The Thoroughbred Racing Associations (TRA) has endorsed a policy for medication reform supported by many industry stakeholders, but so far acted upon piecemeal in various jurisdictions.

The TRA, in a June 21 release that stemmed from its board of directors meeting in May, supports just about all the reforms put forth by industry organizations except a ban on race-day furosemide (Salix or Lasix).

Racetracks as a group have been silent on the phase-out or ban of Salix, but the TRA policy suggests that, for now at least, they have no appetite to support an end to using the anti-bleeding drug on race day. The TRA does support regulatory or third-party administration of the drug.

The racetrack trade group said the policy of safety measures is designed to ensure that "only sound horses compete in North American Thoroughbred races." The policy calls for use of fewer therapeutic medications (roughly 25 instead of 50), a stronger penalty structure for violators, and elimination of treatments that can threaten horses while racing