The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HPBA) said July 24 it supports elimination of race-day medication use in Thoroughbred racing with the exception of the anti-bleeding drug Salix.

The National HBPA, in its unanimous action, said it supports continued use of Salix, or furosemide, only if it is administered at least four hours before a race by a regulatory veterinarian in the horse’s stall.

Salix and related drugs called adjunct bleeder medications are legal on race day. At the National HBPA meeting in Seattle, Wash., the organization said it supports an end to adjunct bleeder drugs.

The National HBPA based its position on race-day medication on scientific evidence that shows most racehorses will bleed sometime in their careers, and that Salix has been proven to reduce or prevent exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhaging. The group has long said using Salix is best for the welfare of horses and jockeys