The hiring of an equine medical director...

The hiring of an equine medical director to coordinate drug use and drug testing for race horses in California was unanimously approved by a 12-member commission of racing industry leaders.

The proposal will be presented to the medical commission of the California Horse Racing Board meeting Monday at Arcadia City Hall, site of Saturday’s 2 1/2 hour session.

Racing board Chairman Leslie Liscom appointed the 12 racing leaders on March 23. The purpose of Saturday’s meeting was to address what Liscom called “a problem of integrity” in California horse racing.

Six trainers have been linked to cocaine-positive tests in horses and more than 100 urine samples have been reported as possibly containing one or more illegal substances.

Several potential candidates for the equine medical director’s position will be announced at Monday’s meeting.