RMTC
Ky. commission adopts 24-hour threshold to regulate Lasix-free races
By: Matt Hegarty
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission on Wednesday approved a 24-hour threshold level for furosemide, a move that was made necessary by the commission’s decision earlier this year to allow tracks to write races that would include as a condition of entry a prohibition on the raceday administration of the drug.
The threshold level, which would only apply to horses entered in the furosemide-free races, was based on a study conducted earlier this year of 20 horses that were administered the maximum amount of furosemide permitted under state law at the 24-hour mark, according to Dr. Mary Scollay, the equine medical director of the commission. The level adopted on Wednesday replaced a level included in the initial rule that was based on a threshold in place in countries that ban the raceday administration of furosemide, Dr. Scollay said, although that level was not backed up by adequate scientific studies.
More commonly known as Lasix, furosemide is a diuretic used to treat bleeding in the lungs. It is legal to administer on raceday in every racing jurisdiction in the U.S., in many cases under strict regulation, but it is banned on raceday in most other countries.
