Racing rule changes regarding the pre-race administration of furosemide (Salix, commonly called Lasix) appear unlikely following the results of a pair of studies that assessed the diuretic used to prevent exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage.
A study that has the potential to reshape the timing of Salix administration ahead of racing determined that the current four-hour timeframe is more effective than administering 24 hours out in reducing the severity of EIPH.
Plainsman became the first "Lasix-free bonus" winner of the 2018 Oaklawn Park meeting, and the 15th since the Arkansas track began the program in 2015, with a half-length victory in the ninth race Jan. 21.
With one regulator openly worrying that the racing industry is "breeding bleeders," the New York State Gaming Commission is moving to take a fresh look at possible new rules governing the future use of furosemide.
Though many local veterinarians voiced opposition once again, the California Horse Racing Board approved the third-party administration of race-day Lasix June 16 during a meeting at Santa Anita Park.
In a presentation at the RCI conference March 23 in New Orleans, Jockey Club executive director Matt Iuliano highlighted studies examining the efficacy of administering furosemide at least 24 hours before a race.
The AAEP has identified areas it believes are central to understanding exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage, and it hopes they determine future research into alternative methods of combating EIPH.
A study designed to determine the levels of exercise-industry pulmonary hemorrhage in 2-year-olds racing in South Florida is complete, but the data won't be released until a scientific paper is published after peer review.
Kentucky attorney general finds KHRC lacked authority to allow Lasix-free races, which could hinder Keeneland's plans to conduct such events in 2016.
The furosemide industry is a $3 million annual business for Thoroughbred racing in New York state, regulators said Oct. 26, with the average horse given $500 worth of doses in a typical year.
Churchill Downs announced Sept. 17 that it is working in partnership with other tracks, the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, and the AAEP to fund studies of the administration of furosemide.
In a survey designed to combat claims that the leaders of horsemen's groups don't represent their membership, the Florida HBPA Sept. 16 released the results of a poll that said most respondents support use of Lasix.
Nearly a month after the California Horse Racing Board hit the brakes on third-party administration of furosemide in the state, the governing body spent just more than a minute to move the process along at a meeting Sept. 16.
How would you handicap 'off-Lasix' horses?
Two research projects designed to study the impact of furosemide on exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage will be conducted on behalf of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, the organization said Sept. 15.
The California Horse Racing Board Medication and Track Safety Committee took a step forward Sept. 4 regarding potential employment of third-party furosemide administration in the state.
The California Thoroughbred Trainers Aug. 31 said its leadership unanimously agreed to use $150,000 from reserve funds to facilitate race-day camera surveillance in barn areas at California racetracks.
With an eye toward a possible proposal to change New York's rules on the race-day medication furosemide, the state's Gaming Commission met in Saratoga Springs Aug. 25 to solicit opinions about the medication.
At a forum designed to educate state regulators about furosemide, the very people the presentations were designed to enlighten may well have left with more questions than answers.
Two days after delaying steps to begin third-party administration of race-day furosemide, members of the California Horse Racing Board said they're still in support -- in concept -- of the proposal.
A three-year effort to employ third-party administration of the race-day medication furosemide in California was delayed significantly at a California Horse Racing Board meeting Aug. 20 at Del Mar.
Use of race-day furosemide will be the topic for a daylong forum put together by the New York State Gaming Commission Aug. 25 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
The opening panel Aug. 11 at the Saratoga Institute on Racing, Equine, and Gaming Law conference set the tone for what figures to be a continued industry battle over federal versus state-by-state regulation.
Marc Summers, vice president and general counsel for The Jockey Club, has prepared a side-by-side comparison of two federal bills that propose creating a national program for managing medication use in racehorses.
A bipartisan bill introduced July 16 in the U.S. House of Representatives would see the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency create an independent organization for oversight of medication issues in horse racing.
A Salix-free race proved so popular at the entry box Wednesday that the over-subscribed field of 2-year-old fillies was split into two races for Saturday's program at Gulfstream Park.
Considering possible changes to the state's equine drug laws, New York regulators are calling together education, veterinary science, and industry experts to discuss the use of the anti-bleeding medicine furosemide.
Gulfstream Park in July plans to experiment with at least two 2-year-old races that will be written for horses that don't compete on race-day furosemide, officials said June 11.
The second day of the inaugural Pan American Conference focused on medication policy and reform.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott June 2 signed into law legislation that will revamp equine medication and drug testing as part of a national movement.
United States Rep. Paul Tonko of New York said May 29 he will introduce federal legislation that would grant the United States Anti-Doping Agency oversight of equine medication and drug testing.
A May 6 vote to change the recommended testing threshold for the anti-bleeding medication furosemide when it is administered 24 hours before a race triggered another debate and posed more questions.
Owner Bill Casner hasn't wavered since his 2011 decision to race his Thoroughbreds without the widely used diuretic furosemide, or Salix (Lasix).
The Association of Racing Commissioners International kicked off its 2015 convention April 21 with an emphasis on identifying at-risk racehorses and equine welfare issues.
Trainer Michael Dickinson explains why he has joined the ranks of WHOA members working to pass federal legislation to prohibit the use of performance-enhancing drugs in North American horse racing.
Racing industry officials said they again expect to see federal legislation filed this year that would authorize the United States Anti-Doping Agency to oversee equine medication and drug testing procedures.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission March 23 approved a regulation that would permit the state's racetracks to card races that would prohibit the administration of furosemide within 24 hours of post time.
New York regulators March 23 said they want to hold a forum to consider the future use of anti-bleeding medication furosemide in the state.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission is considering a proposal that would permit the state's racetracks to card races that would prohibit the administration of furosemide within 24 hours of post time.
Kentucky Equine Research president Joe Pagan, Ph.D., will discuss proper nutrition for horses being treated with Lasix (furosemide, formally called Salix) at a March 16 seminar in Ocala, Fla.
Legislation governing equine medication policy is scheduled to be heard Feb. 18 by the Florida Senate Regulated Industries Committee.
Terry Finley has submitted additional information he says documents a failure by New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association staff to publicize its 2014 election to all potential voters.
The New York State Gaming Commission has sanctioned trainer Bill Mott for a pair of medication overages in a single horse last fall, a decision the Racing Hall of Fame conditioner is appealing.
Rivals and racing fans may view top trainer Todd Pletcher as reserved and unemotional, but there is more to the dedicated horseman than meets the eye. A competitive nature, sly wit, and drive to succeed have carried him to the top of the game.
The RMTC said Dec. 9 the Thoroughbred industry has made "major gains" this year in the number of jurisdictions operating or soon to be operating under all or part of the National Uniform Medication Program.
The board of the New York Racing Association Dec. 3 approved the racing corporation's 2015 budget, but not before a spirited debate by some board members over equine drug issues.
Gulfstream Park will begin third-party administration of race-day furosemide beginning Wednesday, Nov. 19.
Ogden Phipps said Oct. 6 a centralized regulatory body for horse racing would facilitate changes necessary to improve the integrity of the sport in the United States, but the chances of it happening are slim to none.
Two of three distinguished veterinarians being honored by the Thoroughbred Club of American, Dr. Larry Bramlage and Dr. Gary Lavin, addressed medication use in racehorses during their acceptance speeches.
The Indiana Horse Racing Commission has summarily suspended a licensed veterinarian and assistant trainer/owner for an alleged illegal race-day injection of a 3-year-old filly before a race at Indiana Grand Racecourse.
