Racing Victoria has unveiled the veterinary protocols for international horses participating in the upcoming 2025 Spring Racing Carnival (SRC) and the Melbourne Cup. These protocols, introduced in 2021, have significantly improved safety standards within thoroughbred racing, resulting in four consecutive editions of the SRC being incident-free for horses. While the fundamental principles of the protocols remain intact for 2025, adjustments have been made, particularly for international entrants.
One of the key enhancements involves the integration of advanced technology to aid in evaluating a horse’s fitness for racing. International horses not vying for the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate, or Melbourne Cup will undergo a single mandatory pre-travel Computed Tomography (CT) scan, eliminating the need for subsequent scans before each race in Australia. These horses will still undergo various other protocols, including pre and post-travel veterinary inspections.
International horses are now required to undergo a CT scan of their distal limbs in their home country before entering pre-export quarantine for travel to Australia, with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) being an alternative where CT is unavailable. Notably, the availability of standing CT technology varies across countries, with the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, France, and Germany possessing such facilities.
For horses identified with potential issues during the mandatory CT scan in Australia, a follow-up Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan will be offered, time permitting, to further assess their readiness to race. Additionally, all Melbourne Cup acceptors must be present in Victoria the day before the race for a mandatory vet inspection, which will no longer be conducted interstate.
Alongside the protocol modifications, Racing Victoria aims to enhance communication with stakeholders, providing detailed insights into the criteria for horse eligibility in Victoria. Feedback will now be directly shared with managing owners, complementing existing communication channels with international participants and connections. An online resource center will be developed to educate interested parties on the veterinary protocols through short videos.
Racing Victoria’s Chief Executive, Aaron Morrison, emphasized the protocols’ role in maintaining safety standards while delivering top-tier racing experiences. The incorporation of PET scanning and streamlined processes underscores RV’s commitment to evolving with technological advancements and stakeholder feedback, ensuring a continued positive trajectory for the sport.
PET scanning, a cutting-edge imaging technique, offers molecular-level insights into bone and tissue activities. Unlike traditional methods, PET scanning requires minimal sedation and provides detailed 3D imagery, contributing to enhanced diagnostic accuracy in equine health assessments.
Computed Tomography (CT) technology, available in select countries, enables comprehensive 3D imaging of lower limbs, aiding in the detection of subtle bone abnormalities. The high-resolution images produced by CT scans surpass conventional x-rays in clarity and detail, making them crucial for thoroughbred health evaluations.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) utilizes magnetic fields to generate detailed 3D images of bones, fluids, and soft tissues, offering valuable insights into injury and disease progression. While standing MRI units provide detailed images, high-field MRI demands general anesthesia and delivers superior image quality compared to low-field MRI and CT scans.
The 2025 SRC veterinary protocols for international horses encompass pre-travel and in-country requirements, ensuring thorough medical assessments and monitoring throughout the racing season. Notably, horses not entered for the major races must still adhere to stringent protocols to uphold safety standards and equine welfare.
Racing Victoria’s comprehensive approach to veterinary oversight reflects a commitment to excellence and innovation in the racing industry. By leveraging advanced technologies and refining communication strategies, RV aims to sustain the sport’s integrity while prioritizing the well-being of horses and participants.
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