RACING IN HOT WEATHER - POLICY

This policy is in place to protect the welfare of horses and participants and to minimize adverse effects on horses racing in hot weather at all tracks under the jurisdiction of Racing Queensland Limited.

POLICY

This policy applies to all barrier trial and race days where the forecast, or current temperature is thirty five degrees Celsius (35°C) or above.

• On a race day where the forecast maximum temperature for the race meeting venue is determined by the Bureau of Meteorology of the meeting is to exceed thirty eight degrees Celsius (38°C), the trainer of a horse engaged at that meeting may scratch the horse free of penalty prior to 8.30am on the day of the meeting. Scratching effected after 8.30am on race day may attract the normal scratching penalty. Such applications may only be made on the day of the race.
• In the event that the forecast temperature, determined by the Bureau of Meteorology, for a race day is to exceed thirty eight degrees Celsius (38°C), Stewards in consultation with a Veterinarian will consider whether to proceed, or modify the programme for that race meeting.
• It will be the responsibility of the Chairman of Stewards acting at any race meeting to obtain the forecast conditions for any particular meeting.
• A horse may be withdrawn for heat stress (Appendix 1) on arrival at the track by order of Stewards, in consultation with the on course Veterinarian and the Trainer or the Trainer's representative. Any penalty incurred would be at the discretion of the Stewards acting on the advice of the Veterinarian.
• Any horse, displaying adverse effects of the heat shall, at the request of a Trainer be inspected by the on course Veterinarian.
• Horses may not be required to parade and identification procedures may be conducted in the stalls.
• The on course Veterinarian must endeavor to inspect all horses after the completion of the preliminary and prior to the start of any race.
• Horses retained for post-race sampling should be allowed to cool off with hosing and walking prior to sample collection. Horses shall only be retained in the swab stall for a period at the discretion of the on course Veterinarian and/or the Stewards.
• Ensure adequate wash bays and hoses are available to enable rapid post race cooling of horses.
• Ensure adequate drinking water for horses is available, horses should be allowed to drink as much fresh, clean water of ambient temperature as they require after racing.
• Race club officials should provide large bins at the wash bays that are continually stocked with ice to aid in the cooling of horses. Scrapers and large sponges should also be made available.
• The principles of evaporative cooling should be adapted by all trainers. Evaporative cooling, particularly sweating, is the most important means of dissipation of body heat from exercising horses. Repeated cycles of hosing (and the application of ice water), scraping and walking in a shaded, breezy area will enhance this process and assist in reducing a horses core body temperature.
• Trainers or their representative, whom have any concerns regarding their horse's condition, post race, should immediately notify Stewards or the on course Veterinarian directly.
• Horses determined to be suffering from heat stress will be given preference to air conditioned swab stalls. Appropriate veterinary treatment will also be given to any horse suffering from heat stress.
• Horses should be allowed adequate time to recover prior to being transported back to their stables.

The ongoing conduct of the race meeting shall at all times be subject to monitoring of conditions (ambient temperature, humidity and air movement) by the Stewards in consultation with the Veterinarian to ensure that the welfare of horses is protected.

Appendix 1

HEAT STRESS

Heat stress is occasionally seen in horses after racing in hot weather (most likely on days when the ambient temperature exceeds 35°C). In general, standardbreds race over relatively short distances and the amount of heat generated and body water lost is minimal compared to other endurance horses.

Heat stress after exercise is most likely to occur on days when both the ambient temperature and relative humidity are high and when wind speeds on air movement is low.

Horses cool themselves efficiently by evaporative cooling. As sweat and water molecules evaporate from the skin these molecules absorb and remove heat causing the horse to cool. When the ambient temperature and humidity are both high, the rate of transfer of heat from the horse's body is slowed and cooling is delayed, thus increasing the risk of heat stress.

Signs of heat stress include:

- rapid shallow breathing (panting)

- flared nostrils

- congested mucous membranes

- synchronous diaphragmatic flutter (Thumps)

- staggering gait/weakness

- agitated and distressed appearance

- irrational behavior such as lashing out with hind limbs

- occasional collapse

The following factors can adversely affect the hydration status of a horse and therefore its ability to cope with racing in hot weather:

- traveling long distances to the racecourse

- an excitable temperament

- heaving sweating

- younger horses may be less acclimatised to heat

- withholding of water or the administration of diuretics prior to racing

Treatment of heat stress may involve:

- enhancing evaporative cooling by repeating the cycle of applying cold water (hosing and ice water), scraping and walking in a shaded, breezy area.

- Administration of anti-inflammatory medication (dexamethasone or hydrocortisone).

- Intravenous or oral fluid therapy.