• FARGO, N.D. (AP) -- The North Dakota Racing Commission has approved medication rules and penalty guidelines recommended by a national group seeking uniform standards for horse doping.
• The commission is backing a plan endorsed by the Association of Racing Commissioners International, or RCI. It has regulations for 26 therapeutic medications allowed to be administered to horses in certain dosages, and a strict penalty system based on points.
• Gunner laCour, the state racing director, said consistent regulations are important for the industry and some people are worried the federal government will intervene if the industry fails to adopt uniform standards.
• "Model medication rules are an integral part of creating a stronger racing industry in both our state and the country as a whole," laCour said.
• The problem of performance-enhancing drug use in horse racing has received increased attention in recent years. Racing officials have said it's important to draw a distinction between therapeutic medications and banned substances so horsemen aren't punished for drugs a horse might need.
• "If you actually went by our old rules, all of these legitimate therapeutic medications, if there was any of it in their system, that would cause a violation," laCour said. "That's obviously not the best way to do things because some horses have legitimate issues that need to be taken care of."

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