Horse racing industry backs New Mexico reforms

CNBC-The horse racing industry Wednesday lined up behind a proposal to adopt tougher oversight and penalties at New Mexico's tracks, which were recently identified as having the worst safety record in the nation. Horse and track owners and a jockey's union were among those who spoke in support of a New Mexico Racing Commission proposal to adopt model regulations developed by the Association of Racing Commissioners International. No one spoke against the reforms. The meeting Wednesday focused on penalties and restrictions for the illegal doping of horses, but Commission Chairman Rob Doughty said it is just " the first step in a long series of reforms" the commission would like to make "to send a message that the state of New Mexico does not allow cheaters." The move comes after a New York Times story described New Mexico as having the worst horse safety record in the United States. The report blamed lax regulations for New Mexico's poor record. Laura Bonar, program director for Animal Protection of New Mexico, said the proposal is a good first step, but emphasized changed needs to be implemented quickly to address what she described as horrific and chronic issues with safety and integrity at the tracks. Read More News New Mexico

Horse racing industry backs New Mexico reforms