The Ontario Racing Commission has announced that ORC Official Veterinarians will be conducting an enhanced examination of horses entered into the Breeders Crown finals, which will take place Saturday, October 24 at Woodbine Racetrack.
This enhancement of the existing ORC protocol was introduced at Mohawk Racetrack for the Pepsi North America Cup in June of this year, followed by the Metro Pace and the Canadian Pacing Derby, held last month. Trainers were asked to make their horses available for this hands-on pre-race veterinary examination a minimum of one hour before their horse’s post time.
“Owners and trainers were supportive of our goal,” said Dr. Bruce Duncan, Supervisor - Commission Standardbred Veterinarians. “While there are logistical and resource challenges to do every race, we continue to examine how we can apply this enhancement to other events.”
Horses entered into Breeders Crown races are required to be in retention before the race. “That will allow us to conduct the examination with minimal disruption to horse and trainer,” said Duncan. “The examinations will start at 10 a.m. on race day and continue until completed, so we ask that someone from the barn be available.”
(ORC)