NYRA Lasix vet fined for error that resuled in four scratches and a two-horse field

ELMONT, N.Y. - The New York State Gaming Commission fined New York Racing Association veterinarian Steven Lascher $4,000 for failure to follow proper Lasix procedures, which resulted in the late scratch of four horses from the seventh race at Belmont Park on June 9.

Lascher is one of several veterinarians employed by NYRA responsible for administering Lasix to horses who are listed to race on that anti-bleeding medication. Lasix shots are typically administered approximately four hours out from a horse’s race. Lascher did not show up to the barns within the allotted time to administer the Lasix to two horses trained by Christophe Clement, one trained by Bill Mott, and one trained by Orlando Noda, all of whom were scratched.

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The race, which originally had a field of nine, scratched down to a field of two. There were three other scratches unrelated to the administration of Lasix.

Lascher was fined $1,000 per horse, according to state steward Braulio Baeza Jr.

“He admitted to the mistake,” Baeza said.

Lascher is the latest NYRA employee to be fined by the Gaming Commission over the last two months. Frank Gabriel, NYRA’s senior vice president racing operations, was fined $4,000 for a situation that resulted in a voided claim; racing secretary Keith Doleshel was fined $2,000 for allowing a horse to race in two New York-bred races while his statebred registration was pending; clocker Richie Gazer was fined $2,500 and suspended 30 days for changing the distance of a workout for a horse.