Race-Day Drugs Focus of Kentucky Meeting

A Kentucky Horse Racing Commission committee will hold what could be a six- to seven-hour meeting on race-day medication Nov. 14 in Frankfort, the state capital.

The Race Day Medication Committee is looking into the question of whether therapeutic medications such as Salix should be banned on race day. Salix, an anti-bleeding drug, is used throughout North America, while adjunct bleeder medications are used in about six states, including Kentucky.

Much of the Nov. 14 meeting will deal with testimony from various groups, though there will be a public comment period at the end. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. EST and be held in Room 169 at the Capitol Annex building.

Informational presentations on race-day medication will be given by Drs. Alice Stack, Rick Sams, and Mary Scollay. They will be followed by individuals from organizations.

Scheduled to make presentations are Matt Iuliano of The Jockey Club; Dr. David Richardson of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association; a representative of the American Association of Equine Practitioners; Craig Fravel of Breeders’ Cup; Bill Casner of Casner Racing; a representative from the Humane Society of the United States; Terry Meyocks of the Jockeys’ Guild; and Dr. Ernie Martinez of the Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners.

Also speaking will be Rick Hiles of the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association; a representative of the National HBPA; Kathy Guillermo of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals; Willie Koester of the Association of Racing Commissioners International; Arthur Hancock of Stone Farm; Lincoln Collins of Kern Thoroughbreds; and Neil Howard of Gainesway Farm.