The Jockey Club of Canada Board of Stewards has announced that it supports the HBPA of Ontario’s plan to recommend a ban on the use of race day medication in Ontario except Lasix.

The HBPA of Ontario announced earlier this week that it intends to submit a plan to the Ontario Racing Commission which would prevent veterinarians from entering a horse’s stall on the day it is entered to race, thus banning the administration of medication on that day. The HBPA stated that the administration of the approved bleeding medication Lasix, which is administered on the day of a race by an ORC veterinarian, would still be permitted.

In its support of this initiative, the Stewards of the Jockey Club of Canada expect to be involved along with the HBPA in the process and discussions regarding the implementation of the rule by the provincial regulator, the ORC.

(With files from the Jockey Club of Canada)