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HORSE POLICY – racing NSW
Heat stress is occasionally seen after horses race in hot weather. Most horses easilyadjust to conditions of high heat and humidity. In general, thoroughbred races areconducted over relatively short distances, so maximal exertion in the heat only occurs fora short period. The amount of heat and generated body water lost is minimal comparedto other endurance horse sports.Heat stress after exercise is most likely to be seen on days when both the ambienttemperature and relative humidity are high, and wind speeds are low or absent(conditions of high environmental thermal load).Horses cool themselves efficiently by evaporative cooling. As sweat and watermolecules evaporate from the skin these molecules absorb and remove body heatcausing the horse to cool. If ambient temperature and humidity are both high this willslow the rate of transfer of heat from the horse’s body into the environment and coolingwill be delayed, increasing the risk of heat stress.The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is able to provide information on thermalcomfort and heat stress indicators on a regional basis through its website, in the form ofweb bulb global temperature or WBGT. True WBGT takes into account temperature,humidity, wind speed and solar radiation. However, the Bureau can only provide acalculated WBGT measurement which does not take into account wind speed and solarradiation. Nevertheless, the Stewards are able to access this information from the BOMwebsite as it is updated during the day, and therefore able to monitor for the possibility ofadverse conditions for racing in hot weather.Heat stress is most likely to occur on days when the ambient temperature is 35°C orabove, or when the “WBGT shade” is 26°C or above.It is the responsibility of the Chairman of Stewards acting at any race meeting to obtainthe forecast conditions and monitor the NSW Thermal Comfort Observations as providedon the Bureau of Meteorology website during the meeting.
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22Signs of heat stress include:•rapid shallow breathing (panting)•flared nostrils•staggering gait/weakness•agitated and distressed appearance•irrational behaviour such as lashing out with hind limbs•occasionally collapse NSW has a generally temperate climate where horses can easily become acclimatisedto the heat and humidity of summer. There are occasionally a few days in summer thatgive rise to high environmental thermal loads, and the possibility of the occurrence ofheat stress must be considered on these days. However, signs of heat stress canoccasionally be seen during the cooler months, especially in spring when the days canbe quite warm, but horses might still be carrying a winter coat, are trained in the coolerhours of the morning, and have not yet acclimatised to warmer daytime temperatures.The susceptibility of an animal to heat stress does not solely seem to be influenced bytemperature. Certain factors can adversely affect an individual horse’s ability towithstand racing in hot weather including:•travelling long distances prior to competition•an excitable temperament•younger horses may be less acclimatised to heat•heavy sweating•withholding drinking water on the day of racing (this is not a recommendedpractice in hot weather)In the event a trainer being concerned at the manner in which any horse is coping withthe prevailing conditions before its race (i.e. agitation, panting and/or excessivesweating) an approach should be made to the Stewards seeking to withdraw the horsewhereby the Stewards may seek the opinion of the official veterinarian beforeconsidering such application.
MEASUREMENT OF RISK Measurement in Degrees Celsius by a Dry Bulb thermometerThe measurement in degrees Celsius that we see in weather reports is simply airtemperature, measured by a Dry Bulb thermometer. It does not provide a basis forassessing the potential risks from heat exposure.Effective Temperature using a Wet Bulb thermometerThe combined effects of temperature, humidity and air movement can be described on asingle scale. This is the Effective Temperature. Effective Temperature is calculatedusing a Wet Bulb thermometer (one whose bulb is cooled by evaporation).
