The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) hopes to have a long-term implementation plan for uniform equine health and safety measures in place within 30 days.

Almost 70 industry stakeholders met the morning of Sept. 12 in Lexington, Ky., to discuss reforms and how best to implement them. The NTRA has spearheaded formation of a “strategic plan” that largely draws on recommendations issued in the wake of the breakdown of the filly Eight Belles in this year’s Kentucky Derby.

The plan addresses five major issues: medication and drug testing, injury reporting and prevention, safety research, a safer racing environment, and care for retired racehorses. Several reforms, such as regulation of anabolic steroids, are either in place or making their way through the regulatory system in various states.

NTRA President and Chief Executive Officer Alex Waldrop, when asked after the meeting if new reforms are in the works, said: “It’s a little premature to say what’s new and what’s not. The focus is on uniform implementation. We didn’t just talk about reforms, but how to implement reforms