Dr. Dionne Benson, chief veterinary officer for The Stronach Group, confirmed that a new rule has been put in place at Gulfstream Park that is aimed at protecting older racehorses.
Existing regulations prevented Thoroughbreds 11 years of age and older from competing at the Hallandale Beach, Fla., racetrack. Gulfstream announced on Feb. 17 that horses aged 9 and 10 that are racing or training at Gulfstream Park or Palm Meadows Training Center must undergo annual full-body nuclear scintigraphy scans; the results must be submitted to the association veterinarians.
“We have known for a long time that older horses are at higher risk,” Dr. Benson said. “We are just trying to be very cautious with these horses.”…