The deaths of 22 horses since Dec. 26, 2018 at Santa Anita Park in Southern California has the attention of several groups and investigation teams trying to figure out why the horses died. A new set of regulations, including a plan to impose a to restrict the use of Lasix on race days has the track closed. The Lasix plan has to first be approved by the Thoroughbred Owners of California and then by the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB). Any agreement with the CHRB can come only after a 10-day public notice.
Meanwhile, investigators study the track service and how it is prepared for racing and workouts. District and state governments are calling for investigations into the deaths, as well as PETA and the Stronach Group.
Source: Los Angeles Times, March 15, 2019. Link. The Stronach Group plan comes with other medication rules that are encouraging to DVMs and trainers, including increasing the regulations on legal non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), joint injections, anabolic steroids and shock-wave therapy.
INSIGHTS: It is difficult to see all the considerations at play in this example. Regardless, the dog-pile of attention on the issues at Santa Anita will be felt by the racing industry around the globe. We can only hope those involved don’t lose sight of the horses’ health and safety priorities.