The pros and cons of race-day medication in racehorses were debated Nov. 14 during a lengthy meeting of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) Race Day Medication Committee at the state Capitol.

The committee was formed earlier this year after calls for a ban on race-day anti-bleeding drugs and an international medication summit held in New York in June. The KHRC has taken no position on race-day use of furosemide and adjunct bleeder medications.

"It’s a very divisive issue," said KHRC vice chairman Tracy Farmer, who chairs the Race Day Medication Committee. "This is an informational session. No decisions will be made today."

Farmer said about 30 organizations and individuals were asked to comment on the race day drug issue. About 15 signed up to attend and testify