In the wake of controversy concerning its new medication regulations, the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council has formed two standing subcommittees to oversee the next phase of integrating the race-day medication regulations. The committees, which will report back to the council, are charged with developing medication withdrawal guidelines and better defining permissible medications.

“Ideally, we’d like to see some recommendations that the majority of people are comfortable with–especially the withdrawal guidelines–because I do think there is a really honest intention on the part of most trainers to conform with the law,” drug council chairwoman Connie Whitfield said during a Sept. 30 meeting. “I think (trainers) deserve having the guidelines, and I’m hoping we can come up with some really solidly-phased, reliable guidelines that everybody feels comfortable with so that everybody wins.”

After the guidelines went into effect under emergency regulations Sept. 7 with a 60-day transition period, many trainers and veterinarians believed they weren’t asked for their input. The Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association filed suit against the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, but the new regulations were upheld.

The withdrawal guidelines committee includes trainer John Ward Jr., chairman; Dr. Gary Lavin, vice-chairman; and Susan Bunning, Rogers Beasley, Walter Hyde, Dr. Scot Waterman, Dr. Andy Roberts, and Dr. Mark Cheney