Quote:
Originally Posted by cmorioles
This is true now, but it hasn't always been the case. There were plenty of numbers to go around back in the 80s and 90s. Of course back then, horses actually bled in a race before getting lasix, so they usually ran poorly, but they improved a lot given first lasix.
However, I've seen the "Champions" book advertised here. Check out the performance of some really good horses and the Beyers they earn before and after lasix. Many of these did not come after poor races. There is an obvious improvement time and time again of at least a few lengths.
In the last 5 years or so, 1st timers with Lasix return 77 cents on the dollar. Those without return 47. The sample size is huge. Euro shippers with Lasix return 66 cents on the dollar, those without 38 cents. Obviously the sample size isn't as large, but it includes over 8000/2000 in those categories.
I personally don't care about banning Lasix. There are WAY bigger issues. But, anyone racing without it is racing at a disadvantage.
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I dont think that 1st timers or euro imports are of particularly valid use. The fact that a first timer is on lasix or isnt on could be conceived as trainer intent and as such muddies the water there. And plenty of euros that bleed are sent here specifically to get lasix which would also signal intent. The problem in analyzing the numbers is it isnt clear what horses improve because they are being helped by eliminating or reducing bleeding and what horses are running better simply because they are on it. I have had plenty of horses not improve much if at all on lasix. When I worked for Jerkens he was one of the last guys who ran a lot of horses w/o lasix and we had quite a few not improve much at all when the owners insisted we put them on it.
And being that not using lasix is voluntary no one has to be at a disadvantage unless they choose to be.
04-18-2012, 04:18 AM
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