The Track/Regulatory/HISA Veterinarian acts in conjunction with the Ohio State Racing Commission, Board of Stewards, Horseracing Integrity & Safety Authority, Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit, JACK Thistledown Management, along with all individuals associated with horse racing in Ohio, to monitor and regulate thoroughbred racing in accordance with Ohio Revised and Administrative Code.
Specific Duties:
• Overall responsibility for monitoring the health and welfare of all horses stabled at the racetrack.
• Serve as a professional advisor and consultant to racetrack management and operational staff.
• Fulfill all responsibilities of the track / association veterinarian required by applicable OSRC and HISA rules and regulations.
• Conduct pre-race examinations on all horses entered to race that day to determine based on professional opinion whether a horse is fit to race.
• Observe all horses during training and throughout the afternoon including in the paddock, post parade, gate, and during and after racing for unsoundness and/or distress.
• Assess and manage injured or distressed horses; provide emergency medical care and/or euthanasia when required. Ensure that all injured/distressed horses returning to the barn area are released to the attending veterinarian.
• Maintain the Veterinarian’s List of all horses ineligible to race including the addition and removal of the horses from the list.
• Maintain appointments and perform exams and blood collection for horses working off the Veterinarian’s List.
• Notify the stewards of any horses deemed unsafe/inhumane to race and review prior day’s race charts.
• Perform post-race claim exams and place horses on the Veterinarian’s List as needed.
• Update and maintain the RTO Injury Database by reporting all horses examined and placed on the Veterinarian’s List, including pre-race scratches, paddock and gate injuries, and racing injuries.
• Update and maintain all exam records including pre-race, claim, and general exams.
• Ensure all horses that are euthanized or die on racetrack property are sent for a necropsy. Collect records, conduct catastrophic reviews, and report findings on all catastrophic fatalities.
• Ensure the racetrack has and maintains plans and protocols to prevent and manage infectious disease outbreaks among horses.
• Chair/co-chair the RSWC monthly meeting to review circumstances around injuries and other safety issues.
• Provide assistance and second opinion if needed for any exams or other equine welfare issues.
• Maintain an open line of communication with the stewards, other veterinarians, and racetrack management.
• Foster and promote a positive work environment that encourages excellent safety and welfare practices.
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