by Marty Evans, for the Ohio State Racing Commission

Columbus, OH — Two individuals representing organizations at the forefront of the movement toward model medication rules in the horse racing industry will make presentations at the next meeting of the Ohio State Racing Commission on Feb. 25.

Ed Martin, president of the Racing Commissioners International, and Dr. Dionne Benson, Executive Director of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, will speak during the meeting in Columbus.

It will be held in Room South A on the 31st floor of the Riffe Center at 77 S. High St. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m.

The RCI is a trade association of North American racing jurisdictions. Its members have regulatory authority and enforcement responsibilities.

While each racing jurisdiction makes and enforces its own rules, some participants in the horse racing industry favor the development of model medication rules that could be approved in each American state or Canadian province.

The RMTC works to address issues related to the testing of race horses to prevent the use of prohibited and dangerous medications or substances.

The organization’s stated goals, besides recommending uniform national rules, include defining the therapeutic use of legal medications, the development of uniform testing laboratory technical standards, and the implementation of educational programs designed to maintain the integrity of horse racing.

Both groups are also striving to develop medication rules that can eventually be adopted in all racing jurisdictions.

At upcoming meetings, the Ohio State Racing Commission intends to invite representatives of the U.S. Trotting Association, National Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, Ohio Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, Jockey Club and veterinary organizations to attend and present their opinions on medication issues.