Kentucky sets 24-hour thresholds for Lasix-free races

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 race-day administration of the drug.

The threshold level, which would only apply to 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 race-day 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 race day in every racing jurisdiction in the United States, in many cases under strict regulation, but it is banned on race day in most other countries.

The adoption of the 24-hour threshold level was interrupted by a discussion on furosemide that often veered well away from the subject matter at hand. The race-day use of furosemide is a controversial topic in racing worldwide, and supporters and opponents continue to spar on the proper role of the medication in horse racing, especially in the U.S.

The rule allowing tracks to write races banning race-day furosemide use was controversial in and of itself, and during the meeting, commissioners said that the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association had provided the commission with legal arguments objecting to the rule’s implementation, an indication that the KHBPA will seek legal action to overturn the rule before it takes effect next year.

Only Keeneland has stated that it intends to write furosemide-free races in 2016. When the rule was passed, Keeneland officials said they were likely to write two races for 2-year-olds during the spring meet banning race-day furosemide use, and perhaps two to four of the races during the fall meet next year.