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Road To The 2021 Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks Is Lasix Free

Following the Kentucky Jockey Club (Grade 2G) at Churchill Downs, Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) and Breeders' Futurity (G1) winner Essential Quality remained atop the “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” leaderboard for 2020-2021 with 30 points but Saturday's winner Keepmeinmind added 10 to his total and moved into second position with 18 overall.

Champagne (G1) winner Jackie's Warrior is next on the list after the first six races with 12 points and is followed by American Pharoah winner Get Her Number (10) and Iroquois winner Sittin On Go (10).

The ninth annual series of select races will determine the preference list for the 20-horse Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) on Saturday, May 1, 2021, by awarding a sliding scale of points to the Top 4 finishers in each race. The 2021 Kentucky Derby will mark the first year the classic race will be run without the permitted use of furosemide (often referred to by the brand name, Lasix). In a change this year, points will only be awarded to horses who compete on race day without Lasix in Road to the Kentucky Derby races.

The total number of races in the primary “Road to the Kentucky Derby” series features 36 marquee races scheduled. The 20-race “Prep Season,” which features foundation-building races over a minimum of one mile between mid-September and mid-February, are worth 10-4-2-1 to the top four placings, respectively, except for the Nov. 6 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1), which was worth twice as much (20-8-4-2).

Other “Prep Season” races include the Dec. 5 Remsen, Dec. 18 Springboard Mile, Dec. 19 Los Alamitos Futurity, Jan. 1 Jerome, Jan. 2 Sham, Jan. 16 Lecomte, Jan. 22 Smarty Jones, Jan. 30 Holy Bull, Jan. 30 Robert B. Lewis, Feb. 6 Withers, Feb. 6 Sam F. Davis, February's John Battaglia Memorial, February's El Camino Real Derby and Feb. 15 Southwest.

The 16-race “Championship Series” comprise springboard events that often bring the 3-year-old picture into sharper focus. Most first leg races offer 50-20-10-5 points to the Top 4 finishers: the Feb. 13 Risen Star, Feb. 27 Fountain of Youth, March 6 Gotham, March 6 Tampa Bay Derby, March 6 San Felipe, March 13 Rebel and March's Sunland Derby. The most meaningful races are worth 100-40-20-10: March's Jeff Ruby Steaks, March 20 Louisiana Derby, March 27 UAE Derby, March 27 Florida Derby, April 3 Wood Memorial, April's Blue Grass, April 3 Santa Anita Derby and April 10 Arkansas Derby. Additionally, the April 10 Lexington offers points on a scale of 20-8-4-2 to the first four placings.

With increased interest by Kentucky horsemen and Churchill Downs Incorporated's investment and redevelopment of Turfway Park to enhance winter/spring racing on the Kentucky circuit, the John Battaglia Memorial has been added as a “Prep Season” race and the Jeff Ruby Steaks has been boosted from 20-8-4-2 to 100-40-20-10.

In addition to the primary “Road to the Kentucky Derby” series, there are two separate series that each carve out one spot for a potential horse from Europe and Japan.

The fifth-year Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby series again features four races: Saturday's Cattleya (10-4-2-1 and won by Lemon Drop), Dec. 16 Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun (20-8-4-2), February's Hyacinth (30-12-6-3) and March's Fukuryu (40-16-8-4).

The fourth-year European Road to the Kentucky Derby again showcases seven races: theJuddmonte Royal Lodge (10-4-2-1 and won by New Mandate-IRE), Smurfit Beresford (10-4-2-1 and won by High Definition-IRE), Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère (10-4-2-1 and won by Sealiway-FR),Vertem Futurity Trophy (10-4-2-1 and won by Mac Swiney-IRE), March's Road to the Kentucky Derby Condition Stakes (20-8-4-2), March's Patton Stakes (20-8-4-2) and April's Cardinal Condition Stakes (30-12-6-3).

Churchill Downs has used a point system to determine entrants for its famed Kentucky Derby since 2013. At least 20 horses have entered the “Run for the Roses” in 19 of the last 22 years and every year from 2004-19.

The 1 ¼-mile classic for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds is scheduled to be run at the historic Louisville racetrack for the 147^th consecutive year on Saturday, May 1, 2021.

A similar series remains in place to qualify for the Kentucky Derby's sister race, the $1.25 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/8 miles on Friday, April 30, 2021. There will be 31 races for the “Road to the Kentucky Oaks” series – 16 “Prep Season” races and 15 “Championship Series” races.

Like the Derby, points will only be awarded to horses who compete on race day without Lasix in Road to the Kentucky Oaks races.

2020-21 ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY SCHEDULE
36 Races

Kentucky Derby Prep Season (20 races)

Date	Race	Racetrack	Distance	1^st (Points)	2^nd (Points)	3^rd (Points)	4^th (Points)
Sept. 5	Iroquois	Churchill Downs	1 Mile	Sittin On Go (10)	Midnight Bourbon (4)	Super Stock (2)	Therideofalifetime (1)
Sept. 26	American Pharoah	Santa Anita	1 1/16 Miles	Get Her Number (10)	Rombauer (4)	Speilberg (2)	Waspirant (1)
Oct. 3	Breeders' Futurity	Keeneland	1 1/16 Miles	Essential Quality (10)	Keepmeinmind (4)	Super Stock (2)	Upstriker (1)
Oct. 10	Champagne	Belmont Park	1 Mile	Jackie's Warrior (10)	Reinvestment Risk (4)	Midnight Bourbon (2)	Civil War (1)
Nov. 6	Breeders' Cup Juvenile	Keeneland	1 1/16 Miles	Essential Quality (20)	Hot Rod Charlie (8)	Keepmeinmind (4)	Jackie's Warrior (2)
Nov. 28	Kentucky Jockey Club	Churchill Downs	1 1/16 Miles	Keepmeinmind (10)	Smiley Sobotka (4)	Arabian Prince (2)	Swill (1)
Dec. 5	Remsen	Aqueduct	1 1/8 Miles	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Dec. 18	Springboard Mile	Remington Park	1 Mile	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Dec. 19	Los Alamitos Futurity	Los Alamitos	1 1/16 Miles	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Jan. 1	Jerome	Aqueduct	1 Mile	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Jan. 2	Sham	Santa Anita	1 Mile	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Jan. 16	Lecomte	Fair Grounds	1 1/16 Miles	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Jan. 22	Smarty Jones	Oaklawn Park	1 Mile	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Jan. 30	Holy Bull	Gulfstream Park	1 1/16 Miles	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Jan. 30	Robert B. Lewis	Santa Anita	1 1/16 Miles	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Feb. 6	Withers	Aqueduct	1 1/8 Miles	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Feb. 6	Sam F. Davis	Tampa Bay Downs	1 1/16 Miles	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Feb. 2020	John Battaglia Memorial	Turfway Park	1 1/16 M (AW)	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Feb. 2020	El Camino Real Derby	Golden Gate	1 1/8 Miles (AW)	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Feb. 15	Southwest	Oaklawn Park	1 1/16 Miles	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)

