The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation is an independent government agency charged with the regulation of horse racing and wagering in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. KHRGC regulatory veterinarians operate at every racetrack in Kentucky regulating thoroughbred, standardbred, and quarter horse racing. The regulatory veterinarian plays a crucial role in ensuring the welfare of equine and human athletes as well as protecting and maintaining the integrity of the sport.
KHRGC racing veterinarians are involved in both race day and non-race day regulatory duties. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
· Pre-race soundness exams on all thoroughbred and quarter horses entered to race that day
· On-track presence during the races to monitor soundness and triage emergencies
· Test barn monitoring of horses and oversight of sample collection
· Vet’s list works/training observations and Out of Competition testing
· Race-day furosemide administration as indicated
· Maintain accurate digital records relating to exams, diagnostics and regulatory activities
· Collaborate and communicate with trainers and private veterinarians to assess the soundness of each equine athlete
· Communicate with stewards and other racing officials as needed to ensure the integrity and welfare of horse racing
The KHRGC veterinary team currently consists of eleven full time veterinarians and five part time veterinarians, as well as a full team of technicians and support staff.
The student externship experience and schedule will vary slightly depending on the time of year their rotation falls in. Typical racing weeks will have between 3-5 days of thoroughbred racing and 2-3 days of standardbred and quarter horse racing during those seasons. Additionally on non-race days, our team monitors training at the racetracks and training centers throughout the state observing vet’s list works and out of competition testing. Race days are typically long days starting before 8am and extending into the evening hours. The students will mostly be shadowing during their externship gaining extensive experience in soundness exams and opportunities to palpate equine limbs monitoring for pathology and abnormalities.
4047 Iron Works Pkwy
Lexington, KY 40511
United States