Inspection of Horses Entered in a Race

At the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit held in the fall of 2012, attendees were informed about the current rules detailing inspection of Thoroughbred horses entered in a race. The rules were written and approved by the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI).

All horses entered in an official race must be inspected by a veterinarian prior to the race. Horses must be presented for inspection without leg bandages and free of any device or substance that would impede veterinary assessment.

Each horse’s identity must be verified after which the horse is observed standing and in motion. Horses are inspected visually and both forelegs are palpated and flexed by the veterinarian. All horses are to be observed by a veterinarian from the time they are saddled until they have exited the track following the race. Any horse deemed unfit to compete will be reported to the stewards with a recommendation that the horse not be allowed to run.

ARCI regulations allow the official track veterinarians to inspect any horses on the racetrack grounds at any time, regardless of whether or not the horses are entered in an upcoming race.