The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) Board of Directors announced on Tuesday, May 5 the results of its vote regarding the prohibition and use of furosemide (commonly referred to as “Lasix”) in Covered Horses within the 48-hour period prior to a race.
Pursuant to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020, HISA’s Board was required to consider whether modification of the existing prohibition on furosemide was warranted. In accordance with the statutory framework, the Board voted unanimously on April 24 to adopt findings required for a modification of the prohibition, which continues the existing regulatory status quo.
Under the Act, any modification required a unanimous board vote on the following four findings: 1. That the modification is warranted; 2. That the modification is in the best interest of horse racing; 3. That furosemide has no performance-enhancing effect on individual horses.; 4. That public confidence in the integrity and safety of racing would not be adversely affected by the modification.
The Board unanimously adopted each of these findings and approved a modification to permit the use of furosemide within 48 hours prior to a race for Covered Horses, with the exception of: two-year-old Covered Horses; and Covered Horses competing in stakes races.
In reaching its decision, the Board considered the findings and recommendations of the Furosemide Advisory Committee (FAC), which included a finding that available scientific evidence does not support the assertion that furosemide is a performance-enhancing substance.
While the modification will take effect on May 23, 2026, it does not change the current regulatory treatment of furosemide that has been in place since the launch of HISA’s Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program on May 23, 2023. This means that furosemide administration in the 48 hours prior to a race will continue to be permitted for all Covered Horses except two-year-old Covered Horses and Covered Horses competing in stakes races.
A “Covered Horse” is defined as “any Thoroughbred horse, or any other horse made subject to this chapter by election of the applicable State racing commission or the breed governing organization for such horse under section 3054(k) of this title, during the period (A) beginning on the date of the horse’s first timed and reported workout at a racetrack that participates in covered horse races or at a training facility; and (B) ending on the date on which the Authority receives written notice that the horse has been retired.” 15 U.S.C. § 3051(4).
The HISA Board’s resolution and its findings, along with the FAC Report and scientific research reports, can be reviewed by clicking here.
(With files from Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority)