Lasix Ban Debate Intensifies: New York Horsemen Anticipate Reduced Racing

New York horsemen are bracing for potential changes to race-day medication rules, with a significant majority indicating they would likely race fewer horses if the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) expands the ban on Lasix (furosemide). A recent survey conducted by the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) reveals widespread concern among trainers and owners regarding the potential impact of a complete prohibition of the medication.

Current Lasix Regulations

Currently, the race-day leverage of furosemide is prohibited in all 2-year-vintage races and within 48 hours of all stakes races, a rule implemented following the creation of HISA’s Anti-Doping Medication Control (ADMC) Program in May 2023. The NYTHA is assessing the potential impact as a May vote by the HISA board of directors looms, which will determine the future use of the medication. Most states currently operate under a three-year exemption for race-day use in all other races, set to expire on May 22nd.

Survey Findings: Impact on Racing Participation

The NYTHA survey, published in its Winter 2026 newsletter, found that 80.9% of respondents (123 horsemen) reported they would likely race fewer horses if a total ban on race-day Lasix were enacted. A further 13.2% (20 respondents) indicated they would likely maintain their current racing volume, even as a modest percentage (6.6%, or 10 respondents) anticipated potentially racing more. Thoroughbred Daily News reported on these findings on March 2, 2026.

Experiences with the Existing Lasix Restrictions

The survey similarly explored horsemen’s experiences with the existing restrictions on Lasix in 2-year-old races and stakes races. Approximately 46.6% of respondents (68 people) reported observing an increase in both the number and severity of bleeding episodes in 2-year-olds since Lasix was prohibited in that age group. An additional 26.7% (39 people) noted an increase in the number of bleeding episodes, but not their severity.

A significant 80.3% of respondents (122 horsemen) stated they had bypassed stakes races specifically to retain the option of using Lasix in allowance or overnight races. Nearly half (49.3%, or 72 respondents) reported that the prohibition of Lasix for 2-year-olds resulted in some of their horses being unable to race at that age or being sidelined until they turned three due to bleeding episodes.

Long-Term Career Impacts and Retirement Rates

Concerns extend beyond immediate racing participation. Sixty percent (88 respondents) of those surveyed believe the prohibition of Lasix in 2-year-old races has negatively impacted those horses’ long-term careers.

Regarding retirement rates, the survey indicated that a plurality of respondents (38%) reported that 10% or less of the horses in their stables had to be retired due to exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH)-associated conditions over the last three years. However, a substantial portion (19%) reported that closer to 20% of their horses had been retired while 12% indicated around 30% and 7.7% reported 50% or more.

HISA Studies on Furosemide

The federal legislation that created HISA mandates a ban on race-day Lasix and a three-year study of its effects. HISA’s Furosemide Advisory Committee selected and funded three research projects, with results submitted by the end of January. These projects include:

• Furosemide Treatment and Racehorse Health and Welfare: Examining the effects of race-day furosemide on horse health, welfare and racing performance, including analysis of fatal injury rates and performance metrics.
• Effects of Repeated Furosemide Administration: Investigating the impact of repeated furosemide use on electrolyte homeostasis, parathyroid response, and bone density.
• Furosemide, EIPH, and Racing Careers: Assessing the impact of severe EIPH on horses’ careers and the racing industry, including whether Lasix treatment is associated with longer careers and more starts.

Looking Ahead

The NYTHA survey underscores the significant concerns within the New York racing community regarding the potential expansion of the Lasix ban. The upcoming HISA vote will be pivotal in shaping the future of medication regulations and, potentially, the landscape of Thoroughbred racing in the United States. BloodHorse.com provides further coverage of this developing story.