BloodHorse.com | Horse Racing News

Quest to Ban Race-Day Salix Called 'Insanity'

During a June 29 meeting that showed the battle over race-day furosemide is escalating, supporters ripped their opponents and vowed to take their case -- that the medication is good for the racehorse -- to the public.

Talkin' Horses: Focus on Furosemide

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For Regulators, Salix Debate Just Beginning

Regulators around the country are examining the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission's move to phase out race-day furosemide in graded and listed stakes beginning in 2014, but there doesn't appear to be a rush to follow suit.

Furosemide Topic of Talkin' Horses Podcast

The controversial subject of furosemide, the anti-bleeder medication widely used in North American racing, will be the subject of the next "Talkin' Horses with The Blood-Horse" live podcast at 2 p.m. EDT, Tuesday, June 26.

TRA Endorses Broad Medication Reform Policy

The Thoroughbred Racing Associations has endorsed a policy for medication reform that has been supported by many industry stakeholders but so far acted upon piecemeal in various jurisdictions.

Foreign Organizations Back KY Salix Phase-Out

Some foreign racing organizations issued statements June 14 backing action by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to phase out use of race-day furosemide in graded and listed stakes over three years beginning Jan. 1, 2014.

KY Approves Race-Day Salix Ban; Battle Looms

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, by a 7-5 vote with one abstention June 13, approved an administrative regulation that would ban the use of furosemide on race day in graded and listed stakes over a three-year period.

NY Lawmakers Oppose Ban on Race-Day Salix

In a development that figures to play out in other racing states, two New York senators said June 12 the anti-bleeding medication furosemide should not be banned on race day.

AGSC Restates Desire for Salix Ban in Stakes

In advance of an expected vote by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission June 13, the American Graded Stakes Committee reaffirmed its desire to ban all race-day medication in graded stakes for 2-year-olds.

KY Salix Meeting: More Questions Than Answers

During an oddly lopsided meeting on a proposal to phase-out use of furosemide on race day in listed and graded stakes in Kentucky, proponents of the therapeutic anti-bleeding medication made their case. But it may not matter.

Minnesota Makes Equine Drug-Testing Changes

A new law that allows for an expansion of racetrack card clubs in Minnesota also permits the Minnesota Racing Commission to set threshold testing levels for therapeutic medications used in racehorses.

Kentucky Sets Town Hall Meeting on Salix

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has scheduled a town hall meeting for June 5 to discuss the proposed three-year phase-out of the race-day drug furosemide.

No Middle Ground in Battle Over Salix Use?

There doesn't seem to be any middle ground in the debate over the anti-bleeding drug furosemide, and it seems doubtful the two sides will come together any time soon.

Split Over Race-Day Salix Continues in KY

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission May 16 kept alive a proposed regulation to phase out over three years race-day furosemide for graded and listed stakes, but not before the Equine Drug Research Council voted to reject it.

Jockey Club Releases Letter on Salix Use

The Jockey Club May 15 released an eight-page letter it submitted to the New York State Racing and Wagering Board the previous day in regard to use of the race-day medication and furosemide and other related issues.

TOBA Latest to Submit Salix Comments in NY

The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association is the latest organization to respond to the New York State Racing and Wagering Board with its opinions on the use of the anti-bleeding medication furosemide on race day.

KHRC to Discuss, But Not Vote on, Salix Plan

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission confirmed it will discuss but not take final action May 16 on a proposal for the three-year phase-out of race-day furosemide in graded and listed stakes.

Phillips Named to Kentucky Racing Commission

Darby Dan Farms owner John Phillips has been appointed to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission as a replacement for John Ward Jr., who recently was hired as executive director of the regulatory agency.

Race-Day Drugs, Regulation Discussed by Panel

The racing industry is closer to uniformity in drug regulations and penalties than many admit, but agreement on race-day anti-bleeding drugs in a "toxic" environment will require some heavy lifting, officials said May 2.

New York Taking Public Comments on Salix Use

New York State Racing and Wagering Board chairman John Sabini says it's time for a fresh look at the state's race-day medication policy.

Industry Members Give Testimony to Congress

Members of Congress April 30 heard of problems in the Thoroughbred racing industry--most of them related to equine medication--but stopped short of a full endorsement of federal intervention.

Was Hearing a Self-Inflicted Black Eye?

Thoroughbred racing got further bruises April 30 during an allegation-ridden congressional hearing into equine health and medication issues that furthered a call for federal intervention--at least on some level.

Jockey's Guild States Safety Policies

The board of directors of the Jockeys' Guild has voted to adopt 10 policy statements concerning race day medications and safety concerns.

Leading by Example - by Eric Mitchell

Owners have clean, quick solution to Salix: Stop giving it to your racehorses

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Proposed KY Salix Ban Fails on Split Vote

An effort to make Kentucky the first state to ban the anti-bleeder medication furosemide for racing purposes failed April 16 when the state's Horse Racing Commission voted 7-7 not to approve it.

