Harness Horsemen International, an umbrella organization comprised of harness racing horsemen's groups in the Unites States and Canada, has publicly issued its stance on the hotly-debated topic of race day medication
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The statement appears below in its entirety.
Harness Horsemen International does not condone the use of illegal or exotic medications in racehorses.
HHI recognizes that racehorses, like all athletes, from time to time require therapeutic medications as part of their training regime. All racing jurisdictions publish withdrawal time guidelines for therapeutic medications to educate and assist horsemen and their veterinarians, to comply with Commission rules. The only permitted race day medications in most states are "Furosemide" and "Amicar," both recognized for treating "Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage."
The absence of these medications may cause more harm than good and result in more, rather than less, damage.
Any medication in a horse on race day, other than those mentioned, is a violation of the rules and subjects the trainer to a possible fine and suspension of his license.
HHI hopes that before racing regulators implement a zero tolerance medication policy they provide an adequate opportunity for extensive debate in a neutral forum so that everyone concerned has a chance to weigh in. Often new policies create unintended consequences and those need to be identified and addressed.
A short while ago the Thoroughbred industry had a knee jerk reaction to a perceived problem that horses were breaking down in the race. In California the CHRB quickly mandated that all racetracks become synthetic racetracks rather than dirt. This was done at a tremendous expense to all concerned and accelerated one Bay Area racetrack to close prematurely. After a few years of synthetic racetracks the former Chairman of the CHRB admitted that they acted hastily and, in a word, it has been a disaster. When action is taken hastily often the results are detrimental.
HHI believes in enforcement policies that are based in equity and sound science and considers the long-term effects of those policies on all stakeholders. HHI asks racing regulators to approach this critical issue with an open mind and open ear. Do not forget the zero tolerance may sound great, but is unrealistic with the levels of environmental contamination and hypersensitive testing used today that detect microscopic levels.
HHI is willing to work with any and all industry groups to solve this issue intelligently, recognizing that all the stakeholders have legitimate concerns and different perspectives on this matter.
(HHI)