NEW YORK PROPOSAL WOULD BAN RACE-DAY MEDS
09-22-2011 --
The talk of the industry for the last few months has been the use of race-day medications. The issue has been percolating for years. It was brought to currency by a proposed federal legislation that would ban performance enhancing race-day medication and dole out severe penalties to violators. The Breeders’ Cup in an effort to mirror international rules is banning race-day medication for two-year-old races next year and all races beginning in 2013. Most of the national racing organizations are following suit or, at least, studying the viability of the rule.
Recently, New York State Senator Thomas Duane (D-Chelsea), has proposed legislation that will ban the use of performance-enhancing drugs on racehorses, particularly the diuretic Lasix (Furosemide). He argues that we are comfortable banning performance-enhancing drugs for athletes in other sports, why not horse racing.
Handicapper and racing consultant, Dick Powel, takes the opposite approach. He writes in his blog that since most horses bleed because of exercise, why not make such drugs mandatory.
For one thing the issues isn’t as simple as some proponents might have us believe. Nor is it as complicates as some opponents might have us believe. Fans with the right information and education can parse the issue and weigh in. And I hope we do.
If this legislation gets any legs, there certainly will be hearings. It is important that the voice of the fan be heard at these sessions. ThoroFan wants to facilitate this process. We want your input on this timely and very important issue for our sport. You can send your comments to meds@thorofan.com. We will produce a report for distribution as required. We certainly will present the finds in an article on website within the next 3-4 weeks.
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