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33Level 1 policy:This policy will apply on all race days where the forecast or current ambienttemperature is 35°C or above, or the WBGT shade is 26°C or above.•Where possible program distance races in the anticipated coolest part of the day•Where possible horses should be stabled out of the sun and in areas that arebreezy•Ensure adequate wash bays and hoses are available to enable rapid post racecooling of horses•Ensure adequate horse drinking water is available•Race club officials should be informed to have ice, water, scrapers and extrahoses available. Race club staff should provide large bins at the hose bays andensure these are continually stocked with bags of ice and water to assist in thecooling of horses•Ensure the swabbing stall is as cool as possible – i.e. by hosing the roof, allowingadequate ventilation and providing fans/air-conditioning•Consideration be given to employing an additional official veterinarian to patrolthe stable area and monitor recovering horses•Stewards will minimise the time that horses are required to parade or be held inmounting enclosures both pre- and post-race or behind the starting barriersEvaporative cooling, particularly sweating, is the most important means of dissipation ofbody heat for the exercising horse. The liberal application of cold water in shaded, wellventilated places will greatly assist the processes which enables horses to loseexcessive body heat on hot days.Using the evaporation principle it is possible to assist horses to cool after racing in hotweather:•“Wet and Walk” – as water evaporates from the skin surface it removes bodyheat causing the horse to cool. The evaporation rate improves if horses arefrequently hosed, excess water scraped from the coat and then walked inshaded, breezy areas•Horses may need to be hosed and scraped several times in between walks•Bucketing ice cold water over the horse may assist in the recovering of a heataffected horses but is not considered mandatory•Horses should be allowed to drink as much fresh, clean water of ambienttemperature as they require after racing•Horses must be allowed sufficient time to adequately cool down before beingfloated back to their stablesThe official race day veterinarians will scrutinise all horses –•In the race day stall area prior to presentation in the mounting yard•Presented in the enclosure pre-race•On arrival at the barriers•On return to the enclosure post-race•While detained in the swabbing area (either pre or post-race)
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44If the official veterinarian is concerned about a horse’s condition pre-race, they shallimmediately report their concerns to the Stewards.Any horse found to be exhibiting signs of heat stress will be given appropriate treatment.Appropriate treatment shall include –•Repeated application of cool water to the entire body of the horse, followed byscraping excess water from the horse,•Positioning of the horse in a cool shaded location, preferably with access tobreeze or air flow,•Walking the horse slowly in a breezy area between bouts of hosing,•Oral and/or intravenous fluid therapy if indicated,•Corticosteroid anti-inflammatory treatment if considered indicated or if there is aslow response to physical cooling.The official veterinarian should have an adequate supply of relevant treatments on handfor emergency use.Race clubs musts ensure adequate running water is immediately available to thoroughlyand repeatedly wet affected animals in order to maximize conductive/evaporativecooling. An adequate number of hoses should be provided for this purpose in themounting enclosure and the race day stalls by the Club conducting the meeting. Theymust ensure all relevant hoses are connected, have adequate water pressure, and aremanned by experienced personnel in the mounting yard.Level 2 policy:In the event that the forecast or current ambient temperature for a race day is 38°Cor above, or the WBGT shade is 28°C or above, Stewards must take advice from theofficial veterinarian/s in considering whether to proceed or modify the program for thatrace meeting.Modification of a race program might include the advancement or delay in a schedule if itappears likely the extreme conditions might ease or be avoided.Should the Stewards determine to continue the racing program, in addition to themeasures listed in the Level 1 policy, they may instruct that –•An additional official veterinarian be provided•Additional equipment be provided by the race club to assist the comfort of horses•An official veterinarian be available post race at a position for riders to reportconcerns regarding a horse•Riders, if they become concerned at the condition of their mount post-race,proceed to the official veterinarian position on the track•A specific air-conditioned stall be set aside for recovery purposes•The minimum period prior to the race for horses to be required on course may bereduced
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55•Pre and post race parades be abandoned and the period horses are requiredbehind the barrier minimisedThe official veterinarian/s will, in addition to duties described in the Level 1 policy,scrutinise all horses –•Upon arrival on course – in particular, horses identified as travelling in excess ofone hour to attend the meeting. Any horse observed to be showing signs ofdiscomfort pre-race as a result of the hot conditions should have its rectaltemperature measured. If a horse is observed with an elevated rectaltemperature pre-race (e.g. in excess of 38.5°C) it should be monitored andconsideration be given regarding its suitability to race.•Detained in the swabbing area (either pre or post-race) to monitor horses that aresweating excessively or appearing distressed during the sampling procedure.•Immediately post-race, in particular for any horse where its rider becomesconcerned about its condition.•Subsequent to the race, to ensure all horses have recovered appropriately topermit travel. No horse may leave the course without the approval of the officialveterinarian.RIDER POLICYIn any sporting activity, heat stress increases with increasing air temperature. This ismost strongly reflected by increased discomfort, but also by increased sweating. Stressalso increases with rising absolute humidity which impairs sweat evaporation.Vigorous exercise in sport places participants at risk of heat illness which in hot andhumid weather is greater because;•During high intensity exercise in hot weather people may not be able to produceenough sweat for adequate cooling•High humidity may prevent adequate evaporation of sweatExtra caution also needs to be taken during unseasonal heat waves or unusually hot orhumid weather whereby participants lack acclimatization.MEASUREMENT OF RISKMeasurement in Degrees Celsius by a Dry Bulb thermometerThe measurement in degrees Celsius that we see in weather reports is simply airtemperature, measured by a Dry Bulb thermometer. It does not provide a basis forassessing the potential risks from heat exposure.Effective Temperature using a Wet Bulb thermometerThe combined effects of temperature, humidity and air movement can be described on asingle scale. This is the Effective Temperature. Effective Temperature is calculatedusing a Wet Bulb thermometer (one whose bulb is cooled by evaporation).
