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Racing Commission names Industrial Laboratories as official testing lab and appoints Dr. Hovda as 2025 chief veterinarian
Summary
The commission approved Industrial Laboratories as the official medication-testing laboratory for the state—s three racing codes and voted to approve Dr. Hovda for the 2025 chief veterinarian appointment.
The Minnesota Racing Commission voted on Jan. 16 to designate Industrial Laboratories as the commission—s official medication-testing laboratory for quarter horses and standardbreds and to designate an alternate (the commission referred to an existing high-blue lab choice for thoroughbreds). Commissioners said the laboratory has served the commission for years and staff and medical advisors recommended continuing that relationship.
The motion to approve Industrial Laboratories carried by voice vote. Commissioners did not raise substantive objections during the discussion; Dr. Hovda affirmed the laboratory—s track record with the commission and staff.
The commission also considered and approved the 2025 appointment of Dr. Hovda as the commission—s chief veterinarian for 2025. Commissioners who moved and seconded the appointment described Dr. Hovda as a long-standing advisor; the appointment was approved by voice vote.
What was decided: designating Industrial Laboratories as the official testing lab and approving Dr. Hovda as the 2025 chief veterinarian; both items passed without recorded opposition.
What was not decided: no changes to testing standards or new laboratory contracts were announced beyond the designation; the commission did not provide new contract terms at the meeting.
Context: the commission said Industrial Laboratories has been used for approximately eight years and that the lab—s existing relationship with staff reduces disruption to testing operations.
Votes at a glance: both motions were approved by voice vote at the Jan. 16 meeting. The commission did not record a roll-call tally in the minutes published with the packet.