Kentucky Derby Championship Series (16 races)

Date	Race	Racetrack	Distance	1^st (Points)	2^nd (Points)	3^rd (Points)	4^th (Points)
Feb. 13	Risen Star	Fair Grounds	1 1/8 Miles	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
Feb. 27	Fountain of Youth	Gulfstream Park	1 1/16 Miles	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
March 6	Gotham	Aqueduct	1 Mile	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
March 6	Tampa Bay Derby	Tampa Bay Downs	1 1/16 Miles	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
March 6	San Felipe	Santa Anita	1 1/16 Miles	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
March 13	Rebel	Oaklawn Park	1 1/16 Miles	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
March 2021	Jeff Ruby Steaks	Turfway Park	1 1/8 Miles (AW)	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
March 20	Louisiana Derby	Fair Grounds	1 3/16 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
March 2021	Sunland Derby	Sunland Park	1 1/8 Miles	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
March 27	UAE Derby	Meydan Racecourse	1 3/16 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
March 27	Florida Derby	Gulfstream Park	1 1/8 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
April 3	Wood Memorial	Aqueduct	1 1/8 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
April 2021	Blue Grass	Keeneland	1 1/8 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
April 3	Santa Anita Derby	Santa Anita	1 1/8 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
April 10	Arkansas Derby	Oaklawn Park	1 1/8 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
April 2021	Lexington	Keeneland	1 1/16 Miles	(20)	(8)	(4)	(2)

2020-21 EUROPEAN ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY SCHEDULE
7 Races

Date	Race	Racetrack	Distance	1^st (Points)	2^nd (Points)	3^rd (Points)	4^th (Points)
Sept. 26	Juddmonte Royal Lodge	Newmarket (GB)	1 Mile (T)	New Mandate (Ire) (10)	Ontario (Ire) (4)	Cobh (Ire) (2)	Gear Up (Ire) (1)
Sept. 26	Smurfit Beresford	Curragh (Ire)	1 Mile (T)	High Definition (Ire) (10)	Monaasib (GB) (4)	Snapraeterea (Ire) (2)	Sir Lucan (Ire) (1)
Oct. 4	Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère	Longchamp (Fr)	7 Furlongs (T)	Sealiway (Fr) (10)	Nando Parrado (GB) (4)	Laws Of Indices (Ire) (2)	Libertine (Ire) (1)
Oct. 24	Vertem Futurity Trophy	Doncaster (GB)	1 Mile (T)	Mac Swiney (Ire) (10)	One Ruler (Ire) (4)	Baradar (Ire) (2)	Cobh (Ire) (1)
March 2021	Road to the Kentucky Derby Condition Stakes	Kempton Park (GB)	1 Mile (AW)	(20)	(8)	(4)	(2)
March 2021	Patton (Listed)	Dundalk (Ire)	1 Mile (AW)	(20)	(8)	(4)	(2)
April 2021	Cardinal Condition Stakes	Chelmsford City (GB)	1 Mile (AW)	(30)	(12)	(6)	(3)

2020-21 JAPAN ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY SCHEDULE
4 Races

Date	Race	Racetrack	Distance	1^st (Points)	2^nd (Points)	3^rd (Points)	4^th (Points)
Nov. 28	Cattleya	Tokyo Racecourse	1 Mile	Lemon Pop (10)	Takeru Pegasus (Jpn) (4)	Plus Ultra (Jpn) (2)	Shin Yomoginesu (Jpn) (1)
Dec. 16	Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun	Kawasaki Racecourse	1 Mile	(20)	(8)	(4)	(2)
Feb. 2021	Hyacinth	Tokyo Racecourse	1 Mile	(30)	(12)	(6)	(3)
March 2021	Fukuryu	Nakayama Racecourse	1 1/8 Miles	(40)	(16)	(8)	(4)

2020-21 ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY OAKS SCHEDULE
31 Races

Kentucky Oaks Prep Season (16 races)

Date	Race	Racetrack	Distance	1^st	2^nd	3^rd	4^th
Sept. 3	Pocahontas	Churchill Downs	1 Mile	Girl Daddy (10)	Crazy Beautiful (4)	Alexandria (2)	Xtrema (1)
Sept. 26	Chandelier	Santa Anita	1 1/16 Miles	Princess Noor (10)	Varda (4)	Miss Costa Rica (2)	Illumination (1)
Oct. 2	Alcibiades	Keeneland	1 1/16 Miles	Simply Ravishing (10)	Crazy Beautiful (4)	Travel Column (2)	Thoughtfully (1)
Oct. 10	Frizette	Belmont Park	1 Mile	Dayoutoftheoffice (10)	Vequist (4)	Cilla (2)	Joy's Rocket (1)
Nov. 6	BC Juvenile Fillies	Keeneland	1 1/16 Miles	Vequist (20)	Dayoutoftheoffice (8)	Girl Daddy (4)	Simply Ravishing (2)
Nov. 28	Golden Rod	Churchill Downs	1 1/16 Miles	Travel Column (10)	Clairiere (4)	Coach (2)	Simply Ravishing (1)
Dec. 5	Demoiselle	Aqueduct	1 1/8 Miles	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Dec. 5	Starlet	Los Alamitos	1 1/16 Miles	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Jan. 3	Santa Ynez	Santa Anita	7 Furlongs	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Jan. 16	Silverbulletday	Fair Grounds	1 Mile 70 Yards	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Jan. 24	Busanda	Aqueduct	1 1/8 Miles	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Jan. 30	Forward Gal	Gulfstream Park	7 Furlongs	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Jan. 30	Martha Washington	Oaklawn Park	1 Mile	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Feb. 6	Suncoast	Tampa Bay Downs	1 Mile 40 Yards	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Feb. 6	Las Virgenes	Santa Anita	1 Mile	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Feb. 2020	Cincinnati Trophy	Turfway Park	6 ½ F (AW)	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)

