Support For New Horse Racing Rules

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The horse racing industry Wednesday lined up behind a proposal to adopt tougher oversight and penalties at the state's tracks, which were recently identified as having the worst safety record in the nation.

Horse and track owners and a jockey's union were among those who spoke in support of a New Mexico Racing Commission proposal to adopt model regulations developed by the Association of Racing Commissioners International. No one spoke against the proposal.

The meeting Wednesday focused on penalties and restrictions for the illegal doping of horses, but Commission Chairman Rob Doughty said it is just the first step in a long series of reforms the commission would like to make "to send a message that the state of New Mexico does not allow cheaters."

The move comes after a New York Times story blamed lax regulations for New Mexico's poor record.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.