption of breed-specific rules and regulations related to the use of drugs and therapeutic medications in racehorses as well as testing procedures. The compact becomes effective when two states adopt it.
The measure doesn’t pertain to the Delaware Harness Racing Commission. Because of opposition by some in the Standardbred industry, compact organizers opted to go the breed-specific route to facilitate its passage.
The legislation in Maryland and Delaware notes that the compact would take effect Oct. 1, 2018. Other racing regulatory agencies in states in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions have indicated support for the compact, as have states in other areas of the country.
The regular Delaware General Assembly session ends June 30. Legislation that would provide tax breaks for racetrack casinos—and also restore a portion of video lottery terminal that goes to purses—passed the Senate but has been held up in the House.
More information on the compact is available here.
(Delaware Park photo by Tom LaMarra)