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66Level 1This policy will apply all days where the forecast temperature is 35°C (ambienttemperature) or 26°C (WBGT) “shade” or above.Race-clubs:1. Jockeys room should be air-conditioned or at least have good ventilation andfans which provide evaporative cooling through air flow2. An ample supply of fluids including ice, cool water and sports drinks be availablein jockeys room3. Cool water to be available to riders behind the barriers4. Whenever possible a Medical Doctor or trained medical/first-aid person on-course be available to monitor the condition of riders5. Ensure ample water is available in the jockeys room showers6. Turn off heating elements in spasStewards:1. Obtain the forecast conditions and monitor Thermal Comfort Observation asprovided on the Bureau of Meteorology(http://www.bom.gov.au/products/idnb5179.shtml) during the race meeting2. Ensure that the protocols for racing in the hot weather as required of the race-clubs are in place before the commencement of racing3. Minimize the time that the riders are required to be away from the jockeys roomand in the direct sun light by shortening the pre and post race parades of horsesand the period horses are behind the starting barriers4. Discretionary checking of jockeys who have riding engagements at low weightslooking for general symptoms of fatigue, nausea, dizziness and irritability. Alertmedical attendants to review any jockey where there is a concernRiders:1. Ensure that riding engagements agreed to do not extend to weights below thejockey’s minimum riding weight2. Proper weight management in the days leading up to a race meeting with theavoidance of using home saunas or spas on the day of racing3. Do not take extreme “last minute” measures which will result in the rider beingunduly dehydrated or whereby use of the raceday spa is needed to meet weightrequirements4. If feeling unwell or experiencing dizziness or undue dehydration advise theStewards who will arrange medical attention5. Between rides reduce their core temperature by sponging with cold water or coldshowering. There are a number of cooling garments and cold packs that arecommercially available for jockeys that can be applied between races6. Maintain a regular fluid intake during the race meeting to replace fluid lossesfrom excessive sweating. Appropriate fluids include water, and sports drinkpreparations with electrolyte additive. The partaking of soft drinks containingsugar or caffeine based energy drinks are to be avoided as they will further addto dehydration through their natural diuretic effects.
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77Level 2This policy will apply to all days that the forecast temperature is 38°C (ambienttemperature) or 28°C (WBGT shade) or above and are in addition to the measures listedin Level 1 of this policy.Stewards:1. Will consider at this point whether abandonment or modification of a racemeeting is advisable and will continue to closely monitor conditions throughoutthe course of the day. Modifications of a race program might include thepostponement, advancement or delay in a schedule if it appears likely theextreme conditions might ease or be avoided2. Contact the race-club at the earliest appropriate time prior to the race meeting toascertain whether a doctor or suitably trained medical/first-aid person is availableto monitor the welfare of riders with such person to be stationed in or close to thejockeys room3. Take all measures to restrict to a minimum the time a rider is required to be outof the jockeys room and in the direct sunlight by abandoning pre and post-raceparades of horses and restrict to a minimum the period horses are held behindthe starting barrier4. If a rider is dehydrated during the course of a raceday and particularly if medicaladvice indicates it is advisable for a rider to rehydrate, that a sympathetic view betaken to any application to ride ½ kg overweight5. Adopt a sympathetic approach to an application for a rider on medical grounds tobe permitted to forgo any or all riding engagement on that dayRiders:1. Riders should endeavor to regulate riding engagements so as not to over committhemselves with regard to the overall number and spacing of race rides2. Report to the Stewards and/or the Club’s Medical Officer any symptoms whichmight indicate heat illness.3. Report to the official veterinarian position on track as designated if the rider isconcerned with the condition of a horse post race on return to the mounting yard.4. Due to extra weight loss caused by sweating during the course of strenuous raceriding jockeys can afford to increase their fluid intake without increasing theirweight5. Symptoms of heat illness which may not appear obvious may include:- light headedness, dizziness- confusion- aggression or irrational behavior- nausea- fatigueLater symptoms indicating more profound dehydration include:- cessation of sweating- collapse- ashen grey pale skin- altered consciousness- obvious loss of skill and coordination/clumsiness or unsteadiness(These symptoms may indicate heat stroke which requires immediate medicaltreatment. Heat stroke must be treated as a medical emergency)
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88Factors that increase the risk of heat illness may include:- high exercise intensity- lack of fitness- previous history of heat illness or heat intolerance- high air temperature- low air movement- heavy clothing and protective equipment- lack of acclimatization- dehydration- illness (including virus, flu, gastro)- medical conditions (including asthma, diabetes etc)Measures to minimize the risk of heat illness during rest period include:- reducing clothing and resting- assisting evaporating cooling with fans and water spray- wetting/sponging of the skin- applying ice packs to groin and armpits- drinking cool water or sports drinks or taking iceIf in the opinion of a rider the conditions are becoming extreme to the point that it isdetrimental to their health and safety immediately approach the Stewards.Further information on workplace health and safety in hot weather is available on thefollowing websites:http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/Documents/Publications/LawandPolicy/CodesOfPractice/cop_hotcoldinv_309.pdfhttp://www.health.nsw.gov.au/factshe … oke.html23 February 2009——————————————————————yes horses here certainly do rce in the heat and we have some absolute belters, not like you long english summer
, but we do have raceday procedures & policies in place for hot race days.from richo, posted on the Scenic Blast thread;
Prizemoney is probably one of the main reason for sprinters here but the hot weather probably plays a big part to. I prefer to train horses for 1600m or further but lately only sprinters and it’s why most trainers start about 4am or earlier so your horses are worked and cooled down and back in their boxes by about 7am its not viable with the heat to work horses later in the day as european trainers can
Injured jockey in six-hour operation
Wednesday, 1 July 2009
The family of jockey Paul Goode faces an anxious six-week wait to find out if he will make a full recovery from a sickening race fall.
