Traditionally, the focus of the racing regulatory veterinarian has been horse safety and the integrity of the sport. Recently, the regulatory veterinarian's responsibility has expanded to cover the broader area of welfare. The broader concept of animal welfare began with the 1965 report outlining Brambell's Five Freedoms as the model. The Brambell report examines welfare in light of whether animals enjoy the following freedoms : 1. freedom from thirst and hunger; 2. freedom from discomfort; 3. freedom from pain, injury or disease; 4. freedom from fear or distress; and 5. freedom to express normal behavior (Brambell, 1965). With these freedoms as a basis for analysis, regulatory veterinarians should understand welfare concerns raised by racing and training practices as well as animal husbandry and housing beyond the racetrack surface.