Kentucky Moves Forward With Medication Reforms

Sarah Andrew

By

Churchill Downs and Keeneland Race Course on Thursday jointly submitted draft rule language to Kentucky's Equine Drug Research Council (EDRC) that could pave the way for the state to adopt racehorse medication reforms spearheaded by California earlier this year.

Natalie Voss of Paulick Report first broke the story, which listed among its changes a partial Lasix phase-out that would bar the race-day administration of the drug to 2-year-olds beginning in 2020 and the elimination of race-day Lasix in stakes for all ages in 2021.

In addition, withdrawal times for non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) would be pushed back from 24 hours pre-race to 48 hours, and corticosteroid withdrawal times would go from one week to 14 days pre-race. Bisphosonates would be banned.

Kentucky is unique in that the EDRC serves as an advisory board to the state's racing commission regarding the research and testing of equine drugs.

Damon Thayer, an EDRC member and the Republican Majority Floor Leader for the Kentucky State Senate, tweeted Thursday that he is in favor of the proposal:

“As the longest serving member of the Equine Drug Research Council, I support these proposed changes in concept and look forward to working with [EDRC chairman Stuart Brown II, DVM] & others on the details. My EDRC record is one of reform. Kentucky will lead the way!”

 

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