Dear Member,
We are delighted with the recent Racing Victoria (RV) decision to introduce permanent endoscopy services for our synthetic racing season.
The ATA has long been an advocate for this to form part of the on-course veterinary service for synthetic racing. Members will recall last year that RV agreed to an ATA request to run an endoscopy pilot, which saw this service introduced for four synthetic meetings across August and September 2016.
The results of this pilot as anticipated, produced invaluable information for stewards, trainers, owners and the general public. Importantly, it provided immediate information to assist with race performance assessment and horse welfare, perhaps the most significant benefit generated from this on-site service.
Introducing this service will cost RV between $50,000 and $60,000 per racing season to operate, noting there are 41 synthetic meetings scheduled across the season, although inevitably, with 8-10 transfers a year, this number will be closer to 50.
There will also be an elective element for trainers. This option (as distinct from RV directed scoping) will be available at a cost of $80 per horse.
Be under no illusion that this outcome was driven by the ATA, the result of a steadfast view on the benefits this service would provide. Credit also to Racing Victoria, and in particular to Ms Grace Forbes (Manager - Veterinary Services) for their support, which will see RV implement this “best practice” model for the betterment of the Victorian racing industry.
Should you wish to provide your feedback in writing in relation to this matter, please do so by CLICKING HERE
Alternatively, contact the office on (03) 9372-1688 should any one wish to discuss this matter with myself.
Kind Regards
Andrew Nicholl
Chief Executive Officer
