By: Travers Manley, Staff Member

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) recently approved a controversial proposal to allow racetracks in the Commonwealth to card races where the competing horses would not be allowed to be administered furosemide on race day.[1] Furosemide, an anti-bleeding medication commonly known as Lasix, is intended to decrease the effects of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH).[2] While some initially thought the vote could have an impact at the 2015 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, which is scheduled to be run at Keeneland on October 30-31,[3] Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said he does not expect Keeneland to schedule any Lasix-free races until 2016.[4]

The issue of Lasix use in horse racing is arguably the most controversial topic in the sport and this blog has published numerous posts on the subject.[5] Those against the proposal, including the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (KHBPA), see anti-bleeding medication as therapeutic and a way to help horses suffering from EIPH.[6] Those in favor of the proposal, including the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders (KTOB), see Lasix as a performance-enhancing drug that is unnecessary for the majority of horses.[7]

Although the rule would apply to all racetracks in Kentucky, Keeneland is the only track at this point that has expressed interest in carding Lasix-free races.[8] Rogers Beasley, the Vice President of Racing at Keeneland, told the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission that the track would slowly implement the program.[9] He said the track likely would schedule two Lasix-free races during the 2016 Spring Meet and another two to four at the Fall Meet.[10]

The 8-4 vote in favor of the proposal followed a 3-2 vote by the KHRC Rules Committee.[11] The next step is for the proposed regulation to go before the Kentucky legislature for its review.[12]

[1] Matt Hegarty, Kentucky Committee Approves Rule Allowing Lasix-free Races, Daily Racing Form (Mar. 23, 2015), http://www.drf.com/news/kentucky-committee-approves-rule-allowing-lasix-free-races.

[2] Exercised Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage, Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, http://www.cvm.msu.edu/research/research-labs/equine-pulmonary-laboratory/respiratory-diseases/exercise-induced-pulmonary-hemorrhage (last visited Apr. 19, 2015).

[3] Breeders’ Cup, http://www.breederscup.com/ (last visited Apr. 19, 2015).

[4] Keeneland Not Expecting Lasix-Free Race Proposal for 2015, Paulick Report (Mar. 20, 2015), http://www.paulickreport.com/news/the-biz/keeneland-not-expecting-lasix-free-race-proposal-for-2015/.

[5] See Wes Bright, The Debate is Simple: Horses Health vs. Better Public Perception, Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture and Natural Resources Blog (July 2, 2014), http://www.kjeanrl.com/full-blog/2013/07/the-debate-is-simple-horses-health-vs.html; see also Wes Bright, How Does Lasix Enhance Performance in Horses?, Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture and Natural Resources Blog (November 4, 2012), http://www.kjeanrl.com/full-blog/2012/11/how-does-lasix-enhance-performance-in.html.

[6] Greg Hall, Ky. Commission OKs Drug-Free Horse-Race Plan, The Courier-Journal (Mar. 23, 2015), http://www.courier-journal.com/story/money/2015/03/23/kentucky-horse-racing-commission-faces-key-lasix-vote-monday/70326432/.

[7] Id.

[8] Matt Hegarty, Kentucky Committee Approves Rule Allowing Lasix-free Races, Daily Racing Form (Mar. 23, 2015), http://www.drf.com/news/kentucky-committee-approves-rule-allowing-lasix-free-races.

[9] Id.

[10] Id.

[11] Hall, supra note 6.

[12] Id.