Keeneland presents American Graded Stakes Standings: Thinking Long-Term on Medication

While I don't always agree with Mr. Paulick, I agree 110% on this statement:

"While I understand both sides of this argument, I side with the Graded Stakes Committee. Someone has to be looking out for the best long-term interests of the game, and this reasonable decision does just that"

Of course Horsemen are pissed off about this call, but, this isn't all about them, it is all about the horse and the future in breeding sound horses here in the U.S. 

Baby steps? Yes, but still a step in the right direction.

Bravo!

Very interesting article.  Are American horses the only horses that use lasix?  The article mentioned "overseas" horses don't unless they come here to race.  How do the "overseas" horses do without using the drug as in do they remain healthy enough to race?

I was also surprised to read that our horsemen are almost universally opposed to the ban!  Who is he talking about - breeders, owners trainers?  When I read things like this, I also wonder what else they are opposed to.  For example are they opposed to retirement funds for their horses which will cost them additional money?

Lauren

Lauren as far as I know Lasix is only allowed as a race day medication in North America ie America and Canada. Horses are trained differently in Europe than in America. Horses in Europe stay at their trainers farms and they have straight gallops these can include up and down hills. I believe the horses gallop and also do little wind spurt type faster gallops. Horses over there at times do bleed and they are put on a vets list and given time off, then hopefully when they race again they do not bleed. But I think they are only given 3 chances and if they bleed 3 times they are banned from racing there. So they have 2 options retire, or send to USA to race on Lasix. From what I have read our Lasix use is partly why European breeders do not breed to US Studs.

I agree with your second paragraph totally.

Thanks for your answer.  It was very good and understandable!

Do the horses bleed from their lungs?   If so, is that why the European training methods are different - to give their lungs a better chance of developing and/or being stronger?

Lauren

Thanks Lauren, I have some experience with race horses, but most of my horse knowlege is with show horses.