SARATOGA SPRINGS — Standing behind the starting gate, you’ll spot a lady in a red T-shirt. But she’s not just any spectator. She’s the veterinarian, carefully watching as the horses warm up. However, this is just a small part of the meticulous care and attention that the six-person veterinary staff provides to ensure the health and safety of the horses racing at Saratoga.
Dr. Sarah Hinchliffe, the senior examining veterinarian at the New York Racing Association (NYRA), emphasizes the comprehensive examination that each racehorse undergoes on the morning of race day. But their observation doesn’t stop there. Two veterinarians are stationed in the paddock to closely observe the horses and handle any emergencies that may arise.
Once the horses take to the track, one veterinarian positions themselves at the finish line, while another remains at the horse ambulance to be readily available in case of any emergencies during the race. As the field warms up, the veterinarian behind the gate carefully watches for signs of lameness or any other conditions. If a problem is suspected, they can request the jockey to jog the horse towards and away from them to test for lameness.
Sometimes, jockeys approach the on-track veterinarian seeking assistance in determining whether a horse should run or be scratched. Dr. Hinchliffe values their insights, especially if they have prior experience with the horse. This collaboration is particularly valuable at Saratoga, where some of the best jockeys compete. Dr. Hinchliffe notes that she can often discern what the jockey is feeling about the horse.
If the examining veterinarian detects any condition that would make it unsafe for a horse to race, they immediately inform the stewards, who then make the decision to scratch the horse. The trust between the veterinarians and stewards is evident, as the stewards rarely refuse a scratch, relying on the veterinarians’ judgment.
The on-track veterinarians possess a comprehensive understanding of each horse’s condition, based on morning examinations and the horse’s medical history. This knowledge allows them to observe and advise without frequently needing to report a scratch. However, there are instances when they have had to scratch multiple horses from the same race simultaneously.
While the vet behind the gate is visible to the racing fans, they may not notice the veterinarian in the horse ambulance or the one stationed at the quarter pole. These additional veterinarians are on standby, ready to respond to any emergencies on the track within 30 seconds. It’s important to note that the presence of a horse in the ambulance doesn’t indicate fatality; it’s often a precautionary measure to avoid exacerbating a condition, especially when the horse’s stall is located far from the track.
When a horse leaves the racetrack in an ambulance, the racetrack veterinarian’s responsibility technically ends once the horse is offloaded into its barn. However, either the trainer or a safety steward promptly calls a private vet to continue providing care.
Transferring a horse from one racetrack to another doesn’t leave its veterinary history behind. A nationwide pool of information enables the veterinarians to access notes from previous races and medical records. This data is particularly valuable for ensuring a horse is not on the “vet’s list” of animals not permitted to race for medical reasons.
The horses’ workouts are treated with the same scrutiny as the races. The veterinary staff closely observes their warm-ups, breezes, and post-workout activities.
The dedicated veterinary team at NYRA includes Dr. Sarah Hinchliffe, Dr. Danielle Schilpp, Dr. Caitlin Owen, Dr. Rebecca Baker, and Dr. Donald Bake. For the Saratoga races, Dr. Justin McNaughten and Dr. Martha Misheff join the staff to provide comprehensive care for the horses.
At Saratoga, the well-being of the horses is of paramount importance, and the veterinary staff ensures that they receive the highest level of attention and care throughout their racing experience.
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