A court ruling to enable Racing New South Wales to license veterinary surgeons, has not only angered

those in the veterinary profession, but would have a dramatic effect on racing with owners having to foot the bill.

The cost of treatment of racehorses would spiral, there would be no alternative, costs are high enough now they would only get higher.

When the suggestion was made some time ago that veterinary surgeons could be licensed in Victoria it was not well received, and the whole idea withered on the vine.

However, this is a different scenario, Racing New South Wales intend pressing on believing it is necessary to ensure the integrity of the sport.

One eminent veterinary surgeon said “there is no need for licensing as we are well administered now; another body is not necessary and unwarranted.”

If licensing was enforced within the Victorian racing industry, some vets that were questioned on the issue would prefer to watch the football, or mow the lawn rather than go racing.

Veterinarians will take a strong stand on this matter, they are a united and powerful group, they will not be taking this matter lightly.

What would this mean to the owner of the horse and how would he or she be affected? Vet bills are likely to exceed training fees; in the event of an injured horse the vet will not risk leaving any forms of medication with the trainer or stable staff.

If a bandage has to be changed twice a day for instance, it will be the vets job to do it, he or she will be fully responsible for the horse in fear of any ramifications that could arise at a later date.

There are those that believe that veterinary surgeons should be licensed by the ruling racing body, that they should be made accountable, but at what price.

Appearance Retired

It was a sad day for Guy Walter when he had to announce that his outstanding mare and Doncaster Handicap favorite, Appearance, has been retired from racing due to a leg injury.

Appearance was a top class race mare, they don’t come much better, her win in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes earlier this month was a real mind blower, she stamped her class on that occasion.