Kentucky Oaks Championship Series (15 races)

Date	Race	Racetrack	Distance	1^st	2^nd	3^rd	4^th
Feb. 13	Rachel Alexandra	Fair Grounds	1 1/16 Miles	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
Feb. 18	UAE Oaks	Meydan Racecourse	1 3/16 Miles	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
Feb. 27	Davona Dale	Gulfstream Park	1 Mile	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
March 6	Busher Invitational	Aqueduct	1 Mile	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
March 6	Honeybee	Oaklawn Park	1 1/16 Miles	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
March 7	Santa Ysabel	Santa Anita	1 1/16 Miles	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
March 2020	Bourbonette Oaks	Turfway Park	1 Mile (AW)	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
March 20	Fair Grounds Oaks	Fair Grounds	1 1/16 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
March 2020	Sunland Park Oaks	Sunland Park	1 1/16 Miles	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
March 27	Gulfstream Park Oaks	Gulfstream Park	1 1/16 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
April 3	Santa Anita Oaks	Santa Anita	1 1/16 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
April 3	Gazelle	Aqueduct	1 1/8 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
April 2020	Ashland	Keeneland	1 1/16 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
April 3	Fantasy	Oaklawn Park	1 1/16 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
April 2020	Beaumont	Keeneland	7 Furlongs	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)

Schedule subject to change. … (T) = Turf … (AW) = Synthetic … Race dates and distances to be announced by host track; date based on recent historical placement.

HOW TO GET INTO THE KENTUCKY DERBY STARTING GATE – The Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve is a series of races that awards points to the Top 4 finishers in each race. The top 18 point earners will earn a spot in the starting gate for the 147^th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I), which is rescheduled for Saturday, May 1, 2021. One invitation will be extended to the top point earners in the Europe Road to the Kentucky Presented by Woodford Reserve and one invitation will be extended to the top point earners in the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve. The Kentucky Derby field has been limited to 20 starters since 1975. At least 20 horses have entered the 1 ¼-mile race for 3-year-olds in 19 of the last 22 years and every year from 2004-19.

Rank	Horse	Points	Owner(s)	Trainer	Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings
1.	Essential Quality	30	Godolphin LLC	Brad Cox	$1,280,000
2.	Keepmeinmind	18	Cypress Creek LLC & Arnold Bennewith	Robertino Diodoro	$379,040
3.	Jackie's Warrior	12	J. Kirk & Judy Robison	Steve Asmussen	$457,500
4.	Get Her Number	10	Gary Barber	Peter Miller	$186,000
5.	Sittin On Go	10	Albaugh Family Stables LLC (Dennis Albaugh & Jason Loustch)	Dale Romans	$139,800
6.	Hot Rod Charlie	8	Roadrunner Racing, Boat Racing LLC & Strauss Bros Racing	Doug O'Neill	$340,000
7.	Midnight Bourbon	6	Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC (Ron Winchell)	Steve Asmussen	$68,000
8.	Rombauer	4	John & Diane Fradkin	Michael McCarthy	$120,500
9.	Reinvestment Risk	4	Klaravich Stables Inc.	Chad Brown	$120,000
10.	Super Stock	4	Erv Woolsey & Keith Asmussen	Steve Asmussen	$59,000
11.	Smiley Sobotka	4	Albaugh Family Stables LLC (Dennis Albaugh)	Dale Romans	$38,400
12.	Spielberg	2	SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Golconda Stables, Siena Farm LLC & Robert E. Masterson	Bob Baffert	$86,000
13.	Arabian Prince	2	West Point Thoroughbreds (Terry Finley et al) & William Sandbrook	Dallas Stewart	$24,063
14.	Therideofalifetime	1	Stephen L. Fidel	Ignacio Correas IV	$39,500
15.	Upstriker	1	William S. Sparks, Brereton C. Jones, & Robert V. LaPenta	Ron Moquett	$20,000
16.	Waspirant	1	Martin J. Wygod, Pam Wygod & Lessee	John Shirreffs	$18,000
17.	Civil War	1	Mark. T. Anderson	Tom Albertrani	$15,000
18.	Swill	1	Kueber Racing LLC (Rick Kueber) & Ten Strike Racing (Marshall Gramm)	Brad Cox	$9,600

EUROPEAN ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY – First staged in 2018, the “European Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” is a stand-alone series that is separate from America's “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” sequence. Only one invitation to compete in the Kentucky Derby will be extended with preference given to the horses with the most points in the “European Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” series. No invitation will be extended beyond the Top 4 point earners but if a horse also qualifies through America's “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” series, the invite will be extended to the next eligible horse. If two or more horses have the same number of points, the tiebreakers are earnings in non-restricted stakes races through April 10, 2021 followed by lifetime earnings through April 10, 2021. Since 1967, there have been 49 horses who previously raced outside North America and ran in the Kentucky Derby. Venezuela's Canonero II won the 1971 Derby, while Bold Arrangement (GB), who was campaigned in Great Britain and France, finished second to Ferdinand in the 1986 renewal.

Rank	Horse	Points	Owner(s)	Trainer	Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings
1.	Sealiway (Fr)	10	Harasdelagousserie/G.Pariente	Frederic Rossi	$235,281
2.	Mac Swiney (Ire)	10	Mrs. J. S. Bolger	James Bolger	$232,127
3.	New Mandate (Ire)	10	Marc Chan	Ralph Beckett	$90,436
4.	High Definition (Ire)	10	Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Mrs. A.M. O'Brien	Aidan O'Brien	$55,830
5.	Nando Parrado (GB)	4	M McCartan	Clive Cox	$164,769
6.	One Ruler (Ire)	4	Godolphin	Charlie Appleby	$101,005
7.	Ontario (Ire)	4	Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith	Aidan O'Brien	$49,261
8.	Monaasib (GB)	4	Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum	Kevin Prendergast	$17,680
9.	Cobh (Ire)	3	China Horse Club International Ltd.	Clive Cox	$52,500
10.	Laws of Indices (Ire)	2	Cr Holmes	Ken Condon	$95,500
11.	Baradar (Ire)	2	Amo Racing Limited	Roger Varian	$31,380
12.	Snapraeterea (Ire)	2	J.P. Farrell	Joseph O'Brien	$24,574
13.	Gear Up (Ire)	1	Teme Valley	Mark Johnston	$138,515
14.	Libertine (Ire)	1	J Romel	Fabrice Vermeulen	$25,155
15.	Sir Lucan (Ire)	1	Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Mrs. John Magnier	Aidan O'Brien	$3,722

