MRC approves agreement between MTHA, The Stronach Group

The Maryland Racing Commission July 16 approved—subject to adoption of an emergency rule—an agreement between the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and The Stronach Group/Maryland Jockey Club for a Lasix-free pilot program through 2023 that will facilitate Lasix-free races for 2-year-olds, Lasix-free graded stakes, a minimum number of racing days per week during any MJC meet and a substantial increase in committed funding for the Beyond The Wire aftercare program.

The pilot program, which resulted from weeks of discussion, is subject to approval of emergency language that will be added to the existing Lasix regulation. The new language will state that no 2-year-old can be administered Lasix within 48 hours of race; the remainder of the current regulation will not be changed.