ARCADIA, Calif. — Several major tracks, including all three sites of the Triple Crown, have agreed to phase out the use of an anti-bleeding medication starting next year, followed by the elimination of Lasix in stakes races in 2021.
Among the tracks that have come together on the divisive medication issue are Churchill Downs, Pimlico and Belmont — the hosts for the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont.
In 2021, the Triple Crown would be run for the first time under the new rules regarding race-day medication.
Starting in 2020, 2-year-old horses won’t be allowed to be treated with Lasix within 24 hours of racing. In 2021, the same prohibition would extend to all horses running in any stakes race at tracks in the coalition announced Thursday.
The Breeders’ Cup, thoroughbred racing’s world championships, is part of the coalition.