Congressmen proposing uniform drugs rules in horse racing

WASHINGTON (AP) Two congressmen are introducing a bill that would establish uniform drug and medication standards in thoroughbred racing in 2017.

If passed, the legislation would allow the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency to create a drug agency specifically for racing - a first for the sport. USADA, an independent agency, is the national anti-doping organization in the U.S. for the Olympics.

The Thoroughbred Horseracing Integrity Act of 2015 is being presented Thursday by representatives Andy Barr, R-Ky., and Paul Tonko, D-N.Y. They co-chair the Congressional Horse Caucus.

The racing industry is regulated on a state-by-state basis with a patchwork of regulations. Supporters of the bill have been trying for years to set uniform rules, drug testing and penalties at tracks nationwide.

The bill is supported by the Coalition for Horse Racing Integrity. Among those in the coalition are the Breeders' Cup, The Jockey Club, the Humane Society of the United States and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association.