Careers in health and care of racing animals are essential to the success of the racing industry.  These professionals monitor the animals health manage injuries and provide routine care  to keep them performing at their best. Their expertise helps prevent long-term damage and supports the longevity of the animals in and beyond the competitive world of racing.    

 

Equine Dentist 

An equine dentist performs routine dental examinations and works to correct and maintain the proper function of a horse's mouth. The primary goal of an equine dentist is to improve the oral and digestive health and comfort of the horse, which directly contributes to enhancing the horse’s overall performance. By addressing dental issues, an equine dentist helps ensure that a racehorse can perform at its best.

Equine Nurse 

An equine nurse plays a vital role in all aspects of equine veterinary care, including medicine, surgery, intensive care, breeding, and anesthesia. They assist veterinarians in treating and caring for horses, ensuring the animals' health and well-being. Additionally, equine nurses help maintain the cleanliness and organisation of the equine facility, while also implementing quality assurance measures and adhering to workplace health and safety (WHS) procedures to ensure a safe and efficient environment.

Farrier 

A Farrier must have the knowledge and skills to care for and maintenance horses hooves. This can include trimming of hooves, shoeing  and corrective shoeing when required.

Swab Attendant 

Swab Attendants play a critical role in the pre- and post-race sampling of horses to screen for prohibited or banned substances. This process involves strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure high levels of security and chain of custody. Veterinarians are responsible for the proper collection, packaging, and sealing of samples, which are then sent for analysis to ensure compliance with racing regulations and maintain the integrity of the sport.

Veterinarian

A veterinarian plays a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of racing animals, both during training and on race days. They are responsible for diagnosing and treating injuries or illnesses, advising trainers on care, nutrition, and conditioning to prevent injuries and optimize performance. On race days, veterinarians provide immediate care for any injuries, oversee the collection of pre- and post-race samples, and conduct physical assessments to ensure animals are fit to race. They also offer expert advice to stewards and officials, ensuring the overall safety, integrity, and welfare of the horses and greyhounds competing.