Behind the Scenes of Breeders' Cup Veterinary Oversight
Discover how the Breeders' Cup ensures horse safety with an extensive veterinary review process.
Thorough Veterinary Checks Before the Big Event
Every horse slated to race in Kentucky must pass a thorough examination from regulatory veterinarians on race day. This process begins with a physical inspection at the stall, checking for any signs of health issues or unsoundness, followed by observations as the horses warm up on the track.
However, for the over 200 horses in this weekend's Breeders' Cup World Championships at Keeneland, the veterinary assessments started much earlier. In fact, the examination process began weeks prior to race day.
Early Evaluations and Jogging Exams
Each morning at Keeneland's seven-furlong chute, all Breeders' Cup entrants must jog in the presence of a team of veterinarians. Unlike the initial examinations conducted in the stables, these assessments occur while the horses are under saddle, with their exercise riders aboard.
This mandatory jog-up, which began on October 25, is videotaped to ensure that veterinarians can analyze the horses' movements and track any changes over time.
The Breeders' Cup implements these enhanced veterinary protocols, emphasizing a rigorous approach far beyond what is typical for a regular race meet.
The Review Panel's Role
The comprehensive review process involves a five-member panel of veterinarians who evaluate the horses' fitness and health. This team, comprised of notable experts including Dr. George Mundy, Dr. Tim Grande, and others, reviewed the contenders soon after their final pre-race preparations earlier this month.
After the pre-entries closed on October 19, the panel conducted a secondary review, utilizing veterinary records from the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) for domestic contenders and requiring international connections to submit a month's worth of previous health records.
If a horse's history indicates any concerns, they may undergo further examinations or diagnostic imaging before even leaving their home stables. The Breeders' Cup covers the costs for any additional imaging requested by regulatory veterinarians.
On-Site Examinations and Testing
Once the horses arrive at Keeneland, a team of over 25 regulatory veterinarians is on hand to conduct inspections. In pairs, they perform at least two evaluations for each horse, which includes both physical assessments and observing them jog on flat surfaces. Each morning, these veterinarians convene to discuss their findings, share video reviews, and identify any horses that may need extra attention.
In tandem with these examinations, an extensive out-of-competition drug testing program overseen by the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) has been in effect since June. This program has included over 343 tests across seven countries. Additionally, horses may face multiple tests leading up to the championships and will be monitored 24 hours a day during the Breeders' Cup.
Utilizing Advanced Technology
To enhance the evaluation process, Keeneland offers advanced diagnostic imaging, such as positron emission tomography (PET), available when any concerns arise. Dr. Will Farmer, the veterinary team leader, noted that while PET imaging has been utilized again this year, specifics on its frequency compared to previous years are still being processed.
The event has also broadened its outreach by providing trainers free 30-day access to Sleip, a video-based gait analysis system. This addition has encouraged more trainers, especially international ones, to participate and submit videos of their horses' movements prior to their arrival at Keeneland.
Moreover, technology like StrideSafe, a wearable sensor that tracks a horse's movement, and VetCam, which captures video of horses exercising on the racing surfaces, are effectively used in the evaluation process. Cardiac health evaluations, including routine heart exams, are also part of the Breeders' Cup protocols with specialists available to address any emerging concerns.
Final Decisions on Racing Eligibility
Despite the comprehensive nature of these assessments, Kentucky's regulatory veterinarians maintain the ultimate authority to recommend scratches. The Breeders' Cup veterinarians act as advisors but cannot independently make such recommendations.
Should any issues arise, the veterinary team collaborates closely with trainers and the horse's primary veterinarian. While additional examinations can be requested, the final call on a horse's readiness to race is left to the regulatory veterinarians.
Horses deemed unsound will be placed on a veterinary list, requiring them to meet specific conditions before being allowed to compete again. Notably, every horse will undergo an official examination on race day regardless of any previous evaluations.
The Breeders' Cup emphasizes that the race-day examination aims to evaluate whether a horse is fit to compete, not to diagnose any injuries that might not manifest until later.
While these thorough examinations provide an opportunity to catch potential issues, they cannot completely eliminate the inherent risks of racing. Ultimately, the responsibility for determining a horse's fitness remains with Kentucky's regulatory veterinarians.