Understanding the New Racing Medication Reforms

Times are most definitely changing. We all know that Thoroughbred racing in the new year will be very different than in years past. But we as an industry – including racetracks, owners, trainers, breeders, veterinarians, and all who work with horses at California tracks – understand the importance of change and reform to assure the future of our sport.

To help clarify the changes horsemen can expect, we are providing the following list of new regulations that will be in place when Santa Anita and Golden Gate Fields kick off their winter-spring meets this month.

Joint Injections:

• No horse shall be permitted to race if it has received a joint injection within 14 days of racing.
• No horse shall be permitted to receive a corticosteroid intra-articular joint injection within fourteen (14) days of race day, if such injection is for any joint other than any of the metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joints.
• No horse shall be permitted to receive a corticosteroid intra-articular joint injection on any metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joint within thirty (30) days of race day.
• No horse shall be permitted to have a timed work for ten (10) days after receiving a corticosteroid intra-articular joint injection in any of the metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joints.

Lasix:

• All foals of 2018 (2-year-olds of 2020) will race with no race-day medication, which includes the use of Lasix.
• All horses foaled prior to 2018 shall only be permitted to receive a maximum of 250 mg. of furosemide (Lasix).

As always, TOC staff strives to provide our membership with the most current information on racing. If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email TOC at (626) 574-6620, or info@toconline.com.

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season, and best of luck in 2020!

Mary Forney
Executive Director