Drug ban wins initial OK in Ky.; 1st state to act
June 13, 2012LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky horse racing regulators have approved a limited ban on the race-day use of an anti-nose drug.
The state became the first in the country to take such action.
The measure would phase in the race-day ban on use of furosemide in graded or listed stakes races, beginning with 2-year-old horses in 2014. The ban would apply to the Kentucky Derby starting in 2015.
The drug is banned across much of the world because it is considered a performance enhancer.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission approved the proposal on a 7-5 vote Wednesday. The measure still needs the approval of state lawmakers.