Commission Veterinarians and Testing Assistants

COMMISSION VETERINARIANS

The Commission Veterinarians play an indispensable function in ensuring that the quality and integrity of racing within the Commonwealth remains strong. One way this is accomplished by the veterinarians is through the drug testing program for the racehorses. They supervise the testing areas in order to ensure proper collection and continuity of evidence for blood and urine samples from the horses. They work closely with the Commission Laboratory to ensure drug testing remains current and of high quality. One method they use to test the laboratory is through the use of double blind drug testing. Additionally, they monitor the Lasix and Bute programs for horses racing in the Commonwealth.

Commission Veterinarians also conduct stable inspections, which focus on the health, safety and welfare of the equine athletes. They testify at Commission hearings on medication use, drug violations, horse care, and new policies and procedures. Commission Veterinarians, in conjunction with the Association Veterinarians at each track, monitor the health of each racehorse. Each racer is given a pre race exam before they race and watched for signs of injury after they race. During the race, veterinarians are on duty to handle any emergencies.

Commission Veterinarians work closely with other state agencies such as the Department of Agricultural Resources and Department of Public Health and several national organizations to ensure the health and welfare of the racehorses.

COMMISSION TESTING ASSISTANTS

Testing Assistants are the technicians responsible for obtaining the urine samples from the racehorses, as designated by the Stewards and Judges, to be tested.

The methods and procedures initiated by the Testing Assistants enable the Commission Laboratory to conduct its procedures with the confidence that samples they receive are secure and intact and that the Laboratory's results will not be nullified by errors occurring outside the lab.