SARATOGA SPRINGS — In the paddock, there are two gentlemen whose job is to do nothing. Mike Vinas, the official New York Racing Association farrier at all three NYRA tracks, is joined by veteran Joe Campbell at Saratoga. Both men come from families of farriers and have dedicated themselves to working with forges and shoeing horses.
When races are scheduled on the turf courses, Vinas and Campbell ensure that all horses comply with NYRA’s horseshoe regulations. They wait for any shoe-related issues to arise during the races. If a horse loses or has a loose shoe, they are ready to replace it. They compare themselves to firemen, always prepared to handle emergencies.
Their enforcement duties also involve making sure that shoes used in grass races do not have traction devices. In the past, trainers and farriers would use shoes with sharp rims, heel blocks, toe clips, and similar attachments to increase traction. However, these devices were banned due to concerns about equine safety and preserving the turf courses. They tended to damage the turf and reduce its availability for turf racing over time.
Vinas explains that a bar shoe is a special type of shoe connected at the heels. It is used to provide support for various types of foot trauma. It helps the horse continue moving without causing harm or altering its stride. The support in the heel prevents excessive flexing. Campbell emphasizes that New York is one of the few places that provide information about shoes, which can be valuable for informed bettors.
Both Vinas and Campbell highlight the thorough veterinary examination that all horses undergo on race day morning. They also mention the use of aluminum pads on racehorse hooves. These pads offer relief and cover a larger surface area. They are commonly used when a horse has bruising. The pad’s riveted construction indicates its purpose. It prevents dirt from entering and cupping the foot when it hits the ground.
The decision to remove therapeutic shoes is ultimately up to the trainer. Trainers would not risk running a horse that is not sound. Some choose to train with a bar shoe but give the horse a day or two to have the shoe changed and ensure its soundness before racing.
Vinas concludes by emphasizing that trainers prioritize a horse’s soundness and would never take a chance with their main source of income.
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