TALLAHASSEE, FL—JUNE 25, 2015—Beginning July 1, the anti-bleeding medication furosemide – commonly known as Salix or Lasix – will be the only therapeutic agent that can be administered on race days at Florida race tracks, including Hialelah Park.

The new restrictions are a result of legislation signed earlier this month by Florida Gov. Rick Scott requiring the state’s Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering to adopt rules governing therapeutic medications and testing procedures for horse racing.

Scott’s action, which followed unanimous passage of the reforms by the Florida House of Representatives and Senate, will bring the state’s racing industry in line with National Uniform Medication Program guidelines, which are adhered to by a majority of Thoroughbred and some Quarter Horse racing states.

These rules will be place by the end of the year for the 2015/2016 Hialeah Park Quarter Horse Meeting, according to FQHRA President Dr. Steve Fisch.

A key element of the regulations mandates an increase in the maximum fine for a medication violation from $5,000 to $10,000. This is in addition to the ARCI medication and penalty rules that have been adopted by the state. The new rules also adopt the Controlled Therapeutic Medication Schedule, which establishes testing thresholds for 26 commonly used drugs.

The legislation also requires a state-designated, equine drug-testing laboratory to participate in the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium and Association of Racing Commissioners International quality-assurance programs, further promoting uniformity with other states.

The bill, which requires regulators to have conforming rules in place by the end of 2015, was endorsed by all segments of the state’s racing industry, including the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association, the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association; the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association; breeders, owners, trainers, jockeys and fans.