JAPAN ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY – First staged in 2017, the “Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” is a separate sequence of four races from America's “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” series. Only one invitation to compete in the Kentucky Derby will be extended with preference given to the horses with the most points in the “Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” series. If a horse also qualifies through America's “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” series, an additional invite could be extended. If two or more horses have the same number of points, the tiebreaker is lifetime earnings through April 10, 2021. Three horses based in Japan have run in the Kentucky Derby: Ski Captain (14^th, 1995), Lani (9^th, 2016) and Master Fencer (JPN) (6^th, 2019).

Rank	Horse	Points	Owner(s)	Trainer	Lifetime Earnings
1.	Lemon Pop	10	Godolphin LLC	Hiroyasu Tanaka	*$223,748
2.	Takeru Pegasus (Jpn)	4	Yasuhiko Mori	Yukhiro Kato	*$137,992
3.	Plus Ultra (Jpn)	2	Mill Farm Co. Ltd.	Takahisa Tezuka	*$128,826
4.	Shin Yomoginesu (Jpn)	1	Shinji Okamoto	Keizo Ito	*$95,221

* Estimated earnings; awaiting final updated conversions

HOW TO GET INTO THE KENTUCKY OAKS STARTING GATE – The Road to the Kentucky Oaks is a series that awards points to the Top 4 finishers in each race. The Top 14 point earners nominated to the Longines Kentucky Oaks will earn a spot in the starting gate for the 147^th running of the Longines Kentucky Oaks (Grade I), which is scheduled for Friday, April 30, 2021. The 1 1/8-mile Oaks is the nation's premier race for 3-year-old fillies.

Rank	Horse	Points	Owner(s)	Trainer	Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings
1.	Vequist	24	Gary Barber, Wachtel Stable & Swilcan Stable LLC	“Butch” Reid Jr.	$1,227,500
2.	Dayoutoftheoffice	18	Timothy E. Hamm & Siena Farm LLC	Timothy Hamm	$532,500
3.	Girl Daddy	14	Albaugh Family Stables LLC (Dennis Albaugh & Jason Loustch)	Dale Romans	$299,040
4.	Simply Ravishing	13	Harold Lerner LLC, Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek) & NehocStables	Kenny McPeek	$374,600
5.	Travel Column	12	OXO Equine LLC (Larry Best)	Brad Cox	$154,040
6.	Princess Noor	10	Zedan Racing Stables Inc.	Bob Baffert	$330,000
7.	Crazy Beautiful	8	Phoenix Thoroughbred LTD	Kenny McPeek	$206,645
8.	Varda	4	Baoma Corporation	Bob Baffert	$40,000
9.	Clairiere	4	Stonestreet Stables LLC (Barbara Banke)	Steve Asmussen	$38,400
10.	Coach	2	Kueber Racing LLC (Rick Kueber)	Brad Cox	$77,640
11.	Cilla	2	P. Dale Ladner	Bentley Combs	$32,000
12.	Miss Costa Rica	2	Carroll Boys Racing, Sayjay Racing LLC, Jerry McClanahan & Richard Baltas	Richard Baltas	$24,000
13.	Alexandria	2	WinStar Farm LLC, Blazing Meadows Farm LLC & Michael Lewis	Timothy Hamm	$21,200
14.	Thoughtfully	1	Heider Family Stables LLC	Steve Asmussen	$120,000
15.	Joy's Rocket	1	Team Hanley & Parkland Thoroughbreds	Steve Asmussen	$76,400
16.	Illumination	1	George Bolton, Peter Leidel, Karin Leidel, Barry Lipman & Kerri Radcliffe	Bob Baffert	$42,000
17.	Xtrema	1	Big Chief Racing LLC, Rocker O Ranch LLC & J. Keith Desormeaux	Keith Desormeaux	$17,838

RTKD AND RTKO RULES
TIEBREAKERS –

America's Road to the Kentucky Derby and Road to the Kentucky Oaks: If two or more horses have the same number of points, the tiebreaker is earnings in non-restricted stakes races. In the case of remaining ties, the additional starter(s) and/or also-eligible horses shall be determined by lifetime earnings. In the case of remaining ties, the additional starter(s) and/or also-eligible horses shall be determined by lot (aka a “shake”).
European Road to the Kentucky Derby: If two or more horses have the same number of points, the tiebreaker is earnings in non-restricted stakes races through April 10, 2021. In the case of remaining ties, the additional starter(s) and/or also-eligible horses shall be determined by lifetime earnings through April 10, 2021. In the case of remaining ties, the additional starter(s) and/or also-eligible horses shall be determined by lot (aka a “shake”). Any points earned in America's “Road to the Kentucky Derby” will be credited to the horse's point total in the “European Road to the Kentucky Derby.”
Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby: If two or more horses have the same number of points, the tiebreaker is lifetime earnings through April 10, 2021. In the case of remaining ties, the additional starter(s) and/or also-eligible horses shall be determined by lot (aka a “shake”). Any points earned in America's “Road to the Kentucky Derby” will be credited to the horse's point total in the “Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby.”

FILLIES – If a filly wants to run in the Kentucky Derby she can, but she'll have to earn her way into the field by accumulating points against open company just like the rest of the colts and geldings. Additionally, any points earned by a filly in the “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” series against open company will be credited to her point total in the “Road to the Kentucky Oaks” series.

DEAD-HEATS – In the event of a dead-heat (tie) those horses will divide equally the points they would have received jointly had one beaten the other.

SPLIT DIVISIONS – In the event a race is split into divisions and each division awards its originally published purse money, points will be awarded as scheduled for each division. If the originally published purse is reduced for each division, points will be reduced proportionally as well.

LASIX – The 2021 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks will mark the first year those races will be run without the permitted use of Furosemide (often referred to by the brand name, Lasix). Points will only be awarded to horses who compete on race day without Lasix in Road to the Kentucky Derby and Road to the Kentucky Oaks races.

