ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Racing Commission is holding a public hearing Wednesday on a proposal to adopt stricter standards for horse racing.
The commission will take testimony at its Albuquerque headquarters on model regulations developed by the Association of Racing Commissioners International.
The move comes after a New York Times story described New Mexico as having the worst horse safety record in the United States. The report blamed lax regulations for New Mexico's poor record.
Commission Chairman Rob Doughty says it is important for the state to have consistent standards that are enforced statewide.
The ARCI rules set standards for issues like the conduct of races, licensing of veterinary care, and testing for illegal substances in race animals.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.