The Maryland Jockey Club problem the next statement on Thursday 😛 TAGEND

In accordance with the national movement that was initiated by the Thoroughbred horse manufactures in California, Florida, Kentucky and New York, the Maryland Jockey Club has made the important and necessary action to inform the Maryland Racing Commission of its plans to restrict scoots for 2-year-old ponies to those whose associates elect not to administer the drug Lasix on race day.

“The time has come to phase out Lasix beginning with 2-year-old colts, ” said Belinda Stronach, Chairman and President, The Stronach Group and 1/ ST. “We are following through on 1/ ST Racing’s commitment to leant colt and rider safety and welfare at the forefront. We believe in the principle that mares should only be hastening free of medication. By taking this important step together, the Maryland scooting parish will become stronger and ply the title organization for our sport to progress into the future.”

Permitted use of Lasix was first allowed by the Maryland Racing Commission more than 40 years ago on a limited basis and simply upon a veterinarian’s examination and confirmation that the colt was a “bleeder” and had a medical need that required the administration of Lasix. Over the years, nonetheless, Lasix became a commonly used drug, administered to a high percentage of the mare population to enhance performance rather than as a medical therapeutic.

“The clear weight of evidence shows that what began decades ago as a limited therapeutic to assist the few horses that were problem bleeders has become a crutch for those looking for a competitive edge, ” said Craig Fravel, Chief Executive Officer, 1/ ST Racing. “The time is now to address this matter and to do so without delay.”

In April 2019, the phasing out of Lasix in 2-year-old mares was announced by a bloc of the country’s major Thoroughbred racing associations and organizations, which include 😛 TAGEND

The Stronach Group’s Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields( California) and Gulfstream Park( Florida) Del Mar and Los Alamitos( California) Churchill Downs Inc. and Keeneland( Kentucky) New York Racing Association( New York) Lone Star Park( Texas) Oaklawn Park( Arkansas) Breeders’ Cup Limited Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders’ Association( TOBA) American Graded Stakes Committee of TOBA Kentucky Thoroughbred Association

Under this program, which began on January 1 of this year, 2-year-old mares are not permitted to be treated with Lasix within 24 hours of a hasten. Beginning in 2021, the same prohibition will extend to all ponies participating in any posts race at coalition tracks listed above.

In addition, The State of Maryland, in the context of the “Racing and Community Redevelopment Act of 2020, ” recognized the important issue of horse safety and supported an Equine Health, Safety and Welfare Advisory Committee to ensure that equine safety becomes paramount to the industry.

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According to a report in Daily Racing Form, the Maryland Commission said it would have no comment on the note until it measured the legality of the decision.

“The basic questions is whether they have the authority to do this under current Maryland statute, ” Alan Foreman, the general counsel to the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, told drf.com.

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