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Salix Still Legal on Race Days in KentuckyBy Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 24, 2012
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) considered but failed to pass a rule that would have banned the use of Salix (Lasix) on the day of a horse’s entry in a race. Salix is used to minimize or prevent exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage, also called “bleeding,” in racehorses. The medication’s diuretic effect is thought to give an advantage to horses that use it because the horses deplete some fluid before the race, causing weight loss.
Opponents of Salix claim that its use is not in the best interests of racehorses, spectators, bettors, or the racing industry because outcomes of races are impacted. Proponents say that the elimination of bleeding allows horses to achieve their performance potential.
The proposed rule would have set a schedule to phase out the use of Salix on racing days over the next several years.