KY Horsemen Seek Beshear's Help on Medication

The Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association has requested Gov. Steve Beshear not to sign any request to implement on an emergency basis a ban on race-day use of furosemide.

Jockey Club Seeks Tougher Medication Rules

The Jockey Club officially released its "Reformed Racing Medication Rules" March 30, but broad adoption of the policies hinges on action by regulators in all racing jurisdictions.

Safety Alliance Standards Updated for 2012

Members of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance have been given the updated code of standards for 2012, officials said March 12.

2YO Graded Stakes Ban Still Being Pursued

The American Graded Stakes Committee is taking a more realistic approach to implementing a pilot program to ban race-day medication for juvenile graded stakes. It acknowledges regulatory change will take time.

Breeders' Cup: No Change in Medication Policy

Breeders' Cup Ltd. has reaffirmed its plan to ban race-day medications in World Championships races for 2-year-olds this year, despite recent action by the American Graded Stakes Committee to delay a similar ban.

Delaware Gets 100 Days; No Deal With Horsemen

Delaware Park was awarded 100 days of live Thoroughbred racing for 2012, but the track has no contract with the Delaware Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association for the meet.

And They're Off: Eclipse Awards Edition

Lenny and Steve review the Eclipse Award ceremony and the winners, Lasix, and more. Sponsored by Darby Dan Farm

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Furosemide 'Myths' Discussed at Convention

Panelists gathered for a Jan. 14 National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association forum said there is no scientific evidence supporting a ban on the use of furosemide on race day.

Furosemide Among National HBPA Topics

The National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association will tackle several issues, including governmental affairs, high volume pari-mutuel bettors, and use of furosemide on race day during its convention Jan. 12-16.

Model Rule on Salix Administration Adopted

The Association of Racing Commissioners International Model Rules Committee has adopted protocol that prohibits private veterinarians from administering furosemide on race day.

KY Meeting Shows Deep Divide Over Salix Use

If testimony taken Nov. 14 in Kentucky, a major breeding and racing state, is any indication, the battle over use of furosemide on race day doesn't figure to end any time soon.

Race-Day Medication Pros and Cons Debated

The pros and cons of race-day medication in racehorses were debated Nov. 14 during a lengthy meeting of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission Race Day Medication Committee at the state Capitol.

Fravel: Enhancing the Cup Experience

Noting that it is a "world championship event and it ought to be at a world championship venue," Breeders' Cup president and CEO Craig Fravel said track enhancements will play a role in the selection of future sites.

And They're Off: Dog Days Edition

Lenny and Kenny Rice of NBC Sports review breaking news, the Saratoga race meet, Del Mar Exes race, Race Medication and Leftylenythelegend.

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Breeders' Cup Chat: Repole Sounds Off

The outspoken owner offers strong opinions on the Breeders' Cup and Lasix.

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RMTC: Tighten Salix Rules, Ban Adjunct Drugs

An industry consortium supports administration of Salix by regulatory veterinarians only and a ban on adjunct bleeder drugs, but will continue to study a pilot program proposal to ban the use of race-day Salix in 2-year-olds.

And They're Off: Turf and Surf Edition

Lenny and Steve discuss upcoming races, including the Whitney, Haskell, and Hopeful; Blind Luck and Havre de Grace, and the story behind graded stakes winner Majestic City. Plus trainer Kenny McPeek talks about lasix.

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The Battle of Salix - By Eric Mitchell

The medication summit will shed plenty of light on how the U.S. can 
improve its policies.

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Trainers: Do Not Ban Anti-Bleeder Medications

Saying they support efforts to limit race-day medications, two prominent Thoroughbred trainers said they hope the initiatives do not go so far as to ban use of the anti-bleeder drug known as Salix.

NYRA Adopts Raceday Salix Measure

Beginning Jan. 26, veterinarians for the New York Racing Association will administer the bleeder medication Salix to horses on race day.

New Targets for Medication Regulation

Though most racing jurisdictions in North America have greatly curtailed the use of race-day medication, two drugs commonly used in racehorses are getting a hard look from industry officials.

Louisiana Latest to Adopt Steroids Rule

Using emergency regulations, the Louisiana Racing Commission has banned the use of anabolic steroids in racehorses effective Jan. 1, 2009.

Stewards Uphold Results of Palomar at Del Mar

California stewards issued a unanimous decision July 5 that Intercontinental, official winner of the Palomar Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. IIT) at Del Mar last September, "did not gain an unfair advantage when it raced with a late treatment of pre-race bleeder medication."

California Vet Fined for Late Salix Shot

Veterinarian Amy Lee Nevens has been fined $750 by the California Horse Racing Board for falsely reporting when she administered a Salix shot last September at Del Mar.

Race-Day Security Barns in Effect for Breeders' Cup

For the first time in Breeders' Cup history, horses entered in all championship races will be required to pass through a race-day detention barn, keeping in step with security measures set up by the New York Racing Association earlier this year.