In view of the recent warm weather, the Ontario Racing Commission wishes to point out the long standing practices that were established to protect horses racing in all conditions – from extreme cold to hot weather

. These initiatives included providing information to licensees on what to look for and what actions to take in weather extremes.

For example, in weather such as was experienced last week, the ORC Supervisor of Veterinarians advises official veterinarians at all racetracks to be on alert for any hot weather effects on horses. Racetracks should maintain adequate water facilities to cool down horses after racing.

In addition, racing officials will remind participants at racetracks to take the necessary precautions and steps to cool horses. This information is found on ORC posters that were produced and have been displayed in racetrack paddocks, test barns and the race offices/ORC licensing areas at all Ontario racetracks for a number of years.

As well, racing officials have an established policy of allowing a trainer to scratch their horse should the trainer be concerned about the particular condition of the animal due to weather. If enough trainers are concerned, a vote can be called by officials re: cancelling the card.

Trainers, grooms and other hands-on licensees are front line participants in efforts to protect the health of the horse in weather extremes. To assist these licensees, a series of regulatory initiatives were launched by the ORC in 2005 to examine the effect of weather on horses racing. Industry committees and veterinary experts collaborated on the development of a series of protocols, facts, and advice for horse people.

The information on 'Heat Exhaustion and the Horse' and 'Cold Weather Action Plan' can be viewed by clicking here and here, respectively.

The protection of the health and welfare of the horse is of paramount concern to the ORC and to members of the racing community. An effort to monitor the horse in weather extremes is in keeping with this mandate.

(ORC)