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.
While I support the idea lets
While I support the idea lets look at the logistics. Horses warm up 3 races out so are "not available " for the hands on enhanced check. They come off and in this hot weather they get harness stripped for a full bath. Then they go to the urine stall. All this takes 30 mins. Then they need to be re-harnessed with boots so are unavailable for the 10 mins to post time, then post time. This leaves 10 mins-ok maybe 20 mins to examine 10 horses. 1-2 mins per horse !!!
I support enforcing the rules we have now, when a horse goes out to warm up or race with a 10 inch head nod why are they allowed to race- ok 1 has won 3 in a row but...
Agreeing with Tony! The vets
Agreeing with Tony! The vets are going to be examining the horses which are most likely to be the soundest racing in Canada, not checking an $8,000 claimer. Well done boys!
Good call Tony!
Good call Tony!
So let me get this straight.
So let me get this straight. ORC is only concerned with the health and welfare of the horses in premier staking events...and the participants in such events? If this is the true reason then all horses in all races should be inspected. Either that or don't suggest that is is a generalized protocol