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NYRA to require enhanced veterinary scrutiny for racing and training

by Pat McKenna

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced the scheduled implementation of new rules further enhancing veterinary scrutiny of all horses seeking to enter a race or engage in a timed workout at NYRA properties.

Beginning Wednesday, August 30, NYRA will require the private attending veterinarian to perform a physical examination and attest that the horse is sound and fit to race. This examination is a condition of entry that must be performed by the private attending veterinarian within a 72-hour window prior to entries being accepted for any given race.

Currently, every horse entered to compete at a NYRA track is required to undergo an extensive pre-race veterinary examination before the horse is permitted to race. In addition to physical inspection and observation, NYRA regulatory veterinarians perform a detailed review of each horse’s medical records, past performances and workouts. This requirement will remain in place.

Later this fall, NYRA will require the private attending veterinarian to perform a physical examination and attest that the horse is sound and fit to participate in a timed workout. This examination must be performed by the private attending veterinarian within a five-day window preceding the timed workout and is a requirement that must be satisfied for a horse to participate in a timed workout at Belmont Park or Saratoga Race Course.

“Equine safety is a fundamental responsibility shared among racetrack operators, trainers, owners, and the veterinarians practicing on NYRA properties,” said Dave O’Rourke, NYRA President & CEO. “Requiring an additional examination of this nature is a commonsense approach to preventing serious injuries before they happen."

As result of these new rules, the private veterinarians most familiar with a horse’s medical history will assume heightened responsibilities that build on NYRA’s existing safety protocols. To be recognized as the attending veterinarian, both the trainer and veterinarian must submit to NYRA an agreement formalizing the relationship affirming the status of the attending veterinarian. A pre-race or pre-work examination will be valid only if it is performed by the attending veterinarian or member of the attending veterinarian’s practice.

Highlighted by the 154th edition of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers on August 26, the 2023 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course continues through Monday, September 4.

Racing is conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from the final week, when the meet will conclude on Labor Day.

For more information about Saratoga Race Course visit NYRA.com.