Racing Victoria has recently announced the updated veterinary rules for international competitors participating in the 2025 Spring Racing Carnival. The regulatory changes come as part of ongoing efforts to maintain equine welfare standards while facilitating international participation in key races.
Following a series of equine welfare concerns, Racing Victoria implemented stringent veterinary protocols in 2021, which have been credited with ensuring the safety of horses in the past four Spring Racing Carnivals. While the requirements for horses competing in prestigious events like the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate, and Melbourne Cup remain largely unchanged, there have been adjustments for other international entrants.
International horses traveling to races outside the aforementioned marquee events will now be subjected to a single pre-travel CT scan, a departure from the previous mandate for multiple scans. Moreover, horses not engaged in the Cups or Cox Plate will no longer need additional scans before each race in Australia, streamlining the regulatory process.
In cases where a mandatory CT scan reveals potential leg issues, Racing Victoria has introduced a follow-up Positron Emission Tomography (PET) option at the University of Melbourne Equine Centre. This advanced diagnostic tool offers enhanced imaging capabilities and requires less sedation, representing a more efficient and less invasive alternative to previous methods.
Furthermore, Racing Victoria has consolidated its communication channels regarding veterinary protocols, providing online resources to educate stakeholders and offering direct feedback to owners and trainers about horses deemed unfit to race. The organization’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident in its post-carnival evaluations, which consider stakeholder feedback, technological advancements, and data analysis.
Racing Victoria’s CEO, Aaron Morrison, emphasized the importance of maintaining world-class racing standards while prioritizing the well-being of horses and riders. The organization aims to collaborate with international and local connections to sustain the positive safety trends observed in recent years.
The updated scanning requirements drew attention earlier in the year when trainer David Hayes criticized the compulsory CT scan rule, citing its impact on his sprinting star, Ka Ying Rising. Despite initial concerns, Racing Victoria’s adjustments have been designed to strike a balance between regulatory oversight and facilitating international participation in Australia’s premier racing events.
As the 2025 Spring Racing Carnival approaches, Racing Victoria’s finalization of vet rules reflects a proactive approach to enhancing equine welfare standards while fostering a competitive and inclusive racing environment for participants from around the world.
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