Columbus, OH – After considering a report from their Furosemide Advisory Committee that determined that furosemide (Lasix) is not performance enhancing in horses, on April 24, the Board of Directors of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) unanimously approved resolutions regarding the use of furosemide 48 hours prior to a race.
“In reaching its decision, the Board considered the findings and recommendations of the Furosemide Advisory Committee (FAC), which included a finding that available scientific evidence does not support the assertion that furosemide is a performance-enhancing substance,” stated a May 5 press release from HISA.
The HISA announcement continued, “The Board unanimously adopted each of these findings and approved a modification to permit the use of furosemide within 48 hours prior to a race for Covered Horses, with the exception of:
• 2-year-old Covered Horses; and
• Covered Horses competing in stakes races.
“While the modification will take effect on May 23, 2026, it does not change the current regulatory treatment of furosemide that has been in place since the launch of HISA’s Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program on May 23, 2023. This means that furosemide administration in the 48 hours prior to a race will continue to be permitted for all Covered Horses except 2-year-old Covered Horses and Covered Horses competing in stakes races.”
To read the complete HISA announcement and the FAC report, click here.