BloodHorse.com | Horse Racing News

Study: Salix Can Lead to Calcium Imbalance

A study conducted at Kentucky Equine Research indicates that 72 hours after being administered Salix (furosemide, also commonly called Lasix), active horses had difficulty replenishing calcium levels.

TOC Commits to Uniform Medication Program

The Thoroughbred Owners of California will join regulators from eight states in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast by committing to implement the Mid-Atlantic Uniform Medication Program in January 2014.

Sanan Resigns from Breeders' Cup Board

Saying he saw an opposition to openness and transparency among some members that degenerated to personal attacks, longtime member Satish Sanan resigned from his Breeders' Cup board position May 9.

Six Derby Horses Made Salix-Free Debuts

A half-dozen horses entered in this year's Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) field made their initial starts without race-day Salix, but for the 1 1/4-mile classic all six will receive the diuretic.

HKJC Official Urges Worldwide Steroid Ban

The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities should quickly consider a ban on the use of anabolic steroids for horses in training, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said April 28.

Departing Dusts Rivals in Illinois Derby

Claiborne Farm and Adele Dilschneider's Departing rolled to a strong 3 1/4-length victory in the $750,000 Illinois Derby at Hawthorne April 20, proving his class after a third-place finish in the March 30 Louisiana Derby.

Treatment of EIPH Discussed at Seminar

Treatment of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage by non-medicinal means was discussed April 9 during a seminar that focused on use of FLAIR Nasal Strips.

Speakers Announced for Seminar on EIPH

Among the speakers for an April 9 seminar on exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage are three trainers, officials announced.

Use of Calming Agent in Racehorses Examined

The horse racing industry is taking a closer look at a relaxant that produces optimum results when administered within a few hours of a race. The prevalence of GABA, a supplement, is open to speculation.

And They're Off: St. Patrick's Day Edition

Steve Haskin and Lenny Shulman talk about the Kentucky Derby trail. Including the recent Rebel Stakes, new maiden winners, drugs, and more! Sponsored by Darby Dan Farm.

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Nasal Strip Seminar Scheduled at Keeneland

A seminar called "Flair Nasal Strips: The Clinically Proven Alternative to Lasix" will be held at Keeneland April 9.

On Salix, Kentucky Feeling Alone on Ledge

With Breeders' Cup at least slowing implementation of its race-day Salix prohibition, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission could revisit its plans to ban use of the diuretic on race day.

Eight States Commit to Uniform Drug Rules

The regulators of eight states in the Northeast region have committed to a uniform medication and drug testing program in a move supporters believe is a step toward uniform regulation of medication and drug testing.

Owners Consider Suit Against BC on Salix

Just days before the Breeders' Cup board of directors conducted a vote on Salix use at its world championships, prominent owners Gary and Mary West threatened litigation against the organization.

Oliver Tait Resigns from BC Board Over Salix

Oliver Tait, Darley's chief operating officer, has resigned from the board of the Breeders' Cup following a board decision not to implement a ban on race-day medication for all championship races this year.

NYRA Continues Look at Surfaces, Violations

The New York Racing Association said Feb. 27 it is considering changes in racing surfaces and is examining internal procedures it uses for rule violations.

Breeders' Cup Will Not Expand Furosemide Ban

Breeders' Cup will not expand its prohibition of furosemide to additional championship races this year but opted to continue last year's policy of banning the diuretic in juvenile races and allowing it in all others.

National HBPA to Breeders' Cup: Keep Salix

The National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association Medication Committee voted Feb. 23 to endorse the use of race-day furosemide, also called Salix or Lasix, at this year's Breeders' Cup World Championships.

Breeders' Cup Board Takes No Action on Salix

The Breeders' Cup Board discussed the scheduled prohibition of race-day furosemide at this year's Breeders' Cup World Championships during a Feb. 22 meeting at Gulfstream Park, but took no action.

Horsemen Warned of Federal Drug Legislation

Horsemen expect members of Congress to make another attempt at winning support for legislation that would regulate medication use in racehorses by banning all race-day administration.

MD Leading Mid-Atlantic Uniform Drug Reform

The Maryland Racing Commission voted Feb. 19 to adopt a uniform equine medication, penalty, and testing program proposed for Thoroughbred and Standardbred racetracks throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

Jockeys' Guild Supports Medication Reform

Members passed a resolution supporting The Jockey Club's Reformed Racing Medication Rules including a two-category medication system, progressive points-style penalties, and reciprocity among jurisdictions.

Group: Salix Effective in Treating EIPH

A group of scientists met with representatives of the Thoroughbred Owners of California Jan. 18 to discuss exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhaging and later issued a joint statement supporting use of furosemide.

NY Bill Would Ban Performance-Enhancing Drugs

Legislation calling for a ban on performance-enhancing drugs in horse racing has been sent to the New York Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee.

