Veterinary Coverage
If you have any questions concerning the veterinary coverage protocols listed below please contact Dr. Elizabeth Daniel, Equine Medical Director, Maryland Racing Commission (MRC), Dr. Heidi Thomas, Senior Veterinarian, Maryland Jockey Club (MJC), or Dr. Dionne Benson, Chief Veterinary Officer, 1/ST RACING, at the contact numbers listed below.
- Trainer protocols for racing May 18th and 19th were distributed to trainers at MJC tracks as well as trainers for all nominated horses in mid-April by the MJC Racing Office.
- Beginning the week of May 2nd requests went out to association and regulatory veterinarians in jurisdictions where all Preakness nominated horses last worked. The vast majority of horses received an examination by a regulatory or association veterinarian that week.
- Horses in the George E. Mithcell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (BES), Preakness Stakes, and UAE President’s Cup are required to be on grounds 72 hours prior to racing. Horses in the undercard stakes races are required to be at a licensed Maryland facility 72 hours prior to racing. All other horses must be at a facility approved by the MJC 72 hours prior to racing.
- Horses shipping from Maryland facilities or other approved facilities may arrive at Pimlico NO later than 7 a.m. on the day of the race. This excludes horses in the BES, Preakness Stakes, and UAE President’s Cup that are required to be on the grounds 72 hours prior to racing.
- All horses racing on BES or Preakness Day will be assigned a unique saddle towel on the day of entry and will be observed during training. Any horse identified as potentially unsound on the track will be examined by an association or regulatory veterinarian.
- All horses racing on BES or Preakness Day are subject to OOCT Testing at any time prior to race day. Additionally, all horses on race day may have blood samples drawn for testing prior to racing.
- All horses racing on BES or Preakness Day are subject to TCO2 testing up to the time of the race.
- Beginning on Wednesday May 12th for horses in the BES and Thursday, May 13th for horses entered in the Preakness Stakes and UAE President’s Cup will be examined daily by either a regulatory veterinarian or an association veterinarian and a consulting board certified equine surgeon. If there is any question regarding racing soundness, Dr. Elizabeth Daniel, Equine Medical Director for the MRC will be consulted. If the horse is unfit to race, the horse will be scratched.
- During the races on both days, four MRC veterinarians will be observing horses on the track. During the Black-Eyed Susan and Preakness Stakes, an additional two attending veterinarians will be assisting should any emergencies arise. These veterinarians report to Dr. Daniel, Equine Medical Director, MRC.
Any horse that is deemed unfit for racing by the MRC veterinary team will be recommended to be scratched by the Stewards. This includes any irregularities observed in the barn during pre-race examinations or injuries occurring in the paddock, in the warm-up, or at the starting gate.
- Additionally three veterinarians, including a board certified surgeon will be observing horses on the track for the MJC. These veterinarians will provide assistance for any emergencies, as needed.
If any of these veterinarians observe a horse of concern, they will contact Dr. Daniel directly.
Contact Information
Dr. Elizabeth Daniel
Maryland Racing Commission
Equine Medical Director
410-627-7048
Elizabeth.daniel@maryland.gov
Dr. Dionne Benson
1/ST RACING
Chief Veterinary Officer
612-327-9686
dionne.benson@stronachgroup.com
Dr. Heidi Thomas
Maryland Jockey Club
Senior Veterinarian
443-425-2741
hthomas@marylandracing.com
Dr. Mary Scollay
AAEP OnCall Veterinarian
859-489-7677