Lasix Ban for Rich Tapestry

LASIX BAN FOR RICH TAPESTRY 
Hong Kong-based sprinter Rich Tapestry (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) is set to travel to the U.S. for a two-race campaign culminating in the GI Breeders’ Cup Sprint Nov. 1, but the Hong Kong Jockey Club has banned the 6-year-old from receiving Lasix, according to South China Morning Post. 
“The club’s position–that Hong Kong’s horses race free of medication–is not negotiable so [trainer] Michael Chang and Rich Tapestry’s owner have agreed that he will not have Lasix for either of his races at Santa Anita,” Bill Nader, head of racing for the HKJC, told the publication. “It is unfortunate for the sport that European-based horses go year-after-year to the States, and especially the Breeders’ Cup, and the majority of them do use Lasix on the basis they will be under a disadvantage if they don’t. It would certainly be better for the sport as a whole if those who don’t allow Lasix in their home countries took a position, wherever they raced, and refused to use it. Unfortunately they don’t, but in Hong Kong’s case there is no room for compromise.” 
The HKJC’s records show Rich Tapestry–winner of last year’s HKG2 Sprint Cup and the G3 Mahab Al Shimaal at Meydan in March and second in the G1 Golden Shaheen–has had four recorded bleeding incidents, but none harsh enough to receive a ban from racing. Rich Tapestry is expected to contest the GI Santa Anita Sprint Championship Oct. 4 prior to his Breeders’ Cup tilt. He was last seen finishing eighth while attempting to defend his Sprint Cup title Apr. 27.