25 trainers urge Lasix-ban; THA says issue debated, decided

[Kasept]

http://www.drf.com/news/high-profile...port-ban-lasix

High-profile trainers support ban on Lasix
By Matt Hegarty

A group of leading trainers, including D. Wayne Lukas and Todd Pletcher, said in a statement released on Friday that they would support the gradual phase-out of the legal race day use of the drug furosemide, the diuretic that is used by nearly every horse in the United States to mitigate bleeding in the lungs.

The statement is likely to reinvigorate a debate that has been going on in the U.S. racing industry for the past five years without any resolution. Many high-profile owners and breeders, along with the Jockey Club and other national racing organizations, have called for a ban on the race day use of furosemide, which is also known as Lasix, but those calls have been steadfastly resisted by rank-and-file horsemen.

The statement said the trainers would support a ban on the race day use of furosemide for all 2-year-olds beginning in 2015, with a complete ban following in 2016.

“We believe it’s time to take a proactive position regarding the administration of race-day medication,” said Lukas, who was recently appointed to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. “American racing has always been a global leader, and it’s time to restore confidence in our game and in our international standing.”

In addition to Lukas and Pletcher, the statement was signed by 23 other trainers, most of them based in New York, including Bill Mott, Shug McGaughey, Christophe Clement, Richard Mandella, Neil Drysdale, Kieran McLaughlin, and Graham Motion. Many of the trainers are employed by owners who have supported calls to ban the race day use of furosemide. Many of those owners also pledged two years ago to cease using furosemide on their 2-year-olds, pledges that have largely held up at the higher levels of the sport.

The statement was released nine days prior to the Jockey Club’s Round Table on Matters Pertaining to Racing, an annual two-hour conference in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., where, over the past five years, Jockey Club officials and other racing industry officials have called for bans on race-day furosemide use. The Jockey Club has also begun canvassing the industry for financial support for a study that would examine the efficacy of the drug when used 24 hours before a race.

Opponents of the race day use of furosemide have contended that the public perception of the sport is damaged by its widespread use. Breeders have also argued that buyers in international racing jurisdictions are put off by race-day furosemide use, depressing prices for American bloodstock. Race-day Lasix use is banned in nearly every major racing jurisdiction outside North America.

Supporters of the drug’s use point to scientific studies that have concluded that furosemide is effective in mitigating bleeding in the lungs, a common affliction for racehorses. A ban on the race day use of the drug would worsen the condition, the supporters argue.

Although some organizations have put in place policies intending to rollback race day use of the drug over the past four years, including the American Graded Stakes Committee and the Breeders’ Cup, those policies were rescinded when it became clear that racing states did not intend to pass rules restricting furosemide use.

[Kasept]

Timed, obviously as Hegarty points out, to coincide with the upcoming Jockey Club Round Table..

Disappointing to see a number of heretofore staunchly pro-Lasix people suddenly turn up on this list.

[pointman]

What a great idea. There are too many horses running in the USA already, best to make them suffer and run less often.

[Cannon Shell]

Glad to see William Van Meter got behind this plan.

I'm sure that during his vast experience of 9 starters during his career has given him an excellent view on the topic.

I'm sure when Lukas came up with this plan (he didnt, this is a Jockey Club blackmail job) he thought I better get William Van Meter on board. Then he probably said that Jose Corrales is next on the gotta get list....

The Breeders Cup managed to have a press release ready on a late Friday afternoon ready. No mention of the carnage at one of the upcoming BC host locations though...

Not one trainer that I talked to knew anything about this. Of course Paulick is already calling others out for not being on a list that most didnt know even existed.

[Aly-Sheba]

Originally Posted by pointman

What a great idea. There are too many horses running in the USA already, best to make them suffer and run less often.

It's not a horse shortage on the west coast, it's a owner shortage. Unless you are a rich owner with deep pockets, why would anyone want to be in the game and pay $100+ a day training and the trainers just keep the horse in the barn, to keep their win percentage high. Plus lasix justs adds days to how long before runs back. Without lasix it might mean more horses will bleed, but without it, would that off-set how quick horses come back? I don't know, but it has to be a consideration or a study made. Back in the 70's I don't remember it being an issue that much, there were full fields in Ca.

I guess this means that Rick Violette will be coming out of the woodwork next week and will be on Steve's show, which means I will mute that segment, so I don't puke.

[Calzone Lord]

The lasix ban of the Breeders Cup' Juvenile and Juvenile Fillies has been such a smashing success.

The whole lasix debate is an epic waste of time.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by Calzone Lord

The lasix ban of the Breeders Cup' Juvenile and Juvenile Fillies has been such a smashing success.

The whole lasix debate is an epic waste of time.

It is like the steroid ban...on steroids...

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by Aly-Sheba

It's not a horse shortage on the west coast, it's a owner shortage. Unless you are a rich owner with deep pockets, why would anyone want to be in the game and pay $100+ a day training and the trainers just keep the horse in the barn, to keep their win percentage high. Plus lasix justs adds days to how long before runs back. Without lasix it might mean more horses will bleed, but without it, would that off-set how quick horses come back? I don't know, but it has to be a consideration or a study made. Back in the 70's I don't remember it being an issue that much, there were full fields in Ca.

I guess this means that Rick Violette will be coming out of the woodwork next week and will be on Steve's show, which means I will mute that segment, so I don't puke.

There is no bigger falsehood than lasix adds days to how long a horse can run back. While that excuse might be given by one of those guys wanting to keep their win percentage high but unless you are talking about running your horse back in less than a week for most horses it is bunk.

[Aly-Sheba]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

There is no bigger falsehood than lasix adds days to how long a horse can run back. While that excuse might be given by one of those guys wanting to keep their win percentage high but unless you are talking about running your horse back in less than a week for most horses it is bunk.

I belive you, but you always hear them talk about lasix dehydrating the horse and they can't run back as soon, so horses don't run as much in a year as they used to. I'm sure the day money plays a big factor in it also.

[Siena 16]

Indicating trainers were coerced to signing a letter on the Lasix issue because of a stance their owners are taking is selling trainers short as individuals and professionals in the horse industry. These blanket statements contributes to the negative perception of our sport

[Kasept]

Except that they were coerced.. in some cases having their livelihood threatened.

[Kasept]

And I'll add that the Round Table's blanket insult of hardworking and honest horsemen contributes far more to any negative perception of the sport than anything out of my mouth.

[Danzig]

i saw a report on the open letter from the THA.
any idea what pletcher meant about taking a new POV during this years triple crown?

and siena, i'm sorry-but owners have the money-if they tell the trainer 'sign this' that trainer will most likely sign it. it's all well and good to have guts-but guts doesn't pay the bills. if someone is paying you a tidy sum to train for them, and you want to keep training for them, you'd sign it.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by Kasept

And I'll add that the Round Table's blanket insult of hardworking and honest horsemen contributes far more to any negative perception of the sport than anything out of my mouth.

Why just single out the round table? These same "leaders" have been ripping the sport that they lead over the made up issue of "raceday" medication for years now. The bombastic, negative language is coming from them. They cast doubt on any improvements and continue to push for something that isnt going to happen which of course makes us look even worse.

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Why just single out the round table? These same "leaders" have been ripping the sport that they lead over the made up issue of "raceday" medication for years now. The bombastic, negative language is coming from them. They cast doubt on any improvements and continue to push for something that isnt going to happen which of course makes us look even worse.

Do you recall when Lasix was first introduced to either Standardbred or TB racing? I am thinking 1977/78?