The National Uniform Medication Program will be in place when Delaware Park begins its 2014 racing season May 17, according to the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission.
The DTRC adopted Association of Racing Commissioners International model rules by reference, it reported April 16. They deal with equine medication and drug testing and the accompanying multiple medication violations penalty system; RCI updated the rules during its conference in Lexington April 7-9.
A final order from the Delaware Department of Agriculture states that the racing commission "determined that certain non-substantive changes to the proposed regulations are appropriate to provide accurate references to incorporated rules of the Association of Racing Commissioners International and to provide for consistency among the regulatory sections" of the Delaware Code.
The regulations will be on the books effective May 11.
The model rules only govern racing at Delaware Park. The state's other two tracks are Standardbred facilities that fall under the Delaware Harness Racing Commission.