N.Y. rule to require vet's exam three days prior to workout or race

The New York State Gaming Commission on Monday approved the proposal of a rule that would require a trainer’s veterinarian to evaluate a horse for fitness and soundness three days prior to a workout or a race.

The proposal, which is similar to a rule in several other major racing jurisdictions, will put an additional layer of scrutiny over a horse’s fitness prior to being allowed to perform. New York’s rules already require a regulatory veterinarian to conduct a pre-race exam on the day of a race, but examinations are not required prior to workouts.

“Adding the requirement for an examination by the attending veterinarian provides additional safeguards by ensuring an evaluation by a veterinarian with knowledge of the particular horse, while maintaining the examination by the racing association’s veterinarian as an additional level of review,” the commission said in a letter distributed to commissioners prior to a Monday meeting. “Furthermore, adding the requirement for examinations prior to workouts will implement equivalent protections for training.”

Under the new rule, the attending veterinarian of the horse will be required to certify the horse’s fitness and “inform” regulatory veterinarians of any change in the horse’s soundness or fitness between the date of the examination and the day of the workout or race.

The commission approved the proposal by unanimous voice vote.

As a proposed rule, the new regulation will be posted for public comment before being reconsidered as a final rule by the commission at a later date.

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