Federal oversight of race-day meds: A mixed blessing

I have to admit to mixed feelings regarding Congressman Paul Tonko's proposed bill to inaugurate federal oversight of the Thoroughbred industry's use of medication and anti-doping efforts through the US Anti-Doping Agency, the same agency that provides similar functions for human athletes representing the United States in the Olympics and Paralympics. On the one hand, a national policy in these issues is well overdue and has been greatly hampered by the lack of cooperation among the various state racing agencies and other major players such as the Breeders' Cup and The Jockey Club. On the other hand, federal oversight brings with it the risk of federal intrusion and over-regulation -- no small risk, especially considering the current government climate that appears to prefer bureaucratic activism to getting laws passed properly through Congress.

If federal oversight is necessary, the USADA sounds like an excellent choice to conduct it. Further, I do agree that lack of a coherent national policy regarding medication fails to serve the well-being of the animals, the public perception of racing as a clean and humane sport, or the American Thoroughbred's position in the international marketplace. Nonetheless, I would have preferred to see racing's leaders resolve the problem internally and avoid the risk of being subject to the whims of lawmakers and officials whose political interests may not always align with those of horses and horsemen.