BUY TICKETS MERCHANDISE

Getting ready to run

26 May 2023 Written by VRC

The Racing Victoria veterinary services team is committed to protecting equine welfare and maintaining the integrity of the sport. Each race day, General Manager of Veterinary Services Grace Forbes is joined by a dedicated team caring for the health and welfare of the equine athletes.

On Australian Cup Day, we went behind the scenes with them. Along with Dr Forbes, there are three more vets, one vet nurse and three sampling attendants working closely with the stewards. Their day is busy, filled with pre- and post-race vet inspections of horses, and urine and blood samples to be taken and much more. Attention to detail is paramount across everything they do, with the end goal the same for all: to have healthy horses competing at their best and going home safely.