By: TDN

The New York State Gaming Commission unanimously approved a proposal to formalize race-day administration of Lasix by third-party veterinarians during its meeting Monday in Manhattan. Under the rule, recommended by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) and consistent with model rules of the Association of Racing Commissioners International, Inc., only third-party veterinarians who are not caring for the horses of a trainer or owner who participates at the race meeting are permitted to administer Lasix on raceday. Already implemented in-house at the state’s Thoroughbred tracks, Monday’s vote extends the rule to Standardbred tracks.

Prior to voting on the proposal, the board spent several minutes debating the merits of a partial Lasix ban in the state, either in New York’s graded races or in the carding of designated Lasix-free races. Further discussion on the issue was proposed for the commission’s next meeting in Saratoga, where the members hoped to hear from New York’s equine medical director Dr. Scott Palmer.