RNSW_Oct 21_Col_W

Any additional information pertaining to amendments to rules of racing, approved gear and other special notices is situated after the Country Programs section. NOMINATORS OF OVERSEAS REGISTERED OR PERFORMED HORSES Under the provisions of AR60 you are required to provide Racing NSW with, by entry closing time; - certified details of the last racing performance of the horse, if that run was outside Australia or, - if the horse has not raced, a certified statement advising that fact. N.B. If you require assistance in gaining the necessary documentation, please contact the Racing NSW Handicapping Department on (02) 9551 7500 One of the more controversial aspects of Stewards duties surrounds the withdrawal of horses at the barrier. The powers given to Stewards by Australian Rule of Racing 8(u) is broad. AR8(u) "To order the withdrawal of a horse from any race at any time before the start if in their opinion it is unfit to run or unable to start without unreasonable delay" . Stewards in determining whether a horse should be scratched must balance the interests of the horse, the horse's owners, it's trainer, it's jockey and also the interests of the punter as prizemoney primarily comes from public support and confidence in racing. To apply consistency to such decisions a document entitled "The Roles and Responsibilities of the Official Veterinary Surgeon" has been drawn up which provides direction to Club Veterinarians in respect to the advice they might give to Stewards. In particular the Australian Trainers Association (NSW Branch) had significant input into this document as did the NSW Jockeys Association with both groups being represented at the recent NSW Starters Conference. The following extracts from the document may assist in understand- ing the approach of Stewards to late withdrawals. The Veterinary Surgeon should then observe the horses moving around at the starting stalls and report any abnormality to the start- er. The following situations need to be particularly watched for: (i) Lameness If a horse is observed to be lame, advise the starter. He may delay proceedings while the horse is inspected away from the others. In the minimal time available the horse should be observed at the trot and inquiries made of the jockey to determine whether the horse always has an unusual action. A diagnosis of the cause of lameness does not need to be made. After inspection the starter must be noti- fied whether it is recommended that the horse be permitted to start or be withdrawn. If withdrawal is recommended, it is preferable that the Veterinary Surgeon communcate this directly with the Stewards. It is usual for the Chief Steward to accept the advice tendered, although he is not obliged to do so. (ii) A Kick It is not uncommon for one horse to kick another as they move around behind the starting stalls waiting to be moved into them. A kick is often heard but seldom seen. The severity of the effects of a kick are not proportional to the sound that is heard. The decision on whether the kicked horse is still fit to run is often difficult to make, however any indication of lameness, swelling or broken skin, or sim- ply the site of the kick may be grounds to recommend withdrawal. (iii) Barrier Incidents When the starting stalls are being filled it is important to keep an undistracted eye on those horses being placed in, and those already in, the stalls. It is particularly important to closely observe any difficult or fractious horse at this time. Remember, if an incident happens it is easier to decide on whether a horse is still fit to race if the incident has been observed. Young inexperienced horses are generally more likely to create barrier incidents than older horses, though some of the latter are known for their bad "barrier manners" and warrant special obser- vation. If a horse rears over backwards, becomes cast for any length of time, struggles violently to regain its feet, sustains a blow to its head, or if a leg is caught up over a barrier structure for any significant period, then grounds for recommendation of withdrawal are almost assured. In view of the limitless scenarios that can arise at the barrier, it is necessary for the Veterinary Surgeon to exercise a value judgement based on the particular circumstances of each incident. When making a recommendation to the Stewards on the suitability of a horse to race, the Veterinary Surgeon must closely consider the following implications:- 1. Will racing exacerbate any injury; 2. Will the injury affect performance; and 3. Will the injury endanger the horse or jockey? Should any person have any queries regarding this document, please contact the Chief Steward. STOP THE SPREAD OF HORSE DISEASES A serious infectious/transmissible disease could strike at any time in the Australian racing industry. Protect your horses by following these basic rules: • Isolate new arrivals from existing horses. • If horses are stabled, take daily rectal temperatures. This is an effective way of monitoring for the occurrence of disease. • Segregate horses by age and use, eg, keep yearlings separate from older horses and pregnant mares, and competition horses away from stay-at-home horses. • Isolate sick horses at the first sign of illness, keeping their gear separate. • Wash hands between handling groups of horses. Handle sick horses last. • Keep records of horses' movements so that they and their contacts can be tracked in the event of a disease outbreak. • Control insects. Ensure there is good drainage and manure disposal and management to prevent insects like mosquitoes and March flies from breeding. • When vaccinating against strangles and equine herpes virus, give the full course of vaccination and regular boosters, as recommended. Use a fresh needle and syringe when vaccinating and administering any treatment. • Clean and disinfect stables, equipment and transport vehicles regularly. • Clean equipment like twitches with disinfectant. • Keep boundary fences in good condition. If you experience a high number of sick animals with unusual signs, or unexplained deaths, immediately call your veterinarian, local Rural Lands Protection Board veterinary officer, or the Emergency Disease Watch Hotline. EMERGENCY DISEASE WATCH HOTLINE: 1800 675 888 Trainers should also notify their local Chairman of Stewards, Racing NSW Chairman of Stewards or the Racing NSW Veterinary Department. Racing NSW Chairman of Stewards 02 9551 7500 Racing NSW Veterinary Department 02 8344 5050 or 0408 020 403 WITHDRAWAL OF HORSES AT BARRIER LICENSEES AND OWNERS PLEASE NOTE: 133 www.racingnsw.com.au NOTICES