It's not likely to get much attention this week leading up to Derby, but there's a pending rule change that could someday transform the landscape of the horse racing industry. The new rule is not tied directly to training, purses, or gambling but it is a long debated issue.
Certain sights and sounds at the track are well-known and expected. But what many outside of the industry probably do not know is that about four hours before post time, most horses are administered a commonly used drug called Lasix.
Lasix has been used for decades to reduce bleeding in the lungs of racing horses. Administered by injection, it's a diuretic that in simple terms leads to increased urine. That in turn, reduces the horse's blood pressure, which can lessen bleeding in the lungs.
Mary Scollay is Equine Medical Director for the Kentucky Racing Commission. Scollay says the use of Lasix has been debated for years and remains a hot topic. "Both positions are right in many respects, both positions' arguments are wrong in some respects," Scollay said. " So, nobody's entirely right. Nobody's entirely wrong and I think that's what makes this debate such a difficult issue."
Most of the debate centers on the use of Lasix on race day, which Scollay says happens in well over 90 percent of horse races in the U.S.
Earlier this spring, the state racing commission adopted a regulation that would allow Kentucky tracks to run some races with only horses that are Lasix free. But before the new rule goes into effect, a state oversight panel must give final approval.
Mark Chaney has practiced equine veterinary medicine for 45 years. Chaney is pro-Lasix. He says central Kentucky pollen and dust can have a major impact on a horse's lungs. "If you and I were in one of those stalls 22 hours a day, we'd have COPD so bad and emphysema," Chaney said. "You know, you probably couldn't even breathe."
Lasix is not used as widely in Europe but Chaney says the circumstances are not the same. "Now, they don't bleed as much in England because those horses only race five, six times a year," he added. "And they train out in the open field."
The European approach to Lasix is one that retired jockey Chris McCarron would like to see adopted in this country. McCarron believes giving horses any medication on race day is bad for them. "I've been of that mindset for many years and I like the progress that's being made in regard to doing away with race day medications and I'm hoping it's on the horizon soon," said McCarron.
Officials at Lexington's Keeneland racecourse have expressed an interest in offering Lasix free racing. Vice President of Racing Rogers Beasley says he'd like to offer it and see if a racing card can be filled. Beasley says he doesn't foresee it impacting betting strategy, since Keeneland's plan is to include only horses running their first official race. "That's not an issue, the wagering, because it's the first time these horses have ever raced in competition when they're two year olds," said Beasley.
Equine veterinarian Clara Fenger is pro-Lasix but worries about the potential expansion of Lasix-free contests. Fenger says if drug free races become the norm, small time trainers could be forced out of the business. "That's because the less expensive horses need the Lasix to compete," Fenger said. "That's because the horse that doesn't need Lasix doesn't need joint injections, doesn't need therapeutic medications. You're gonna have to breed about a hundred horses to have one that fits that category."
Fenger says only the major trainers and owners can afford to breed that number of horses. She says using Lasix helps lessen the chance of injury and as a vet, that's what she's supposed to do. "It's incumbent on us to take the best possible care of them while we are racing them and that's the bottom line," added Fenger.
Fenger as well as other equine veterinarians agree that it would be nice to someday not need Lasix. Scollay says that's where the research focus is headed. "I think that the public has legitimate concerns about the use of injectable medications on race day and I think we have an obligation to respond and try to answer the question," said Scollay.
For now, Lasix continues to be a major part of race day and will be this weekend at the Kentucky Derby. Only one horse out of the entire field will not be administered the drug prior to post time. ?
