Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association
Posted: June 26, 2017
The New York State Gaming Commission June 26 approved a rule proposal that would formalize race-day administration of the anti-bleeding medication Lasix by third-party veterinarians.
NYSGC Executive Director Robert Williams noted that third-party administration of Lasix, also known as Salix, is being done by racetracks under house rules. He said a formal regulation is recommended by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium and is consistent with model rules promulgated by the Association of Racing Commissioners International.
Third-party Lasix administration is a major component of the National Uniform Medication Program in the United States.
“While formalizing third-party administration, the proposal provides an exception for race-day Lasix administration by a veterinarian who otherwise provides only urgent veterinary care, such as a veterinarian directly employed by the racetrack operator,” a NYSGC staff memo states. “Track veterinarians do not have a conflict of interest from an ongoing veterinarian-trainer relationship, as their function is to provide only immediate, urgent veterinary care for an owner or trainer on an ad hoc basis with no ongoing veterinarian-client relationship created.”
The current Lasix regulation in New York permits a single intravenous injection of no less than 150 milligrams and no more than 500 milligrams on the grounds of a racetrack from four to 4 1/2 hours before a horse is scheduled to race.
Before the vote to approve the rule proposal, NYSGC members discussed use of race-day Lasix and suggested scheduling a meeting in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., this summer to have further dialogue on the matter.