Horses scheduled to compete in the August 25 Travers Stakes must report to the grounds of the race course three days prior to the race on August 22. That same day, horses will undergo out-of-competition blood testing. Horses are to remain in their current barn or stall, which will also be monitored at all times by security personnel.
In a move toward a more transparent race, a full daily veterinarian’s record of all medications and treatments being administered will be provided to the Racing and Wagering Board beginning at noon, August 22 and continuing until the running of the Travers. The Racing and Wagering Board will post these veterinary records on their website each day.
“The Travers Stakes is the highest profile race of the world-class Saratoga meet and will be conducted with integrity and high standards for equine safety,” said the Racing and Wagering Board’s chairman John Sabini. “These protocols, which will help ensure that horses are kept safe and secure prior to the race, were put in place in consultation with equine safety experts, prominent trainers and track management.”
The costs associated with these extra procedures will be covered by the New York Racing Association (NYRA), with the exception of the out-of-competition blood testing.
The protocols are similar to the ones put in place at Belmont Park prior to the June 9 Belmont Stakes, which also featured a purse of $1,000,000. The race was receiving international attention since it had the potential to produce the first Triple Crown-winning horse in 34 years.
Unlike during the Belmont Stakes, horses will not be sheltered in a specific stakes barn, and that efforts are being made to keep horses in barns that they’re already accustomed to.
