Nasal strips now allowed at NYRA tracks

The three Stewards at Belmont Park on Monday unanimously agreed to allow the

use of equine nasal strips for all horses running at racetracks of The New York

Racing Association (NYRA), effective immediately.

California Chrome will be permitted to use nasal strips when he competes in

the 146th Belmont Stakes on June 7.

Sunday afternoon, California Chrome trainer Art Sherman contacted the

Stewards (one representing the New York State Gaming Commission, one

representing NYRA and another representing The Jockey Club) requesting

permission to use nasal strips on the horse. The Stewards immediately sought

expert analysis from New York State Gaming Commission Equine Medical Director

Scott E. Palmer, VDM, on the use.

"I recommend that the stewards at state-based Thoroughbred racetracks

discontinue their ban on equine nasal strips," Dr. Palmer wrote. "Equine nasal

strips do not enhance equine performance nor do they pose a risk to equine

health or safety and as such do not need to be regulated.

"While there is research to indicate that equine nasal strips decrease airway

resistance in horses and may decrease the amount of bleeding associated with

EIPH to some degree, I am unfamiliar with any research indicating that equine

nasal strips enable a horse to run faster with nasal strips than without them,"

he added. "In other words, there is no evidence they have a performance

enhancing effect. Equine nasal strips do not pose a welfare or safety risk to

the horse. They are applied to the top of the nose and anyone can see their use

prior to a race. If improperly applied, equine nasal strips cannot interfere

with performance. In my opinion equine nasal strips fall into the same category

as tongue-ties."

The Stewards considered Dr. Palmer's advice and thus determined to allow the

unregulated use of the nasal strips.

In accordance with the N.Y.S. Gaming Commission Rule 4033.8, "Only equipment

specifically approved by the stewards shall be worn or carried by a jockey or a

horse in a race."

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