Maryland Tracks Join Coalition to Ban Race-Day Lasix Use

The Stronach Group announced today, April 18, that Pimlico and Laurel will join the coalition of racetracks across the country working to ban race-day use of Lasix. This new initiative is committed to phasing out the use of Furosemide (Lasix) over the next three years. Starting January 1, 2020, two-year-old horses will not be allowed to be treated with Lasix within 24 hours of a race. Starting in 2021, this same ban will apply to horses of any age running in stake races at coalition tracks. This includes all three tracks where Triple Crown races are held since Churchill Downs Incorporated, the New York Racing Association, Inc and The Stronach Group have all joined the coalition.

“This is a huge moment that signals a collective move to evolve this legacy sport,” said Belinda Stronach, chairman and president of The Stronach Group. “This industry coalition has taken an important step forward toward a uniform policy and we are committed to focusing our attention and resources on how to make further improvements that directly prioritize equine health and safety.”

The following racing organizations and owners have joined the coalition: