In the wake of The Stronach Group's ban on race-day Lasix announced last month, tracks in New York and Kentucky are in discussions on a plan to instate the same restriction in stakes races and races for 2-year-olds, according to a report from the Daily Racing Form Tuesday. The story goes on to say that the plan “would go into effect for 2-year-olds in 2020 and then be expanded to all stakes at the tracks in 2021” according to three anonymous officials with knowledge of the talks. Officials at NYRA and Keeneland did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
In response to its spate of breakdowns over the winter, Santa Anita moved to ban Lasix Mar. 14 in a decision that seemed certain to have ripple effects across the country. The announcement came in an open letter from The Stronach Group Chairman and President Belinda Stronach that called on all of racing's participants to respond boldly to the public pressure being put on the sport, largely by animal rights activists.
This story will be updated as it develops.
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