Breeders Cup decisive over Lasix and Salix ban, taking effect from 2012 Breeders Cup Championships
Breeders Cup took the initiative to phase out race-day medication and go drug free. The long awaited change will be effective from 2012 in the Breeders Cup World Championships.
Initially all race day medication will be prohibited from 2013 at the Breeders Cup, but in 2012 the use of Lasix and Salix will be totally banned in five juvenile contests at the Breeders Cup in 2012.
The ban was brought about by the significant efforts of senior Britain and Ireland officials, who urged North American racing industry to ban any sort of performance enhancing substance which is already frequently used in the North American racing scene,
at a racing Industry conference in New York in June.
Lasix is banned on race days all over outside North America and despite the drug being less used outside the North American racing jurisdictions, the horses perform as better as the horses in North America.
Breeders Cup taking action on a serious issue to make horse racing clean has been acknowledged by many outside the U.S.
Banning Lasix use on juvenile horses is by far the strongest development yet to be taken by any U.S based organization.
Although the change is not warmly welcomed by many trainers who have gone against the decision in the past, but outlawing the substance has been supported by the American Jockey Club ever since the 1970’s.
The development was welcomed by one such figure, Mark Johnston, who has always openly spoken against the drug regimes outside European authorities.
Mark Johnston is one of the leading trainers in Britain, who has a record of sending out more than 200 winners in a season (2009).
He said regarding the issue, "Every move like that is a step in the right direction towards leveling the playing field which is my concern. I'm not as concerned as some about the idea that the use of these drugs is particularly sinister but I always like
to see a level playing field."
The decision to ban Lasix use was mainly triggered due to the fact that the Breeders’ Cup World Championships attract a high level of international participation and the highly praised Breeders Cup nomination programs going worldwide, it was strongly felt
that something must be done, according to the new chairman Tom Ludt.
This measure was taken in regards to Breeders’ Cup reputation and its ability to ensure security and safety to its participants, and the decision will support the tradition.
The Jockey Club has commended the Breeders’ Cup decision and supported the cause.
Everyone wants an even playing field, with performance enhancing drugs out of the picture, competition will be even and it will raise the level of competitiveness.
Tags: