Web campaigns for, against race-day Lasix launched

The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association on Thursday launched a Web site to lobby for a ban on the use of the anti-bleeder medication furosemide, known as Lasix, during races.

Cleanhorseracing.org features videos and scientific studies, as well as petitions and ways to contact state racing commissions.

Kentucky racing regulators will hold an information session May 16 on a proposal to phase in a ban on Lasix in graded or listed stakes races beginning next year. The proposal will likely be voted on in June.

Horsemen's groups, including the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, also launched an opposition Web campaign to urge the continued use of Lasix "for the health and safety of racehorses and riders."

This story was originally published May 10, 2012 at 5:14 PM with the headline "Web campaigns for, against race-day Lasix launched."