Racehorse veterinary care

Veterinary care is a cornerstone of the racehorse industry, ensuring the health, performance, and welfare of these elite equine athletes. In the United Kingdom, comprehensive veterinary protocols are implemented throughout a racehorse's life, from training and competition to retirement.

Preventive Care and Routine Monitoring

Racehorses undergo regular health assessments to detect and address potential issues early. These evaluations include physical examinations, blood tests, and imaging studies like X-rays and ultrasounds. Such proactive measures help in identifying conditions that could impair performance or lead to injury.

Injury Management and Rehabilitation

Despite preventive efforts, injuries can occur due to the physical demands of racing. Common injuries include tendon and ligament strains, joint issues, and fractures. Veterinary teams employ advanced diagnostic tools and treatment modalities, such as arthroscopic surgery and regenerative therapies, to manage these conditions. Post-treatment, structured rehabilitation programs are essential to facilitate recovery and prevent recurrence.

Nutritional Support and Conditioning

Proper nutrition is vital for maintaining a racehorse's health and optimising performance. Veterinarians collaborate with trainers to develop balanced diets tailored to each horse's needs, considering factors like age, workload, and metabolic health. Nutritional plans often include high-quality forage, grains, and supplements to support energy requirements and muscle development.

Regulatory Oversight and Medication Control

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) oversees the welfare of racehorses, enforcing regulations on medication use to ensure fair competition and animal safety. Veterinarians must adhere to these guidelines, administering therapeutic medications judiciously and maintaining detailed records to comply with anti-doping policies.

Emergency Care and Race Day Support

On race days, veterinary teams are present to provide immediate care in case of injuries or emergencies. Racecourses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including horse ambulances and treatment centres, to manage acute incidents effectively. The BHA mandates that a team of veterinary officers is on-site to oversee horse welfare during events.

Post-Racing Welfare and Retirement

Veterinary care extends beyond a horse's racing career. Programs like Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) focus on transitioning retired racehorses to new roles, ensuring their health and well-being during this period. Veterinarians play a crucial role in assessing suitability for new activities and managing any conditions resulting from their racing careers.

Advancements in Veterinary Research

Ongoing research is integral to enhancing veterinary care for racehorses. Institutions like the Royal Veterinary College conduct studies on equine safety and welfare, aiming to identify risk factors for injuries and develop preventive strategies. Such research informs best practices and contributes to the continuous improvement of care standards within the industry.

A Unique Perspective: Charlie Johnston

Charlie Johnston - one of RaceShare’s trainers - is also a qualified veterinarian, which gives him a unique understanding of racehorse health and performance. As the son of Mark Johnston, who trained over 4,000 winners and was also a qualified vet, Charlie carries forward a legacy of excellence in both training and equine care.

Since taking over the reins of his family’s Middleham-based training operation, Charlie has continued to deliver exceptional results on the track. His veterinary qualifications allow him to assess and manage his string with a keen eye for detail, ensuring the horses under his care are in optimal condition to perform and thrive. For the past two seasons, Charlie has trained La Pulga to win three races with a further eight places from 25 starts in that period. This horse has been a model of consistency and epitomises the type of horse that Charlie excels with.

In summary, veterinary care in racehorses encompasses a multifaceted approach that includes preventive health measures, injury management, nutritional support, regulatory compliance, emergency care, and post-racing welfare. The collaboration between veterinarians, trainers, regulatory bodies, and researchers is essential in promoting the health and performance of racehorses, ensuring their welfare throughout and beyond their racing careers.