Rich Tapestry’s Failure in Breeders’ Cup Reopens Debate About Lasix

Rich Tapestry (Ire), the 5-2 favorite and only horse to race without Lasix (aka Salix or furosemide) in the $1.5 Xpressbet Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) on November 1 at Santa Anita, finished 14th and last, beaten some 20 lengths. The 6-year-old gelding reportedly suffered a case of exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), and after the race vets graded the bleeding as a three out of four in severity.

"The disappointing result for Hong Kong's first Breeders' Cup runner reignited the debate surrounding the controversial diuretic Lasix, but Jockey Club officials were adamant they had made the right decision in dissuading (trainer) Chang from using the substance that has divided racing," said an article by Michael Cox in the sports section of the South China Morning Post.

"There was a lot of blood and dirt inside," said trainer C.W. Chang in the article. "He just couldn't breathe. Obviously he can run better than that, and it was just stopping him."

To read the complete article from the South China Morning Post, click here.