Coalition of U.S. Tracks Announce Initiative to Phase Out Raceday Medication

[Wandering Eyes]

A coalition of leading U.S. racetracks and racing organizations have announced a landmark initiative, phasing out the use of Furosemide (Lasix) beginning in January 2020 and eliminating the use of Lasix in black-type races held at their racetracks beginning the following year. The coalition includes all tracks owned and operated by Churchill Downs Inc., the New York Racing Association and The Stronach Group as well as Del Mar, Keeneland, Lone Star Park, Remington Park, Los Alamitos (Thoroughbred), Oaklawn Park and Tampa Bay Downs. Taken together, those tracks account for 86% of stakes races assigned listed or graded status in the United States. Breeders’ Cup Ltd., the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA), the American Graded Stakes Committee of TOBA and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association (KTA) have also pledged their support to the initiative.

From Jan. 1, 2020, no 2-year-old will be permitted to be treated with Lasix within 24 hours of a race. The same restriction would be applied to horses entered for any stakes races at coalition tracks beginning in 2021, including the races comprising the Triple Crown.

Racetrack executives have expressed their unanimous support for the undertaking.

“This is a progressive and unified approach to the subject of race day medication, achieving consistency with international standards for young horses and those that form the foundations of our breeding stock,” said David O’Rourke, president and chief executive officer of NYRA.

“This is a huge moment that signals a collective move to evolve this legacy sport,” said Belinda Stronach, chairman and president of The Stronach Group. “While there is still more work to be done, these reforms are a good start. This industry coalition has taken an important step forward toward a uniform policy and we are committed to focusing our attention and resources on how to make further improvements that directly prioritize equine health and safety. We applaud our industry partners and we look forward to continued collaboration.”

Added Bill Carstanjen, chief executive officer of CDI: “Over the past several years, we have met with numerous stakeholders to drive action on many of our sport’s central issues. This is a significant and meaningful step to further harmonize American racing with international standards. We will continue to work with other stakeholders, including our horsemen and regulatory agencies, to fully implement this and other important reforms.”

Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said, “This new program is an essential step as we look toward the long-term sustainability of U.S.-breds on the national and international stages. Protecting the integrity of our sport is core to our mission and is our collective responsibility to the industry.

Individual tracks participating in the coalition include: Aqueduct, Arlington International Racecourse, Belmont Park, Churchill Downs, Del Mar, Fair Grounds, Gulfstream Park, Gulfstream Park West, Keeneland, Laurel Park, Lone Star Park and Remington Park, Los Alamitos (Thoroughbred), Oaklawn Park, Pimlico, Presque Isle Downs, Saratoga Race Course and Tampa Bay Downs. Golden Gate Fields and Santa Anita Park will continue to run under the previously announced limitations to race-day medication.

This story will be updated.

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