New York tracks extend Lasix ban to all stakes races from new year

Horses will be banned from having Lasix within 48 hours of all stakes races at New York Racing Association (NYRA) tracks from January 1 as part of continuing efforts to amend the use of raceday medication in the US.

In April 2019, the NYRA was part of a coalition of leading racing organisations founded to address medication in a uniform and consistent way throughout the sport.

The initiative commenced this year with NYRA prohibiting Lasix, a common diuretic used to treat exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage, in all two-year-old races at the three NYRA tracks — Aqueduct, Belmont, and Saratoga.

Belmont: one of the tracks where the initiative started this yearCredit: Al Bello (Getty Images)

"NYRA is pleased to honour the commitment we made to our coalition partners by greatly expanding the ban on raceday medication to all stakes races in 2021," said Martin Panza, NYRA senior vice-president of racing operations.

"We look forward to working with racetracks around the country who share our desire to achieve uniform and consistent rules that advance safety and integrity.

"As evidenced by the passage of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, there is significant appetite for positive change that will benefit the sport."

The NYRA is a founding member of the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition, a group of the nation's leading racing organisations working collaboratively to advance safety and medication reforms across the sport.

Other coalition tracks such as The Stronach Group-owned Gulfstream Park have also recently announced medication changes in 2021.

Read more if you were interested in this . . .

Leading American tracks pledge to phase out use of Lasix

Jockey Ben Melham given five-month ban after pleading guilty to betting offences

Breeders' Cup set for drugs ban as Santa Anita rules out raceday medication

Prepare for races like never before with the amazing Pro Card feature. View all of our exclusive Members’ Club content directly on our comprehensive racecards. Go pro and join Members’ Club Ultimate now!