What: The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine will dedicate its new Kenneth L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory. The 29,000 square-foot, $7.4 million facility will provide routine drug testing for California racehorses and evaluate the effectiveness of medications and other products on racehorse performance. In spring 2000, laboratory personnel will begin screening as many as 12,000 post-race samples annually, about one third of the samples from racehorses throughout the state. The samples are examined for the presence of unauthorized substances. The laboratory is named in honor of former California senator Kenneth L. Maddy, an avid horseman and longtime supporter of veterinary education.

When: 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5

Where: Kenneth L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, UC Davis

Visuals: Dedication ceremony followed by laboratory tour

Background: Nearly 11 million horseracing enthusiasts follow thoroughbred, harness and quarter-horse events in California. With rare exceptions, veterinarians are prohibited from administering medications to horses within 48 hours before a race. The California Horse Racing Board requires post-race blood and urine samples from selected horses at the state's six permanent racecourses and nine seasonal fair venues. The samples currently are analyzed at laboratories in Iowa and Southern California. The analytical and research programs at the new Maddy laboratory, which will be part of the existing California Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System at UC Davis, are funded by a small portion of state wagering revenues.

Directions and Parking: From Interstate 80, take Highway 113 north toward Woodland. Exit at the first opportunity onto Hutchison Drive. Take Hutchison right (east) toward campus. At the first stoplight, turn right onto La Rue Road, then right on to Health Sciences Drive, right onto West Health Sciences Drive and left into Parking Lot 53, just north of the Maddy lab. To park free, place a media business card on the dashboard of your vehicle.