MEDICATION VIOLATIONS – If the connections of a horse have been notified by a regulatory body about a medication violation from participation in a Road to the Kentucky Derby or Road to the Kentucky Oaks race, and that violation would result in disqualification, any accrued points from the race will be revoked until the matter reaches a legal conclusion. Accrued points will be reinstated if the matter is legally overturned prior to the running of the Kentucky Derby or Kentucky Oaks.

ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY LEADERBOARD HISTORY – FINAL

2020 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Tiz the Law (372), 2. Authentic (200), 3. Honor A. P. (140), 4. Ny Traffic (110), 5. King Guillermo (90), 6. Thousand Words (83), 7. Max Player (60), 8. Enforceable (43), 9. Major Fed (38), 10. Storm the Court (36), 11. Attachment Rate (35), 12. Sole Volante (30), 13. Finnick the Fierce (25), 14. Winning Impression (20), 15. South Bend (18), 16. Necker Island (14), 17. Mr. Big News (0, $129,500) and 18. Money Moves (0, $0, $67,400).

2019 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Tacitus (150), 2. Omaha Beach (137.5), 3. Vekoma (110), 4. Plus Que Parfait (104), 5. Roadster (100, $636,000), 6. By My Standards (100, $600,000), 7. Maximum Security (100, $582,800), 8. Game Winner (85), 9. Code of Honor (74), 10.Haikal (70), 11. Improbable (65), 12. War of Will (60), 13. Long Range Toddy (53.5), 14. Tax (52), 15. Cutting Humor (50, $462,467), 16. WinWin Win (50, $220,000), 17. Country House (50, $220,000), 18. Gray Magician (41), 19. Spinoff (40, $224,000), 20. Master Fencer (JPN) (Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby Invite) and AE 21. Bodexpress (40, $188,000).

2018 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Magnum Moon (150), 2. Good Magic (134), 3. Audible (110, $803,520), 4. Noble Indy (110, $640,000), 5. Vino Rosso (107), 6. Bolt d'Oro (104), 7. Enticed (103), 8. Mendelssohn (100, $1,947,299), 9. Justify (100, $600,000), 10. Flameaway (70), 11. Solomini (54, $716,000), 12. Bravazo (54, $359,913), 13. My Boy Jack (52, $622,000), 14. Promises Fulfilled (52, $266,480), 15. Free Drop Billy (44), 16. Lone Sailor (42), 17. Hofburg (40), 18. Firenze Fire (39), 19. Combatant (32), 20. Instilled Regard (29) and AE 21. Blended Citizen (22).

2017 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Girvin (150), 2. Classic Empire (132), 3. Gormley (125), 4. Irap (113), 5. Irish War Cry (110), 6. Thunder Snow-IRE (100, $1,621,063), 7. Always Dreaming (100, $589,000), 8. Gunnevera (84), 9. Practical Joke (74), 10. J Boys Echo (63), 11. State of Honor (62), 12. Tapwrit (54), 13. Hence (50, $401,429), 14. Fast and Accurate (50, $320,712), 15. McCraken (40, $385,048), 16. Battle of Midway (40, $224,000), 17. Patch (40, $200,000), 18. Untrapped (34), 19. Lookin At Lee (32), 20. Sonneteer (30, $236,000), AE 21. Royal Mo (30, $213,000) and AE 22. Master Plan (20).

2016 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Gun Runner (151), 2. Nyquist (130), 3. Exaggerator (126), 4. Outwork (120), 5. Brody's Cause (114), 6. Creator (110), 7. Lani (100), 8. Mor Spirit (84), 9. Mohaymen (80), 10. Danzing Candy (60), 11. Destin (51), 12. Suddenbreakingnews (50, $637,000), 13. Oscar Nominated (50, 321,360), 14. Shagaf (50, $270,000), 15. Whitmore (44, $400,000), 16. Tom's Ready (44, $270,670), 17. My Man Sam (40, $200,000), 18. Majesto (40, $190,000, $239,500), 19. Trojan Nation (40, $190,000, $213,290), 20. Mo Tom (32, $268,326), AE 21. Laoban (32, $142,000) and AE 22. Cherry Wine (25, $145,000).

2015 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. International Star (171), 2. Dortmund (170), 3. Carpe Diem (164), 4. American Pharoah (160), 5. Frosted (113), 6. Mubtaahij-IRE (100, $1,400,000), 7. Materiality (100, $632,028), 8. El Kabeir (95), 9. Upstart (76), 10. Far Right (62), 11.Itsaknockout (60), 12. Firing Line (58), 13. Danzig Moon (45), 14. War Story (44), 15. Tencendur (41), 16. Stanford (40), 17. Mr. Z (34), 18.Ocho Ocho Ocho (30, $760,250), 19. Bolo (30, $214,980), 20. Keen Ice (22), AE 21. Frammento (20) and AE 22. Tale of Verve (0).

2014 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. California Chrome (150), 2. Vicar's in Trouble (120), 3. Dance With Fate (108), 4. Wicked Strong (102), 5. Samraat (100, $640,000), 6. Danza (100, $620,000), 7. Hoppertunity (95), 8. Intense Holiday (93), 9. Wildcat Red (90), 10. We Miss Artie (60), 11. Ride On Curlin (55), 12. Chitu (54), 13. Tapiture (52), 14. General a Rod (40, $240,000), 15. Medal Count (40, $226,500), 16. Candy Boy (30), 17. Uncle Sigh (24), 18. Vinceremos (20, $191,666), 19. Harry's Holiday (20, $152,622), 20. Commanding Curve (20, $104,000) and AE 21. Pablo Del Monte (20, $102,000).

2013 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Orb (150, $840,000), 2. Verrazano (150, $810,000), 3. Goldencents (129), 4. Java's War (122), 5. Overanalyze (110, $908,381), 6. Revolutionary (110, $720,000), 7. Lines of Battle (100), 8. Vyjack (70), 9. Will Take Charge (60), 10. Itsmyluckyday (50, $593,600), 11. Black Onyx (50, $317,130), 12. Palace Malice (50, $200,000), 13. Normandy Invasion (44, $258,000), 14. FracDaddy (44, $240,596), 15. Mylute (42), 16. Oxbow (36), 17. Falling Sky (30), 18. Charming Kitten (20), 19. Golden Soul (14), 20. Giant Finish (10) and AE 21. Fear the Kitten (6).

ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY OAKS LEADERBOARD HISTORY – FINAL

2020 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Swiss Skydiver (450), 2. Speech (160), 3. Shedaresthedevil (90), 4. Donna Veloce (62), 5. Gamine (50, $330,000), 6. Hopeful Growth (50, $135,000), 7. Tempers Rising (47), 8. Dream Marie (35) and 9. Bayerness (8).

2019 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Bellafina (132), 2. Champagne Anyone (113), 3. Street Band (105), 4. Lady Apple (100, $336,000), 5. Out for a Spin (100, $300,000), 6. Liora (71), 7. Restless Rider (62), 8. Serengeti Empress (60, $313,270), 9. Motion Emotion (60, $140,000), 10. Jaywalk (55), 11. Chocolate Kisses (51, $157,000), 12. Jeltrin (51, $128,720), 13. Positive Spirit (50), 14. Flor de la Mar (40, $80,000), AE 15. Dunbar Road (40, $49,500) and AE 16. Point of Honor (20).

2018 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Midnight Bisou (160), 2. Monomoy Girl (154), 3. Sassy Sienna (115), 4. My Miss Lilly (112), 5. Chocolate Martini (100, $240,000), 6. Coach Rocks (100, $145,700), 7. Rayya (90), 8. Wonder Gadot (84), 9. Eskimo Kisses (80), 10. Take Charge Paula (70), 11. Patrona Margarita (35), 12. Classy Act (30), 13. Heavenhasmynikki (11) and 14. Kelly's Humor (8).

2017 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Farrell (170), 2. Miss Sky Warrior (160), 3. Ever So Clever (106), 4. Sailor's Valentine (100, $307,014), 5. Paradise Woods (100, $240,000), 6. Salty (100, $150,350), 7. Abel Tasman (70), 8. Daddys Lil Darling (60), 9. Tequilita (50, $227,540), 10. Lockdown (50, $120,000), 11. Wicked Lick (49), 12. Vexatious (40, $80,000), 13. Jordan's Henny (40, $66,410), 14. Mopotism (16) and AE 15. Summer Luck (11).

2016 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Terra Promessa (150), 2. Lewis Bay (130), 3. Land Over Sea (128), 4. Weep No More (100, $340,000), 5. Go Maggie Go (100, $151,900), 6. Cathryn Sophia (80), 7. Mo d'Amour (70), 8. Venus Valentine (50, $132,375), 9. Mokat (50, $112,000), 10. Rachel's Valentina (48), 11. Royal Obsession (45), 12. Dream Dance (44), 13. Taxable (40, $80,000), 14. Paola Queen (40, $49,000) and 15.Dothraki Queen (20).

2015 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Condo Commando (161, $715,000), 2. I'm a Chatterbox (161, $430,714), 3. Stellar Wind (150), 4. Birdatthewire (130), 5. Lovely Maria (120), 6. Include Betty (100), 7. Oceanwave (60), 8. Angela Renee (57), 9. Sarah Sis (54), 10.Eskenformoney (50), 11. Puca (45), 12. Shook Up (40), 13. Forever Unbridled (34), 14. Money'soncharlotte (22) and AE 15. Peace and War (10).

2014 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Untapable (160), 2. Sugar Shock (120), 3. Fashion Plate (110), 4. My Miss Sophia (100), 5. Rosalind (78), 6. Got Lucky (64, $180,000), 7. Aurelia's Belle (64, $142,850), 8. Ria Antonia (55), 9. Kiss Moon (50), 10. Fiftyshadesofgold (40), 11. Unbridled Forever (30), 12. Thank You Marylou (20) and 13. Empress of Midway (15).

2013 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Beholder (164, $1,500,000), 2. Rose to Gold (164, $717,889), 3. Unlimited Budget (160), 4. Dreaming of Julia (132), 5. Close Hatches (100), 6. Flashy Gray (60), 7. Princess of Sylmar (50, $170,000), 8. Midnight Lucky (50, $120,000), 9. Silsita(50, $57,600), 10. Seaneen Girl (34) and 11. Pure Fun (20).

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View From The Eighth Pole: The Sky Is Not Falling Because Of Lasix Ban

Where are the pearl clutchers? You know, those people who promised that we'd be seeing jockeys with red-splattered pants getting off horses who gushed blood during a Thoroughbred race because trainers couldn't give the animals a diuretic four hours before competition.

They've gone silent.

Officials with the Breeders' Cup, Keeneland and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission managed to stage five world championship races for 2-year-olds on Nov. 6 (seven races for juveniles if you include a pair of undercard stakes) where the letter “L” for Lasix was missing next to each horse's name in the program, past performances and official chart.

Eighty-five 2-year-olds competed without race-day administration of Lasix. I'm sure some of the horses showed signs of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage when they were examined by endoscope following their races, but the bottom line is this: The sky did not fall because of a ban on Lasix.

On Nov. 7, the second day of the Breeders' Cup, things were back to “normal.” All 88 North American-based horses contesting nine championship races (plus all 28 runners in undercard stakes) were given an injection of Lasix approximately four hours before competition – whether or not they really needed it to treat internal bleeding. Trainers of 13 of 18 runners from overseas opted to have the drug given to their horses, too, even though they don't need it or use it in their home countries. All of the European winners – Glass Slippers in the Turf Sprint, Audarya in the Filly & Mare Turf, Order of Australia in the Mile (plus the second- and third-place runners from Aidan O'Brien's Irish stable) and Tanawa in the Turf – raced on Lasix.

I think it's fair to assume the use of this drug is a “when in Rome” decision by those overseas trainers who don't want to compete on a playing field that isn't level. And if they didn't believe Lasix enhances performance of the competition they were facing, why would they use it on their horses?

It's not just the Breeders' Cup Future Stars Friday program that has gone Lasix-free. In several major racing jurisdictions across the U.S., 2-year-old Thoroughbreds are competing without the use of the race-day drug. And the sky is still not falling.

I've talked to several trainers who were not eager for the change and they've said a small percentage of their 2-year-olds have bled this year – one of them adding that it's possible a horse that did bleed might have done so even if it had been administered Lasix. One of the trainers said horses seem to be coming out of their no-Lasix races with more energy than their 2-year-olds had in previous years when competing with the drug in their system..

