There is growing concern and frustration amongst trainers in country NSW over the lack of vets licensed to treat thoroughbred racehorses, with one trainer complaining that he doesn’t have a licensed vet within 100km of his stables.
The problem has arisen since Racing NSW introduced new regulations last year, requiring all vets treating racehorses, to be registered with the ruling body.
In explaining the decision to license vets, Racing NSW CEO Peter V’landys said at the time: “In our industry, strappers are licensed, jockeys are licensed, trainers are licensed, but the people who potentially have the most influence on a horse’s physiology, the vets, are not licensed.”
In response, Equine Veterinarians Australia vice-president Ian Fulton pointed out that vets were already licensed and regulated by the NSW Veterinary Practitioners Board.
In opposing the new regulations, Fulton claimed that the new regulations were unfair to vets, saying: “Under the terms of the licence, Racing NSW can now revoke a vet’s licence at any time and for no reason. This could have a profound impact on a vet’s livelihood without fair and just review processes.”
This is the crux of the matter.
Few vets are involved in the racing industry on a full-time basis. For the majority of country vets the bulk of their income is derived from sources other than the racing industry.
Any action taken against a vet by Racing NSW authorities could potentially destroy a vet’s wider career. Little wonder then that some vets have been reluctant to become licensed with Racing NSW.
Fortunately, a resolution to the problem seems close.
“We met with Equine Veterinarians Australia on Tuesday and they’re happy with the progress,” Racing NSW chief steward Ray Murrihy said last week.
Clift will be missed
The man who bred that grand galloper “The Goondiwindi Grey”, Gunsynd, John Clift, has died at the age of 91.
Clift was renowned in country racing circles as an owner, breeder, administrator and tireless advocate for NSW country racing.
“John Clift was a veritable institution in country racing giving service over an incredibly long period of time on various boards. The racing industry will miss him sorely,” said Racing NSW chairman John Messara.
Summer set for Scone
Last Saturday’s TAB Highway Handicap at Randwick was taken out by the Greg Bennett-trained All Summer Long, ridden by James McDonald.
The five-year-old proved too strong for Lord Von Costa and Rose of Man over the concluding stages.
“All Summer Long’s ratings will go up with this win and he should get into the Scone heat (of the Country Championships qualifiers) now,” Bennett said.
“He’s been a horse on the way up. He’s always had a lot of ability but it’s been a matter of keeping him sound and getting him to the races in one bit.
“I know James is happy to stay on the horse, so we’ve locked him in for Scone.”
Clearly capable
The following day at Mudgee, Bennett’s four-year-old gelding Clearly Innocent won a benchmark 65 over 1200 metres under Samantha Clenton.
He too will now be aimed at the Country Championships.
Greg Ryan took the riding honours at the meeting, booting home four winners on the eight-race program.
Brian’s boilover
Berry-based trainer Brian Adams has just one horse in training, but one was all he needed to take out the Bega Cheese Bega Cup on Sunday.
Six-year-old mare Green Adventurine, ridden by apprentice Kayla Nisbet, proved too strong for a quality country cup field.
The mare was unwanted in the betting, paying $24.10 the win on the NSW TAB.
Joy for Hoy
Earlier in the day, the Sapphire Coast meeting produced another “feelgood” story when the 10-year-old gelding Opoho, trained by Jenny Hoy and having his 91st start, recorded his 11th win.
Opoho took out the day’s main supporting feature, the 1200-metre Bega Sprint.
“I’ve had him for six years now and ride him in all his trackwork,” said an elated Hoy after the win.
Two top cups
Two very popular country meetings will be held this Saturday. At Braidwood, the jockey club will stage its annual meeting, featuring the Braidwood Cup of 1350 metres, while at Bedgerabong, 32 kilometres west of Forbes, the Bedgerabong Picnic Race Club will hold its annual cup meeting.