Penn National Tightens Race-Day Salix Policy

• Print

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Salix

Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course is the first of three Pennsylvania Thoroughbred tracks to require administration of race-day furosemide by third-party veterinarians.

In addition, no private vets are permitted in a horse's stall after furosemide, also called Salix or Lasix, is administered, officials said

The regulation took effect July 11. A notice on the Penn National overnight sheets states that Parx Racing will implement the same policy "as soon as possible," and Presque Isle Downs & Casino will do so in 2013.

Penn National officials said the policy is in line with an Association of Racing Commissioners International model rule and the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission's recommendation for compliance. First Equine Health Services will administer race-day Salix at Penn National.

Officials said a representative of the trainer or the trainer must be present when Salix is administered, and notices will be posted on stall doors to indicate a horse has been treated. Private vets will be permitted to treat a horse after Salix is administered, "but the horse will be required to be scratched," Penn National officials said.

First Equine Health Services will bill for Salix shots through the horsemen's bookkeeper.

• Print