Earlier this week, the ATA met with the Australian Racing Board and Racing Victoria to discuss the proposed 10 clear days stand down period from racing for horses administered with corticosteroids.
At the invitation of the ATA, Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA) Committee Member Dr Ian Fulton, and another well known leading practising veterinarian Dr Glenn Robertson-Smith, along with ATA President Colin Alderson, Vice-President (Vic Branch) Robbie Griffiths and Chief Executive John Alducci attended the meeting.
The ATA presented its case based on feedback provided by Members opposing the proposed 10 clear days stand down rule.
Dr Fulton and Dr Robertson-Smith also presented strong evidential arguments questioning the ARB reliance on veterinary evidence which was deficient in sufficient extensive research and based on largely unpublished research papers. To further support our case, Robbie Griffiths has consented to provide RV’s Dr Brian Stewart with access to stable veterinary treatment records for horses with issues requiring corticosteroid medications.
The ARB has agreed to take into consideration the evidence provided at the meeting by the ATA through its supporting veterinarians and we await further feedback from Dr Stewart, prior to determining its final position on the proposed stand down rule.
The ATA will keep you informed as this issue progresses towards the intended 1 May introduction of the proposed ARB rule.
