Committee gives OK to begin Lasix survey study for 2-year-olds

The Maryland Equine Safety, Health and Welfare Advisory Committee July 31 approved a motion authorizing a survey study of all 2-year-olds who race in the state this year to determine the extent of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage.

The committee, which falls under the Maryland Racing Commission, said the process of veterinarians taking video endoscopies will begin with the first 2-year-old races at Laurel Park. No 2-year-old races have been run this year—an agreement between the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and The Stronach Group/Maryland Jockey Club on a no-Lasix "pilot program" ended the impasse that has forced 2-year-olds to race out of state for two months—but a ruling from the Maryland Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review Committee on an emergency regulation allowing non-Lasix 2-year-old races was expected within days.