After a spike in horse deaths at California's Santa Anita Park garnered national attention and criticism, Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito believes the time is finally ripe for change in the racing industry.

“I’m not happy with what’s going on with the sport, that’s why I’m compelled to speak out,” Zito said.

Zito, who has trained horses since the 1970s, joined Congressman Paul Tonko outside Saratoga's main gate Thursday to announce his support of Tonko's Horse Racing Integrity Act.

“The game is bigger than everyone. We’re in dire straits right now,” Zito said. 

First introduced several years ago, Tonko's bill would establish uniform standards in the industry, and though 38 states currently have horse racing, each have their own rules and regulations. 

"This national response will allow for the removal of this patchwork of solutions and provide a standard outcome,” Tonko said.

“We at NYRA applaud the sentiment toward developing uniform rules and regulations and believe this is a critical time for all industry partners to collaborate,” said Pat McKenna, NYRA communications director.

The bill would ban use of medications within 24 hours of a race, including the controversial drug Lasix — used to control pulmonary bleeding that often occurs when horses run; some trainers believe getting rid of it would be inhumane.

“I think it is ignorance. People don’t know, they just don’t know an anti-bleeding medication is not going to cause a breakdown. It’s just not,” said trainer Phil Gleaves.

But others disagree about Lasix, which is already banned in Europe.

“North America is an outlier, we’re an outcast,” said Staci Hancock, Water, Hay, Oats Alliance co-founder.

"The sport in Europe and other areas goes without it so it can be done and needs to be done,” Tonko said.

For the best interest of the sport and its equine athletes, Zito and Tonko believe everyone in racing must now come under one banner.

“Our goal is zero horse deaths, that is my goal and I will continue to work on legislation to get there, but this is a major step,” Tonko said.

“We need to try to show people we’re trying to do what’s best for the sport,” Zito said.

Since the Oklahoma Training Track opened in April, nine horses have died at Saratoga Race Course. There were five suffered injuries during training, but just one died in a race at this summer's meet.