A member of Congress who in 2011 co-sponsored federal legislation that would regulate safety and integrity in horse racing has renewed his call in the wake of a March 25 report in the New York Times.

Democratic New Mexico Sen. Tom Udall, in a March 26 release, said the Times report, the first in an installment, paints a "very disturbing picture of the industry." Thus far, the Times package has focused on Quarter Horse racing, though it lumps Thoroughbred racing in with Quarter Horse racing.

Interestingly, it focused on New Mexico, the state Udall represents in Congress.

"The sport of horse racing which, at its best, showcases the majestic beauty of this animal and the athleticism of jockeys, has reached an alarming level of corruption and exploitation," Udall said. "The consequence of inconsistent state-level regulation is an epidemic of animal doping that has lead to countless euthanizations of helpless horses and the injury and death of their riders