Need for federal oversight of horse racing debated

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Frederic J. Frommer

Story Created: Thu Jul 12, 2012 1:41 PM

Story Updated: Thu Jul 12, 2012 1:43 PM

WASHINGTON (AP) — Top horse racing industry players differ on whether the sport needs federal oversight to ban doping.

Barry Irwin, whose Team Valor ownership group won last year's Kentucky Derby with Animal Kingdom, called on Congress to pass legislation to rid horse racing of drug use. He said at a Senate hearing Thursday that the states don't do a good enough job policing the sport.

But Kent Stirling of the National Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association says the federal government has no experience or expertise to regulate the sport. Stirling's group represents thoroughbred horse owners and trainers.

Sen. Tom Udall, a New Mexico Democrat who is chairing the hearing, has proposed legislation to ban race-day medication in horse racing. The sport is currently regulated on a state-by-state basis.

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