The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) Medication Committee voted Feb. 23 to endorse the use of race-day furosemide, also called Salix or Lasix, at this year’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

The National HBPA, as part of its winter convention in Clearwater, Fla., held a 90-minute veterinary panel discussion on the anti-bleeding medication. Florida HBPA executive director Kent Stirling, who chairs the Medication Committee, said indecision by the Breeders’ Cup board of directors at a Feb. 22 meeting spurred the vote.

"We can continue on with discussions about Lasix, but in the meantime let’s continue to use it," Stirling said.

The National HBPA and most other horsemen’s groups in North America have clearly stated their opposition to any plans to ban Salix on race day. No racing jurisdiction in North America has banned the drug on race day despite the Breeders’ Cup plan to not allow the medication’s use in all races in this year’s World Championships