Via a recent 7-0 vote, the New Jersey Racing Commission has unanimously approved an expanded drug testing program that will give the Commission the power to conduct unannounced pre-race out-of-competition testing on horses competing in the state.

According to files from the Harness Tracks of America's daily newsletter, there had been opposition from both thoroughbred and harness horsemen in the state in regard to the proposed course of action. Thoroughbred horsemen had also apparently gone as far as to file a letter of protest, which was later withdrawn.

Although, HTA has reported that the thoroughbred horsemen group's attorney, Michael Schottland, has said that association members remain concerned that the new testing will make it harder to recruit horses to race in New Jersey.

"The racing commission believes that this rule is necessary to address the serious and present threat to the integrity of racing," said Frank Zanzuccki, the executive director of the Racing Commission. "The administration of foreign substances to a horse to enhance his racing performance strikes at the heart of the public's confidence in horse racing."

(With files from HTA)