Unraced horses aged five-years-old and above

Statistical analysis has identified that horses that have not had a race start by the time they turn 5-years-old to be at approximately 4.4 times the risk of catastrophic limb injury during racing compared to horses that have competed in a race prior to the time they turn 5-years-old.

The calculated risk is higher again for unraced horses at 6-years-old (7.2 times greater) and 7-years-old (11.9 times greater).

Because of the increased risk of catastrophic limb injury during racing for horses aged 5-years-old or older who have not previously completed a race start, trainers and owners are advised that these horses are required to complete the following steps listed below. Steps 1-4 are to be completed in order and within a reasonable time period that would reflect a routine single uninterrupted preparation:

1. Provide a satisfactory Veterinary Clearance prior to trialling (Jump Out or Official Trial). The trainer should inform Racing Victoria (RV) of any relevant information (i.e. veterinary incidents including but not limited to respiratory surgery, tendon or ligament injury, stress fractures, fractures, arthroscopy, etc) as to why the horse has not previously started in a race.
2. Horse to trial satisfactorily over the flat.
3. Provide a satisfactory Veterinary Clearance post-trial.
4. Provide a satisfactory report on a full body scintigraphy prior to racing.
5. Present for a pre-race veterinary inspection on course at first start.

Please note that further diagnostic tests may be indicated depending on the results of the scintigraphy.

Exemptions

On receipt and after consideration of an application for exemption, Racing Victoria may exempt a 5-year-old horse from one or more of the protocol steps with limitations. Horses aged 6-years-old or older will not be exempted from any steps. The age of any horse is calculated from 1 August of the current racing season.

Additionally, it is noted that:

1. Any horse that is unraced and has not completed the necessary steps in accordance with the protocol and has not been exempted from such steps is ineligible to commence racing in Victoria until the steps are completed to the satisfaction of the Stewards.
2. Any horse that has not completed the necessary steps in accordance with the protocol and has not been exempted from such steps and has raced in another jurisdiction may be required to complete any step, or any additional steps, as determined by RV Stewards to be eligible to commence racing in Victoria. For example, a Veterinary Clearance from a Specialist Equine Veterinarian indicating that the horse is suitable to continue to race may be required prior to racing in Victoria.
3. When a horse has been granted an exemption from any of the steps of the protocol, the Stewards may alter one or any of the remaining steps to ensure the welfare of the horse. For example, a horse granted exemption from Step 4 (scintigraphy) may still be required to obtain a Veterinary Clearance from a Specialist Equine Veterinarian at Step 3.

Horses that have not raced for 12 months or longer

Statistical analysis has also identified that when a horse has not raced for 12 months or longer it is also at an increased risk of catastrophic limb injury during racing.

Because of these risks, the Australian Rules of Racing prescribe that for these horses a satisfactory Veterinary Clearance must be obtained, and the horse must also trial satisfactorily prior to racing.

Following a satisfactory trial and upon receiving a satisfactory post-trial veterinary examination report, the Stewards may grant written permission for the horse to be nominated for and participate in a race.

If a horse has been retired, trainers are reminded to advise RV and update the horse’s Stable Return accordingly, as is required by the Australian Rules of Racing.

If you have any questions, please contact veterinaryadmin@racingvictoria.net.au.