After a set of protocols was suggested by the New York State Gaming Commission, the New York Racing Association is implementing similar ones. The organization will require horses entering races at its three tracks to be examined by an attending veterinarian within 72 hours of entry time. The new rule goes into effect at the end of this month.
At the time, horses at its track must go through a pre-race exam by a regulatory vet. Also, on top of physical inspection, NYRA regulatory veterinarians conduct a thorough review of each horse’s medical records, prior performances, and workouts. But, despite introducing the new rule, this one will remain in place at the tracks.
Horse Safety is a Priority
According to NYRA, the new rule goes into play with the entries for the Saratoga Race Course’s card on September 2, 2023, which will be taken on August 30, 2023. The attending vet will do a physical examination and attest the horse is sound and fit to race. Trainers must also have a signed form by a vet submitted to the racing office, to be allowed to enter.
Dave O’Rourke, NYRA President & CEO said that the safety of horses is of utmost importance for the association and that the responsibility is shared between racetrack operators, trainers, owners, and vets practicing in NYRA establishments. He said that the additional examination of this nature is a commonsense approach to prevent serious injuries in time.
Earlier this month, Mr. O’Rourke apologized for NYRA’s decision to take races off the schedule. The association changed three races on Sunday at Saratoga Racecourse and he apologized to horseplayers for not being able to return their wagered money in multiple-race pools. This left horseplayers with no time to cancel or change their pick-five tickets.
It should be noted that after the summer meet started at Saratoga Race Course in July, there have been six racing-related fatalities and four training-related ones at the track. The sixth fatality happened in Wednesday’s US$135,000 John’s Call Stakes when Burning Bright suffered a cardiovascular collapse when entering the second turn of the race.
In June, the NYSGC proposed protocols that would require an attending vet to examine a horse within 72 hours of entry and 72 hours before a horse is allowed to have a timed workout. It was published in the New York Registry on July 19, 2023, and is currently in the 60-day comment period before it will head to a gaming commission’s meeting agenda for adoption in either September or October.
Meet Ends Soon
NYRA’s 2023 summer meet at the historic Saratoga Race Course kicked off on July 13, 2023, and it features 71 stakes events with purses of over US$20.8 million. It will end on September 4, 2023, and the closing weekend will start with a 12:40 p.m. post time. Saturday’s card will tout a pair of Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” events led by the Grade 1, US$1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup at 10 Grade 2, US$500,000 Flower Bowl.
Source: “NYRA announces stricter protocols for entries, workouts” DRF, August 23, 2023
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