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.
In a May 7 notice, the KHRC outlined the proposal and related timeline.
Under the plan, no furosemide—also called Salix or Lasix—would be permitted in grade I, II, III, or listed stakes for foals of 2011 effective Jan. 1, 2013. The ban would expand to foals of 2011 and 2012 effective Jan. 1, 2014.
As of Jan. 15, 2014, the medication wouldn’t be permitted in any horses competing in graded or listed stakes. The KHRC said the “prohibition shall not apply to any other type of race, including non-graded stakes, non-listed stakes, claiming, and allowance races.”
“By taking this approach, I believe we accomplish our goals of making sure everyone has adequate input into any regulation before it comes before the full commission, and ensuring that we have the best possible regulation in force that will protect the integrity of the sport and the safety of the horses,” KHRC chairman Robert Beck Jr. said.
In April there were indications the KHRC would vote on a Salix regulation at its May meeting. Beck said after the May 16 discussion, the proposal will be referred to committees for further review. Action could then be taken at the June meeting, he said.