Things get more complicated in 2021 when the ban on Lasix is extended to all stakes races in states where a coalition of tracks are partially eliminating the drug. That means horses likely will be racing on Lasix in non-2-year-old maiden and allowance races, then going without it in stakes races. Will “Lasix off” become the same kind of handicapping angle many horseplayers now use with “Lasix on”? It's not a good look for a sport when drugs are considered a factor in whether or not a horse will win.

The stakes race Lasix ban also means trainers with horses that have a history of bleeding will be trying other remedies. There will be lots of junk science and snake oil being sold.

The pearl clutchers who claim American racehorses cannot survive without Lasix are the same people who maintained that anabolic steroids were therapeutic and that horses (especially geldings) needed them to get through demanding training regimens. They're the same people who say horses need regular doses of clenbuterol because they're in dusty barn environments that create breathing problems.

Lasix is not the biggest problem facing this sport. It's nowhere near the focus of the FBI's investigation into illegal doping of racehorses that will be playing out for months, possibly years, to come. But the use of Lasix in nearly 100% of horses to address a problem that exists in a much smaller percentage of runners is an indication of how pervasive horse racing's drug culture has become.

That's my view from the eighth pole.

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Kentucky Legislative Committee Approves Partial Lasix Ban

The Kentucky Legislature’s Interim Joint Committee on Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations met Tuesday and took measures that allowed regulations that ban the use of Lasix in 2-year-old races this year and also in graded stakes next year to go into effect.

The committee did not hold a vote, a procedure that produced the same results as if had voted to approve the regulations.

Tuesday’s hearing was the latest in what has been a contentious battle between pro and anti-Lasix forces in Kentucky, a fight that may now be over as the committee has the final say on racing regulations in the state.

The Kentucky tracks are among a number of racing jurisdictions that have taken steps to cut back on the use of the controversial drug that is used to control bleeding.

Led by the Kentucky HBPA and the National HBPA, the pro-Lasix forces expressed their displeasure with how the meeting was handled. Each side was allowed only one witness. Dr. Clara Fenger, who spoke on behalf of the horsemen, said she was told that each side was allowed to have three speakers. She also said her testimony was cut off before she had a chance to read her entire statement.

“This was a done deal and we had no shot,” Fenger said. “We knew that going in.”

Committee member Damon Thayer, who is the majority floor leader, said there was nothing unusual about the number of people who were permitted to speak.

“Both sides had equal time to present their case, including the racing commission and a representative of the HBPA and some veterinarians,” Thayer said. “Their complaints are much ado about nothing. This was just the final obligatory step in a long process that has included two meetings of the equine drug research council, meetings of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and public comments periods that every regulation has to go through. There’s really nothing to that complaint. This is the process that every regulation goes through and there was nothing abnormal about it.”

Fenger, a practicing vet in Central Kentucky, said that any steps to cut back on the use of Lasix would be detrimental to the overall health of the horse.

“The banning of the therapeutic medication, Lasix, is one of the most dangerous proposals ever concocted by our racing commissioners,” she said. “Two horses perished from exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage in Kentucky since the KHRC has begun posting these deaths on their website. Banning Lasix in any group of horses will guarantee a higher number of such deaths.”

Dr. Bruce Howard, the equine medical director for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, was the lone speaker allowed to talk on behalf of the proposed new medication rules.

“By adopting this compromise and moving away from the use of race day furosemide we can come into alignment with the rest of the racing world and help lessen the negative public perception that exists surrounding medication issues in racing,” Howard said. “We will minimize the argument that furosemide enhances performance by causing fluid elimination which reduces a horses weight by an estimated 10 to 20 pounds.”

Howard added that there have been 60 2-year-old races run so far this year in Kentucky without Lasix and that out of 532 starters only one had been observed bleeding from the nostrils after the race.

“This is a compromise between those who want to eliminate Lasix all together and those who want to keep the status quo,” Thayer said. “I think it is a good compromise, by eliminating Lasix use in 2 year-old-races and stakes races. It’s a good starting point for other states to consider and I am happy that Kentucky is leading the way. As the great Lasix debate rages I’d like to think this is a good middle ground.”

Lasix was not the only medication dealt with in the new regulations. New rules include a ban on bisphosphonate use in horses under 4-years-old; non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), may be given no closer than 48 hours pre-race instead of 24; the race day use of electronic therapeutics has been banned; trainers must make veterinary records available if they are asked for by racing officials.

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Lasix Ban in California: How It’s Unfolding

Sunday May 17 at Santa Anita rather disappeared into the ether of a weekend dominated by the resumption of live racing after a COVID-fueled two-month hiatus.

But Sunday May 17 was notable in itself given how it christened the first 2-year-old race in California under the state’s new Lasix-free rules.

The chronology of events leading to that watershed is now something approaching lore. During Santa Anita’s much-publicized troubles early last year, the track instituted a ban on Lasix, an action the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) synthesized into a state-wide Lasix prohibition for 2-year-olds on race-day–though not training–beginning with this year’s crop.

These events in turn catalyzed a broader movement across the country, spearheaded by the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition, a group of industry organizations and individual tracks, to phase out Lasix.

As for California’s first 2-year-old contest, it was won stylishly by Love Wins, a daughter of Haynesfield trained by Luis Mendez. Since then at Santa Anita, there have been another nine juvenile contests run without the anti-bleeding medication.

And so, how have trainers adapted their programs to compensate? What kind of impact has it had on rates of Exercise Induced Pulmonary hemorrhaging (EIPH)? A quick synopsis would go something like this: nothing much to see here—thus far, at least.

“No news is good news”

“I would say that we haven’t altered our plan with the babies,” said trainer Doug O’Neill. “The majority of babies, it’s not really a concern that they’ll have exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhaging.”

Likewise trainer Michael McCarthy. “I have not changed what I’m doing with them in any way whatsoever,” he said.

Without Lasix, trainers have other tools in their toolbox to achieve similar ends on race-day, including “drawing” horses up, the removal of water and feed before a race, sometimes many hours before, to dehydrate.

None of the trainers questioned, however, said their practice of removing hay and water before a race has changed appreciably without use of the race-day medication.

