Hayward: For Now, Horse Racing Integrity Act Should ‘Set Lasix Off To The Side’

Former NYRA president Charles Hayward says that the 2017 Horse Racing Integrity Act is “the most important development in the regulation of Thoroughbred racing for decades,” according to his latest feature at thoroughbredracing.com. Despite those beliefs, Hayward is not confident that the bill can be passed as it is currently written.

“The 2017 version of the Horse Racing Integrity Act…prohibits administration of any medications on race day, including Lasix,” writes Hayward. “Yet, to get this legislation passed, it is my strong opinion that we have to set Lasix off to the side, get USADA in place, clean up the game and deal with the Lasix issue as an important priority of the new regulatory body. Lasix has to come out of the proposed bill.”

From his unique perspective as the head of NYRA, Hayward acknowledged that Lasix is an extremely polarizing issue for horsemen around the country. Therefore, the removal of the language regarding Lasix on the Horse Racing Integrity Act bill would facilitate its passage.

“We need owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys, regulators, racing executives, front and backside employees, customers and executives/employees of related companies that support the Thoroughbred racing and breeding business to come together and support a newly revised bill that would not stipulate the elimination of Lasix,” he concludes.

Read more at thoroughbredracing.com.

The post Hayward: For Now, Horse Racing Integrity Act Should ‘Set Lasix Off To The Side’ appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.