In a reversal from its vote four weeks ago, the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council voted this Monday to support a partial Lasix ban, reports drf.com. The proposal will eliminate race-day administration of Lasix for 2-year-olds in 2020, and expand that to all stakes races in 2021.
Those horses affected would, however, be allowed to receive Lasix up to 24 hours before the time of the race.
The EDRC voted 6-2 in favor, while the same proposal was shot down by a vote of 5-3 four weeks ago.
“There were several things, from my perspective, at the last meeting that just didn’t sit right, and the reason for the way I voted,” said veterinarian Johnny Mac Smith, who had initially voted no but now supports the proposal. “What we were presented with was a proposal that lacked the detail I have been given today, and there was not much discussion on the regulatory aspects, or any of the mechanics on how this was going to be done […] It’s a very sensitive topic, and I think decisions on either end made from a position of fear can never be good. It needs to be talked about more.”
The EDRC will forward its recommendation of the proposal to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission at its next meeting, scheduled for Dec. 10.
Read more at drf.com.
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