Enhanced Vet Examinations Announced

Published: August 31, 2015 02:42 pm EDT

On Monday, August 31, the Ontario Racing Commission issued a Notice to the Industry stating that official veterinarians will be conducting enhanced examinations of horses entered into upcoming premier events, starting with this coming weekend’s stakes action at Mohawk Racetrack.

The notice states that trainers with entries in the Metro Pace and the Canadian Pacing Derby are requested to make their horses available for a hands-on, pre-race veterinary examination a minimum of one hour before their horse’s post time. Lasix horses are required to be at the track four hours before post time, and will be examined within that timeframe.

Additionally, the ORC is asking that trainers not have any bandages or topical poultices, or liniments on the horse.

“This is an enhancement of the ORC’s existing protocol for Official Veterinarian examination prior to Standardbred racing,” Dr. Bruce Duncan, Supervisor Commission Standardbred Veterinarians, was quoted as saying in the notice. “The health and welfare of the racehorse and the safety of the participants are of paramount concern to the ORC and we believe the racing community supports these efforts.”

The contents of the notice appear below.


Enhanced Vet Examination Prior To Premier Standardbred Races At WEG

The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) advises trainers and owners that Official Veterinarians will be conducting an enhanced examination of horses entered into upcoming premier events. This will commence with the Metro Pace and the Canadian Pacing Derby, held at Mohawk Racetrack on September 5, 2015.

“This is an enhancement of the ORC’s existing protocol for Official Veterinarian examination prior to standardbred racing,” said Dr. Bruce Duncan, Supervisor Commission Standardbred Veterinarians. “The health and welfare of the race horse and the safety of the participants are of paramount concern to the ORC and we believe the racing community supports these efforts.” He pointed out the ORC consulted with racetrack management, its own racing officials, as well as representatives of COSA.

Trainers with entries in the Metro Pace and the Canadian Pacing Derby are requested to make their horses available for this hands-on pre-race veterinary examination a minimum of one hour before their horse’s post time. Lasix horses are required to be at the track four hours before post time, and will be examined within that timeframe.

“We also ask that trainers not have any bandages or topical poultices, or liniments on the horse,” said Duncan.

Applying this enhancement to other events is under active consideration. Further information will be made available when finalized.


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