A new partnership between Racing SA and the University of Adelaide aims to help retired thoroughbreds adjust to life beyond the racetrack.
Subsidised vet care at Roseworthy Veterinary Hospital has been added to the retired Thoroughbred Racehorse Assistance package that Racing SA’s welfare arm – Thorough Care SA – offers to all SA thoroughbred racehorses transitioning into retirement.
Along with discounted vet care, the packs include a phone consult with a Hygain Nutritionist to discuss diet, as well as a supply of Hygain feed and supplements, a Thorough Care SA branded Caribu Alpine rug, a complimentary whole body cryotherapy session from Apex Therapy, and access to Horse Records – horse management software which allows owners to keep on top of medical history.
“The welfare of our horses is our top priority and to now have access to world renowned veterinary care at the University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy Veterinary Hospital is a great initiative,” said Racing SA’s Industry Operations Manager John Cornell.
“On top of everything else we’re doing with nutrition and cryotherapy, our partnership with the University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy Veterinary Hospital is a win-win for everybody.
“Traceability is also becoming an increasingly important tool in regards to horse welfare before, during and after their racing careers, and new owners can now document the care the horses have with the horse management software we provide.
“Thorough Care SA uses a variety of methods such as HorseRecords, Racing Australia’s Single National System, as well as face-to-face communication to help trace the location of horses to ensure welfare standards are met,” said Cornell.
The partnership gives veterinary students the opportunity to assist with the general inspections of horses to see if there any ongoing medical issues, including conditions such as lameness and stomach ulcers.
“This partnership gives the next generation of veterinary students real life experience working with horses in a healthcare setting and provides newly retired racehorses with an even better chance to flourish in their new careers,” said the University of Adelaide’s Dr David MacPhail, Director of the Roseworthy Veterinary Hospital.
“Retired racehorses have quite specific care requirements and after years of following a high energy diet and lifestyle, it can take some time for them to adjust to the slower pace of life off the track
“Through this vet care, we can help guide new owners about their healthcare needs and we hope this program will encourage the adoption of race horses, who are often still young when they retire and have many years of life ahead,” Dr MacPhail said.
Owners of retired racehorses are eligible for discounts on selected vet treatments at Roseworthy Veterinary Hospital in the first 12 months of adopting a horse.
Thorough Care SA has given out close to 500 Retired Thoroughbred Racehorse Assistance Packs to new owners since 2021.
