In 2025, IGSRV members in each racing jurisdiction were surveyed to collate information on raceday veterinary examination protocols. The survey covered who initiates and performs these examinations, the specific components applied in scenarios such as poor performance, race incidents, and exclusions at the start gate. It also explored the use of technology, how findings are reported to Stewards, and the mandated stand-down periods and clearance requirements for horses diagnosed with specific conditions.
Thirteen responses were received via an online form, representing jurisdictions in Asia (2), Australia (1), Europe (5), the Middle East (3), and North America (2). The survey revealed that examinations for horses pulled up during a race are generally more comprehensive than those conducted at the starting gates. This suggests that examinations of horses scratched behind the starting gates tend to be more basic, requiring veterinarians to rely heavily on clinical judgment under time constraints. Core components include visual inspection, palpation, trot-up gait assessment, and auscultation. Advanced diagnostics—such as endoscopy, digital stethoscopes, ECG, and digital gait analysis—are more frequently employed for horses that fail to finish or perform below expectations. Key findings, including epistaxis and gait abnormalities, are commonly reported to Stewards. However, there is marked variation in the duration and application of stand-down periods, particularly for bleeding or atrial fibrillation cases. Methods of assessment before a horse can race again are often left to veterinary discretion for conditions such as lameness and fractures, while bleeding and atrial fibrillation rely more on exercise testing. Most jurisdictions define “bleeding” as external bleeding from the nostrils, regardless of pulmonary involvement.
Overall, the survey underlines the importance of shared protocols to enhance equine welfare and regulatory oversight, while also noting jurisdictional challenges such as resource disparities. Advancements in technologies are highlighted as advantageous for improving examinations and incident recording.