Bleeders

Question
In your opinion, could anything that you feed your thoroughbred racehorses be more likely to cause bleeding raceday ie either with regard to grains or supplements such as iron tonic? Do you know of any product that may be considered a natural alternative to Lasicks, which in Australasia is not permitted to be used within 72 hours of raceday? Thank you.

Answer
HI -- I THINK IF YOU FEED TOO MANY SUPPLEMENTS TO THE HORSE, THAT DOES CAUSE BLEEDING. TOO MUCH PROTIEN IN THE DIET IS ALSO BAD FOR BLEEDERS.I TRY NOT TO FEED ANY THING OTHER THEN A GOOD QUALITY FEED, SUCH AS OATS AND SWEET FEED. SOME TRAINER THINK THAT FEEDING HAY ALSO CAUSES BLEEDING DUE TO THE DUST ETC IN THE HAY. YOUR VET WILL PROBABLY BE ABLE TO ADVISE SOMETHING FOR BLEEDING THAT YOU CAN RACE ON BESIDES LASIX. THANKS ED HESS