The National Steeplechase Association’s Board of Directors voted unanimously on Jan. 17 to adopt the Mid Atlantic Uniform Medication Program rules.

The rules make Lasix (the diuretic furosemide, whose veterinary trade name is Salix) the only medication that can be administered on race day, and then only by a designated veterinarian.

The rules identify 24 controlled therapeutic substances that can be administered to the horse. All other medications are prohibited. There are also recommended dosages and suggested pre-race withdrawal guidelines.

The Controlled Therapeutic Substances are:  acepromazine, betamethasone, butorphanol, clenbuterol, dantrolene, detomidine, dexamethasone, diclofenac, DMSO, firocoxib, flunixin, furosemide, glycopyrrolate, ketoprofen, lidocaine, mepivacaine, methocarbamol, methylprednisolone, omeprazole, phenylbutazone, prednisolone, procaine penicillin, triamcinolone acetonide and xylazine.

The medication program was developed and championed by Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association Chairman Alan Foreman, who also is the NSA’s general counsel. So far, 11 states have adopted the standards, including all pari-mutuel states in which steeplechase racing is conducted. Laboratories in the participating states will test using the same technology. 

“The Mid Atlantic Uniform Medication Program represents a meaningful effort to standardize medication rules across the racing industry, and the National Steeplechase Association wholeheartedly supports that effort,” said NSA President Guy J. Torsilieri. “Our board’s approval of the uniform medication rules signals our commitment to best practices for the benefit of our horses, our horsemen, and the sport.”