from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has approved a ban on the use of Lasix during upper-level stakes races for Thoroughbreds, beginning in 2014.

The ban will be phased in, beginning with 2-year-olds in listed and graded stakes. In 2015, the ban will be expanded to 3-year-olds in races including the Kentucky Derby. By 2016, it will cover all stakes races.

But horses in lower-level claiming races will be able to continue to use Lasix.

Although this ruling, which passed Wednesday by a 7-5 vote, with one abstention, applies to Thoroughbreds only, Marc A. Guilfoil, deputy executive director of the Commission, told Harness Racing Communications earlier today that a similar policy for Standardbreds may be considered.