Racing problems in the U.S.A.

The article discusses the major problems affecting horse racing in the US, primarily due to the excessive frequency of races. The issues linked to this over-racing include a shortage of horses, small fields, unfit horses being raced, and increasing pressure for permissive medication. Certain states have introduced medication like phenylbutazone, but the attempts to control it have caused difficulties. The article also shares concerns regarding the use and detection of other illegal substances.

Over-Racing & The Resulting Problems

• The research underscores the issues created by having too many races in the United States, leading to fewer horses available for these races.
• This over-racing has also resulted in races with small fields. In such scenarios, the competitiveness and quality of the races may be compromised.
• Racing horses too frequently, often when they are not in suitable condition to run, is another negative impact of over-racing which risks the horses’ well-being.

Pressure for Permissive Medication

• Horsemen seeking to race their horses as frequently as possible have put consistent pressure on racing organizations for the allowance of permissive medication. This pressure has resulted in some states allowing the use of specific medications, with Colorado being the first.
• The drug that opened the door for permissive medication was phenylbutazone, but this has escalated to the incorporation of other drugs, including analgesics and those some veterinarians argue are required for therapeutic purposes.

Issues with Drug Control and Detection

• Attempts by some states to regulate the use of phenylbutazone have been problematic and impractical, particularly when trying to set maximum allowable limits.
• The article expresses concern on the abuse of the drug frusemide (also known as furosemide or lasix), specifically for treating “bleeders” or horses suffering from epistaxis. The author argues that the use of frusemide should be restricted to proven bleeders, as misuse of the drug may interfere with drug detection in urine tests.
• It also points out that while pre-race blood testing initiated about a decade ago at harness tracks, flat tracks have largely been successful in resisting this. The testing methods current labs use, including post-race urine testing, are inadequate for detecting many illegal drugs.