Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council Votes Down Phased-In Lasix Ban

By STU JOHNSON

CREDIT COURIER-JOURNAL

The Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council has voted down a recommendation to ban the pulminary drug Lasix on race day for two year horses and for those competing in stakes races.  The ban for two year olds was proposed for next year and stakes races in 2021.

The vote Monday came as the racing industry is working to reduce horse fatalities.  Keeneland Vice President Vince Gabbard said Lasix use is one variable to consider when addressing horse breakdowns on the track.

There were five horse fatalities in the just completed fall race meet at Keeneland compared with four during the spring meet.

Veteran Equine veterinarian Mark Cheney spoke out against the proposed change saying Lasix is the only effective drug to lower blood pressure in race horses.  “They asked if it’s performance enhancing.  Well, you know it’s not actually doing it, but the horse is going to run better, if they don’t bleed.  Just common sense, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out.  Say if they do bleed pretty severely, they’re going back to the field and get pneumonia, etc and things like that,” explained Cheney.

Kentucky State Senator and council member Damon Thayer voted for the phased-in ban.  He noted state action should be taken and not rely on federal legislation.