Goode underwent a six-hour operation on Tuesday night following a race fall at Queanbeyan on Monday.
The English jockey’s injuries include damage to his spinal cord, multiple neck fractures and contusions to his lungs.
Goode is expected to remain in the Princes Of Wales’s Intensive Care Unit for another week.
His condition on Wednesday morning was listed as serious but stable.
Racing NSW is flying Goode’s mother and grandmother to Australia on Thursday.
here here pinza.
note, a couple of my fellow aussie posters have a great deal of knowledge and are "industry" people like myself, trainers, breeders etc, not just people with an assumption which is an opinion,
Thanks for listening to us
and wait there’s more…………..
Scenic might have been considered a National Hunt stallion in the UK, however, Scenic won the Dewhurst Stakes,UK’s self proclaimed equivalent to our Golden Slipper, and of the 57 Stakeswinners he has produced in Australia 37 of them won stakes races at distances of 1600m or less! It probably doesnt matter what stallion you use in the UK because with their farcical style of racing you only have sprint home the last 600m. Dont forget a Rory’s Jester horse won over two miles in the UK!
from another of my fellow Aussie’s;
Peter Siddle and Paul Collingwood – same gene pool (northern England) yet a a couple of generations in the sun and one’s a wood-chopping champion, fast bowling axe, the other remains a little weiner.
As far back as WW1 when we sent over our diggers to help out the poms, they recognised Aussies as being physically superior specimens. This had occurred in an extremely short time frame (only two or three generations since European migration to Aus had really taken off) and the gene pools were almost identical at this stage. If this Johnston tool thinks genes are the be-all and end-all as to the physcial conformation of any beast, I would suggest that he living proof that siblings shouldn’t root.
Mark Johnston is doing his best to uphold the tradition of the “whinging pom” with his latest attack on the credentials of an Australian galloper and horse trainer.
http://www.australianracingboard.com.au/rules/rules010509.pdf
AR 178C. (1) The following prohibited substances when present at or below the
concentrations respectively set out are excepted from the provisions of AR 178B:-UK Trainer Johnston Aims Latest Vitriol At Scenic Blast
British trainer Mark Johnston (the man who triggered international headlines last year with his attack on English authorities for inviting Australian trainer Joe Janiak & multiple Gr1-winning sprinter Takeover Target to race at Royal Ascot, after their "travel drug" controversy in Hong Kong) has now provoked a similar brouhaha with a follow-up attack on this year’s Royal Ascot star Scenic Blast, the Australian sprinter who won the Gr1 King’s Stand Stakes. Johnston declared on his website: "I think you all know that I’m not one of the ‘smoking syringe’ theorists & that I, generally, believe British racing is not only the cleanest racing in the world but it is, in my opinion, one of the ‘cleanest sports’. However, I still can’t help but wonder how it is possible to get a son (Scenic Blast) of a moderate National Hunt sire (Scenic), which in turn is a son of Sadler’s Wells, to look like a cross between Alan Wells (winner of the 100m gold medal at the 1980 Olympics) & a Quarter Horse and to win a Gr1 race over 5 furlongs. I suppose we can only conclude that they (Australians) must be much better trainers." To which Warwick Barr on racenet.com.au calmly retorted: "In case you are uncertain of Johnston’s fame, he trained the $4.60 favourite Double Trigger to finish 17th in the 1995 Melbourne Cup – 52 lengths from the winner." (Jun 30)
, but we do have raceday procedures & policies in place for hot race days.