Simon Wins Second Media Eclipse Award

Mary Simon won her second Eclipse Award for an article examining the history and current state of the race-day use of furosemide (Salix).

KHRC Staff Outlines New Salix Procedures

Members of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission staff outlined changes that have been put in place to prevent future mistakes in the administration of race-day Salix at the state's tracks.

Salix Errors Frustrate Kentucky Horsemen

Kentucky horsemen are losing patience with a new policy that requires regulatory veterinarians to administer furosemide on race day after mistakes have led to horses being scratched on consectutive race days at Churchill.

Trainers Pletcher, Casse Criticize Salix Ban

Trainers Todd Pletcher and Mark Casse took issue with the Breeders' Cup decision banning the anti-bleeding medication furosemide in this year's five juvenile races during the World Thoroughbred Championships.

Lasix Ban Not a Worry For Pletcher

Todd Pletcher, who has three top-class juveniles, discusses the ban on Lasix.

TVG to Air Upcoming Santa Anita Winter Meet

Live racing from Santa Anita Park will be available to viewers nationwide on TVG during the track's upcoming winter meet, the California Horse Racing Board learned Oct. 18.

Lasix-off not an issue for Fortify

Handicappers must factor in Lasix ban on two-year-old races.

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Owner Repole to Skip Breeders' Cup

Frustrated with a Breeders' Cup decision to require starters in its five juvenile races at this year's World Championships to race without Salix, owner Mike Repole will not send any horses to this year's event.

Trainer Panel Tackles Controversial Topics

The use of racehorse medications and importance of owner education were among the topics discussed among trainers Kellyn Gorder, Tom Proctor, and Phil Sims at the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit at Keeneland.

IFHA Applauds Jockey Club Reform Efforts

At its annual conference, IFHA chairman Louis Romanet has applauded the continued efforts of The Jockey Club to prohibit race-day medication in U.S. racing.

KY State Vet Accidentally Administers Salix

A Kentucky state veterinarian accidentally administered furosemide to a racehorse at Keeneland Oct. 5, the first day a new state rule was enacted that requires the medication to be administered by KHRC vets.

Following Up on the Pledge

Nearly two months have passed since a coalition of more than 60 owners launched an experiment into Salix-free racing, pledging to run their 2-year-olds without the controversial anti-bleeder medication

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WV Begins Long Process of Examining Salix

The West Virginia Racing Commission heard the pros and cons of race-day furosemide use Sept. 17 and pledged to examine the steps necessary to implement mandatory administration of the anti-bleeding drug by third-party vets.

Kentucky HBPA 'Disappointed' With Override

The Kentucky HBPA said Aug. 31 it is "frustrated and extremely disappointed" with the decision by Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear to override a vote by a legislative committee that found new equine medical rules deficient.

Governor Implements New KY Drug Regulations

Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear Aug. 30 said regulations designed to reform some aspects of the state's equine medication policy will be implemented despite action by a legislative committee that found them deficient.

Groups Critical of KY Medication Rules Vote

Two national organizations said Aug. 28 they find it "troubling" factions in Kentucky horse racing are opposing medication regulations proposed by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission but shot down by a legislative committee.

CHRB Panel Recommends Medication Rule Changes

The California Horse Racing Board's Medication and Track Safety Committee has endorsed proposed changes in race-day administration of furosemide.

WV Sets Salix Meeting; Updated Rules Filed

The West Virginia Racing Commission has officially scheduled a meeting for Sept. 17 to take comments from industry representatives on the use of furosemide, also known as Salix or Lasix, on race day.

KY Committee Says New Drug Rules 'Deficient'

A Kentucky legislative subcommittee, in a surprise vote, found regulations governing equine medication "deficient" Aug. 27, just one week before they are scheduled to take effect.

KY Race-Day Drug Rules Will Change Sept. 4

Furosemide will be the only medication permitted on race day in Kentucky effective Sept. 4, and the drug will be administered by regulatory veterinarians only under new Kentucky Horse Racing Commission rules.

Revised Drug Rules Have Provision for Salix

In a change designed to win support of its Reformed Racing Medication Rules, The Jockey Club has added a provision governing regulatory administration of furosemide on race day.

Owner-Trainer Relationship Topic at Seminar

There may be plenty of data out there on trainer performance, but for owners, selecting a conditioner involves much more than numbers, according to an owner and trainer that have worked together for about 15 years.

West Virginia Wants to Have Dialogue on Salix

The West Virginia Racing Commission in late summer or early fall plans to hold a fact-finding meeting on use of furosemide on race day, officials said Aug. 4.

National HBPA Affiliates Back Use of Salix

The majority of National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association affiliates have adopted resolutions calling for continued regulated use of furosemide on race day.

Major Issues Discussed at RCI Board Meeting

While many of racing's major issues were discussed at the July 25 meeting of the board of directors of the Association of Racing Commissioners International, the agenda called for few decisions to be made.

Penn National Tightens Race-Day Salix Policy

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.