HISA board votes to maintain status quo for Lasix use

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority board of directors voted to continue the regulatory status quo regarding the use of furosemide, commonly referred to as Lasix, in covered horses within the 48-hour period prior to a race.

Under to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020, HISA’s board was required to consider whether modification of the existing prohibition on furosemide was warranted. In accordance with the statutory framework, the board voted unanimously April 24 to adopt findings required for a modification of the prohibition, which continues the existing regulatory status quo.

Trainers who spoke of the matter with Horse Racing Nation endorsed the decision.

Bob Baffert said, "If I had a vote, I'd leave it the way it is."

Horsemen's groups also weighed in. Dr. Doug Daniels, president of the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, called the outcome a measured resolution.

"We appreciate the thoughtful and measured decision by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority to reconsider the role of Lasix in race-day care," Daniels said. "As the Board approached its vote, it was clear that concern among horsemen and women was intensifying, rooted in the practical realities of managing equine health and welfare without a widely accepted therapeutic tool.

"Horsemen across the country are encouraged that the Authority acknowledged both the science and the lived experience of horsemen in concluding that furosemide is not supported as a performance-enhancing substance. This outcome reflects the importance of open dialogue and the willingness to listen to those on the ground who are directly responsible for the health and safety of the horse.

"Moving forward, we remain committed to working collaboratively to ensure that policy decisions continue to be guided by science, horsemanship, and the best interests of the horse."

Under the act, any modification required a unanimous board vote on the following four findings:

1. That the modification is warranted.
2. That the modification is in the best interest of horse racing.
3. That furosemide has no performance-enhancing effect on individual horses.
4. That public confidence in the integrity and safety of racing would not be adversely affected by the modification.

The board unanimously adopted each of these findings and approved a modification to permit the use of furosemide within 48 hours prior to a race for covered horses, with the exception of 2-year-olds and horses competing in stakes races.

In reaching its decision, the board considered the findings and recommendations of the furosemide advisory committee, which included a finding that available scientific evidence does not support the assertion that furosemide is a performance-enhancing substance.

"Critics have opposed the treatment of racehorses with furosemide on race day, because they contend research has shown it can enhance performance and provide an unfair advantage for horses that are treated," according to the findings. "For years critics also have maintained that treatment with furosemide on race day can dilute the urine of horses and mask or compromise post-race testing for prohibited substances. Other critics have argued that repeated treatment with furosemide is detrimental to the health and welfare of the horse because chronic use of the medication disrupts the normal electrolyte and mineral balance in the horse that can predispose it to fatal musculoskeletal injury. These statements have not been scientifically proven."

Although the modification will take effect on May 23, 2026, it does not change the current regulatory treatment of furosemide that has been in place since the launch of HISA’s anti-doping and medication control program on May 23, 2023. This means that furosemide administration in the 48 hours prior to a race will continue to be permitted for all covered horses except 2-year-olds and horses competing in stakes races.

Click here to see the HISA board’s resolution and findings, along with the FAC Report and scientific research reports.