NYRA Veterinarian Fined $8,000 Because of Lasix Error

The New York State Gaming Commission has fined a New York Racing Association veterinarian $8,000 for a Lasix administration error that forced four horses to be scratched from a race at Belmont Park, resulting in a two-horse field.

Steven Lascher, licensed as a racing official, was fined May 25 by the regulator for failing to follow proper Lasix procedures, necessitating the scratches of horses racing in the third race May 19 at Belmont. NYRA’s vice president of communications Pat McKenna explained in a May 19 tweet that the scratches were necessitated because Lasix was not administered within the permitted timeframe.

Furosemide, commonly referred to as Lasix, is allowed in some races to prevent or reduce the severity of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage but it is strictly regulated. NYSGC rules state that “A horse that is not present at least four hours prior to post time or that has not received the administration of (Lasix) pursuant to this subdivision shall be ineligible to start.”

This is the second time in the past 12 months the NYSGC has sanctioned Lascher for failing to administer Lasix in the proper timeframe. He was fined $4,000 June 12, 2022, for failing to follow proper Lasix procedures, necessitating the late scratches of horses in the seventh race June 9, 2022.