The numbers seem to indicate–at the least–that many of the horses scratched following pre-race exams did have problems. | Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse
Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) Equine Medical Director Mary Scollay, DVM, believes pre-race inspections not only help improve horse safety on many levels but also communicate a message to horsemen that equine safety is a priority.

Speaking at the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit on Oct. 16 at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky., Scollay presented a 10-year study that indicated positive trends for pre-race exams in Florida and explained the steps of a pre-race exam while KHRC Chief Veterinarian Bryce Peckham conducted a typical study.

Scollay said the exams have let trainers know that the KHRC expects a certain level of soundness before a horse is allowed to race.

“We’ve established that line in the sand,” Scollay said. “Some of this is training the trainers

Create a free account with TheHorse.com to view this content.

TheHorse.com is home to thousands of free articles about horse health care. In order to access some of our exclusive free content, you must be signed into TheHorse.com.

Start your free account today!

Already have an account?
and continue reading.