Citing potential to improve safety for riders, membership of the Jockeys’ Guild voted to support tightening of racehorse medication rules and penalties Jan. 29 at its annual assembly in Hollywood, Fla.

Members passed a resolution supporting The Jockey Club’s Reformed Racing Medication Rules including a two-category medication classification, progressive points-style penalties, and reciprocity among jurisdictions.

The guild does not support ending the use of race-day furosemide (commonly known as Salix or Lasix) as the resolution includes the statement that, "No race day medication shall be permitted with the exception of Lasix, which should be administered by an independent regulatory veterinarian. The drug is used to lessen the effects of a respiratory condition called exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage, which is characterized by bleeding into the lungs or out the nose during exercise.

"Our unanimous vote to support these rules should send a strong signal that the Jockeys’ Guild is united in efforts to make racing safer for both jockeys and horses," said guild chairman John Velazquez. "This is our livelihood and we strongly encourage these efforts which will strengthen the integrity of racing