The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's (HISA) Board of Directors has voted unanimously to make no changes to the current rules regarding the use of the medication Lasix, it was announced Tuesday.
With the decision from the nine-member Board of Directors, Lasix will still be banned in 2-year-old races and stakes races in all states that fall under HISA's jurisdiction. Had the board voted otherwise, the diuretic would have been banned in all races.
When HISA's Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program was launched on May 23, 2023. it ushered in the rules that covered 2-year-old races and stakes and, at the same time, it placed a three-year moratorium regarding the possibility of a full ban on Lasix pending the outcome of several scientific studies it had commissioned. The studies delved into several issues involving the medication, focusing particularly on the effect of Lasix on equine health and the integrity of competition.
When those studies were completed, they were turned over to the Board of Directors, who were assigned the duty of assessing the details and making a decision about the future of Lasix in the sport.
The vote had to be unanimous. If just one member of the Board had voted to implement the new, stricter rules, then Lasix would have all but disappeared from America's racetracks. The HISA Board of Directors consists of Charles Scheeler, Steve Beshear, Adolpho Birch, Leonard Coleman, Joe De Francis, Terri Mazur, Susan Stover, Bill Thomason, and D.G. Van Clief.
The vote took place on April 24.
The Board was asked to vote on four criteria
-That the medication is warranted.
-That the modification is in the best interest of racing.
-That furosemide (Lasix) has no performance-enhancing effect on individual horses.
-That public confidence in the integrity and safety of racing would not be adveresely affected by the modification.
“In reaching its decision, the Board considered the findings and recommendations of the Furosemide Advisory Committee (FAC), which included a finding that available scientific evidence does not support the assertion that furosemide is a performance-enhancing substance,” HISA said in a press release.
The HISA Board's resolution and its findings, along with the FAC Report and scientific research reports, can be reviewed by clicking here
With the vote approaching, many horsemen were growing apprehensive about the possibility of having to do their jobs without the use of Lasix.
A letter was sent out on February 25 that was signed by Bill Mott, Chad Brown, Mark Casse, Jena Antonucci, Ron Moquett, and Eric Hamelback, CEO of the National Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association, that questioned the need for a complete ban of Lasix.
“The question before the Authority Board is not whether the sport must evolve–it must, it is and will continue to,” the letter read. “The question is whether eliminating a treatment that reduces lung bleeding serves the horse or simply satisfies a narrative. Treating pulmonary hemorrhage under veterinary supervision is not doping. It is responsible care.”
When reached Tuesday, Moquett, a Midwest-based trainer, praised the HISA Board of Directors for reaching the decision that it did,
“I'm glad that they relied on the science, which is how these issues should be decided,” he said. “And the science proved that Lasix is not a performance-enhancer or anything that damages the horses. It's good to know that trainers can continue to use a medication that we have always believed is beneficial to the horse. A lot of people in racing have a lot of different opinions on many subjects, and this was no different. Those who don't believe in Lasix don't have to use it. Those of us who are proponents of Lasix are free to use it in races where it will still be allowed.”
The National HBPA President Dr. Doug Daniels also expressed his satisfaction with the decision.
“We appreciate the thoughtful and measured decision by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority to reconsider the role of Lasix in race-day care,” he said in a statement. “As the Board approached its vote, it was clear that concern among horsemen and women was intensifying, rooted in the practical realities of managing equine health and welfare without a widely accepted therapeutic tool.
“Horsemen across the country are encouraged that the Authority acknowledged both the science and the lived experience of horsemen in concluding that furosemide is not supported as a performance-enhancing substance. This outcome reflects the importance of open dialogue and the willingness to listen to those on the ground who are directly responsible for the health and safety of the horse.
“Moving forward, we remain committed to working collaboratively to ensure that policy decisions continue to be guided by science, horsemanship, and the best interests of the horse.”
The NYTHA also issued a statement following the vote, saying, “The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association appreciates HISA's decision to maintain the current Lasix rules. However, HISA must go further and permit 2-year-olds to receive Lasix. The elimination of Lasix for 2-year-olds to race could very well harm and cause irreparable damage to the horse. NYTHA believes New York-bred stakes races should also be allowed to use Lasix, since the elimination of Lasix is very detrimental to the field size and breeding programs all over the country. We are at a time where we need to take a close examination of our polices to make strategic changes to unlock the full potential of our great industry.”
Dale Romans, President of the Kentucky HBPA said, “Kentucky HBPA commends the collaborative efforts of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, its advisory committees, and horsemen across the industry in reaching this thoughtful decision regarding furosemide. This outcome reflects a balanced, science-based approach that prioritizes the health and safety of our horses while maintaining the integrity of the sport. We appreciate the willingness of all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue and work together toward a solution that supports horsemen and strengthens public confidence in racing. It is through this kind of cooperation that our industry continues to move forward in a responsible and unified manner.”
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