Santa Anita reviewing Lasix administration policies

ARCADIA, Calif. – The late scratches of two horses in the last week because of incorrect administration of Lasix by third-party veterinarians has led Santa Anita officials to review policies enacted in late December regarding the anti-bleeder medication.

On Jan. 28, Pali High was withdrawn from a maiden race after the colt was given Lasix in error. When entries were taken Jan. 25, Pali High was the only horse among 14 in the field not scheduled to receive Lasix.

On Thursday, Princess Dorian was withdrawn from a $25,000 claimer after the filly was given Lasix on Thursday morning in two dosages by a third-party veterinarian. California Horse Racing Board rules state that Lasix must be administered in a “single intravenous injection.”

At the start of the winter-spring meeting on Dec. 26, rules took effect allowing Lasix to be administered by veterinarians or veterinary technicians who have not had a working relationship with a stable in the preceding 30 days. The rule was enacted by the racing board last year.

According to trainer Reed Saldana, Princess Dorian was scheduled to receive 8 cubic centimeters of Lasix. Saldana said the filly was initially given 5 CCs and then another dose of 3 CCs when it was realized the first dosage was inaccurate.

The filly was scratched after the veterinarian who administered the medication filed documents with the state veterinarian stating that Lasix was given in two dosages, track stewards said.

Circumstances surrounding the withdrawals of those horses was discussed by Santa Anita officials on Thursday, according to track vice president and racing secretary Rick Hammerle.

“We’re finding ways to make the communication better for all the parties involved,” Hammerle said. “We acknowledge we can do things better.”

The track has three or four veterinarians or vet technicians administering Lasix daily, depending on the number of runners on a given race day, Hammerle said.