Veterinarian's letter: Truth about Lasix being misrepresented to KHRC
Jennie Rees posted an open letter addressed to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commissioners from veterinarian Andrew Roberts to her blog at the Courier-Journal. Roberts, in his letter, asks the commissioners to listen to the pleas of those opposing the phase out of Lasix because he believes the commissioners are being misled on the facts about the drug.
One fact, writes Roberts is that "you CAN race without lasix, but you CANNOT race without bleeders!"
He continues to say this is a scientific fact and not a trainer's opinion. And if public perception is the problem, will a horse hemorrhaging at the Kentucky Derby help that perception?
Roberts also points out that the Equine Drug Research Council, of which he is a member, voted against the current proposal and it is "the ONLY tightening of medical procedures I have voted against during my tenure on that council. It should be noted, again, that no horse has been treated with any medications, other than those to ameliorate EIPH, since 2005."
The clean racing movement put together by the Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association has done nothing to help the perception of the sport, says Roberts. They imply, Roberts says, that Lasix is the problem but don't look at the other issues of cheating or give the facts behind Lasix use to the public.
In light of this, Roberts asks: "Have the clean racing people run any ads explaining that giving a horse a Starbucks and a chocolate poppyseed muffin for breakfast would likely result in a ten year suspension for the trainer?"
