Leading American tracks pledge to phase out use of anti-bleeding drug Lasix

A number of leading racecourses across the US have supported an initiative to phase out the use of anti-bleeding drug Lasix from the start of next year.

Among the courses that have signed up to a programme that will prohibit two-year-olds from being treated with Lasix within 24 hours of a race include the tracks owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated, the New York Racing Association, The Stronach Group – which operates Santa Anita and had already committed to restricting Lasix – as well as Del Mar and Keeneland.

Who owns which courses?

NYRA Aqueduct, Belmont Park, and Saratoga
CDI Arlington, Churchill Downs, Presque Isle Downs and Fair Grounds
The Stronach Group Gulfstream Park, Gulfstream Park West, Laurel Park, Pimlico, Golden Gate Fields and Santa Anita

The same rule will be extended to all horses competing in stakes races at those tracks in 2021, meaning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont – the three races which comprise the US Triple Crown – will be subject to the new rule.

New York Racing Association president and CEO David O'Rourke said: "This is a progressive and unified approach to the subject of raceday medication, achieving consistency with international standards for young horses and those that form the foundations of our breeding stock."

The action at Churchill Downs on FridayCredit: Wendy Wooley/EquiSport

The new ruling follows last month's landmark decision by the California Horse Racing Board, which voted to severely limit the use of the whip in all races at tracks under its jurisdiction as well as approving changes to the permitted levels of raceday medication, with the use of Lasix halved.

Of the latest ruling, Stronach Group chair and president Belinda Stronach said: "This industry coalition has taken an important step towards a uniform policy and we're committed to focusing our attention and resources on how to make further improvements that directly prioritise equine health and safety.

"We applaud our industry partners and look forward to continued collaboration."

Lasix, like other equine therapeutic medicines, is permitted during training in Britain, although only in North America is it allowed to be present in a horse’s system on raceday.

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