Comments have begun to emerge in Kentucky both for and against the use of furosemide (lasix) on days in which horses are racing. The comments have hit the media just one day after the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission found itself deadlocked on a motion to ban the use of the anti-bleeding diuretic on race days, a practice which is only allowed in North America

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An article by Gregory A. Hall in The Courier-Journal has quoted KHRC Chairman Bob Beck, who was in support of the ban, as saying, “I don’t think it’s dead (the push for a ban), but I think we have an opportunity to have some further discussion.”

On Monday, April 16, after have been supported by a vote in a KHRC subcommittee, the movement failed when the KHRC found itself at a seven-to-seven deadlock over the issue. The Courier-Journal article has cited KHRC member Tom Ludt as saying that the current ban is dead, but an augmented proposal pertaining to a ban solely on stakes races could be heard and voted on next month.

The report has also quoted thoroughbred trainer Dale Romans as saying a ban on the practice in Kentucky alone could cripple the industry. He went on to say, “I’m sure they’ll try again. They may take a different tactic. … I hope they let it go and work on more of a national medication policy.

(With files from The Courier-Journal)