Ogden Mills Phipps, the chairman of The Jockey Club, said April 11 the organization supports the recent Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) initiative to formulate a plan that would eliminate the use of medication in horses competing in races.

"We have often voiced concern and we sincerely believe that the overuse of medication endangers our human and equine athletes, threatens the integrity of our sport and erodes consumer confidence in our game," Phipps said in a statement released by The Jockey Club. "There is a growing and correct perception that horses in this country are over-medicated.

Phipps said the percentage of total starts with furosemide (lasix) injections on race day has increased from just over 45% in 1991 to nearly 95% of all horses racing in the United States in 2010. He said nearly 90% of all 2-year-old starters receive furosemide on race day.

"Horses should compete only when they are free from the influence of medication," he said