When we spoke, McCarthy had started a lone 2-year-old runner to finish second. He removed the water and feed roughly three hours before the race, just as he does with horses who receive Lasix. “Did not bleed,” he said, of that starter. “Did not have any issues.”

When it comes time to run his first juveniles of the season, trainer Simon Callaghan said he’ll probably remove hay and water “a little bit” earlier than usual. But ultimately, he added, “I think it’s going to be a learning experience, learning as we go along.”

Not that Lasix should currently cause trainers many sleepless nights. As CHRB equine medical director, Rick Arthur, puts it, “two-year-olds should be horses that really should not be problematic bleeders.” Indeed, chronic EIPH has been found to worsen with repeated exercise and age.

To this point, no 2-year-old starters in California have been formally reported to the CHRB for suffering any degree of bleeding. “No news is good news,” Arthur said.

Ryan Carpenter, a Santa Anita-based private veterinarian, sings a similar tune. “It’s happening, we’ve accepted it, we’ve embraced it. It’s just part of our daily life,” he said, of the ban. “It surprisingly hasn’t been discussed, and that’s because I don’t think it’s an issue—at the moment.”

Still, there’s one important caveat to note as we gauge the efficacy of the Lasix experiment so far in the Golden State—the giant wrench that the coronavirus has thrown into the industry’s engines, meaning many trainers are slightly behind the curve with their juvenile squadrons this year.

“There’s numerous factors as to why,” admitted Callaghan, pointing to COVID-triggered disruptions to live racing and the sales programs. Some 2-year-olds have remained on the farm longer than usual, too.

As such, the bulk of his 2-year-olds aren’t doing the degree of work ordinarily required of them at this time, he said. “And typically, when we’re going easy works with them, we don’t give them Lasix anyhow.”

“It’s horrendous”

Behind schedule the 2-year-olds may be in California, but over the next few weeks and months, more and more of them will head to the track, the screws of morning training tightening incrementally.

On top of that are other confounders, not least a racing calendar that’ll soon weigh heavy with valuable 2-year-old contests. As more 2-year-olds are put through their paces, he wider the net for weaknesses to arise, the respiratory system at the head of the list.

“There’s a lot more humidity in the air,” said O’Neill, pointing to Del Mar, and an idea–oft-repeated among California trainers–that the climate at the seaside venue during the hot summer months lends to higher rates of EIPH. “It does make you wonder if it makes horses have a tendency to bleed down there,” O’Neill added.

It should be noted that the scientific literature doesn’t appear to support this notion—for example, several experts point to studies from the early 1980s, led by researcher John Pascoe, that found similar rates of EIPH across different locations and climates.

But one inarguable is the intensity of the training environment on Del Mar’s narrow track of a morning, even with fewer horses permitted at any one time than there once was—a concern at any busy training facility.

“Hypertension [can] cause bleeding,” said Ellis, highlighting how exercise significantly increases the stress put on racehorse respiratory systems. “That’s why Lasix works.”

Which leads to another related question: what to do to ease racehorse stress levels? Ellis said that the rigors of morning training were a manageable concern when Lasix was permitted on race-day—without it, however, he’s aware that reducing stress through things like altered training patterns and feed programs (supplements especially) will become increasingly important, he said.

Still, when it comes to the races, “there’s not a lot we can do in races but cross our fingers,” Ellis added. “I think it’s going to be a problem somewhere along the line.”

Having trained in England where race-day Lasix has long-been prohibited, Callaghan admits that, in this regard, he has a bit of a leg-up on his Stateside counterparts. He’s already considering longer, slower works to reduce stress on horses prone to bleeding, taking them out when the track’s quieter.

Not that he’ll stop using Lasix during morning training altogether.

“I’m going to probably breeze a lot of 2-year-olds on Lasix, particularly when they’re doing their stronger works,” Callaghan said. “Preventing a horse from bleeding in the mornings is very important.”

Another key issue is air quality–in particular, the ubiquitous problem of dust and spores from bedding and barn floors circulating around the environment where most racehorses spend the bulk of their days.

“Most racehorses, in my experience, have some degree of small airway disease,” said Greg Ferraro, CHRB chair, adding that chronic small airway disease is a “big contributor” to EIPH. “I’ve always believed that the reason Lasix is so popular is it’s a mild bronchial dilator.”

As such, the stabling conditions in California are at the back of many trainers’ minds. “It’s horrendous–there’s a ton of dust,” said Ellis, about the backstretch at Santa Anita lined with low-ceilinged narrow wooden barns with dirt floors. “The air doesn’t move around at all. That’s no good.”

As is often the case, it might pay to turn to Hong Kong–where Lasix is prohibited in both training and racing–for a glimpse into an alternate way to do things. At Sha Tin, four new state-of-the-art stable blocks with concrete flooring were built for horses competing in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“All have air conditioning,” wrote Bill Nader, the Hong Kong Jockey Club executive director of racing, in an email, adding that further modifications are planned at these barns. “Horsemen here are always keen to reduce or eliminate any dust in the stables.”

“The big thing is fear”

Given the phalanx of new rules and regulations adopted over the past 16-months in California, trainers are understandably wary that the Lasix landscape is still a transforming picture.

“I can tell you that the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition’s position is this: no Lasix for 2-year-olds. No Lasix for stakes races starting next year,” said Donna Brothers, strategic advisor for the coalition, which comprises The Stronach Group and Del Mar among other groups. “And their position on that is not intended to change.”

In terms of California, the rules as written mean that this year’s crop of 2-year-olds will be permitted to use Lasix when they turn three. According to Ferraro, the aim in California is to take steps to prohibit Lasix in stakes races next year, too, as per the coalition’s stance.

“We’d go through that year that way and see what happens as to what the next step would be,” he said. As for that next step?

“The ultimate goal is to do away with Lasix altogether, obviously,” he said.

“The big thing you’ve got to realize about this, the withdrawal of Lasix is probably the biggest fight the industry has,” added Ferraro. “It’s hard to find a trainer or veterinarian that’s ever trained or practiced without Lasix. So, the big thing is fear.”

For Ellis, the big thing for him as a trainer and businessman is to remain competitive in a jurisdiction with arguably the most prohibitive medication regulations in the country.

Ellis said that he agrees with the vast majority of medication changes that have been instituted in California, but he worries about the impacts from an all-encompassing Lasix prohibition. “If they phase out Lasix,” he said, “it’ll phase out racing in California.”

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