- Overall responsibility for monitoring the health and welfare of all horses stabled at the racetrack.
- Serve as a professional advisor and consultant to racetrack management and operational staff.
- Fulfill all responsibilities of the track / association veterinarian required by applicable OSRC and HISA rules and regulations.
- Conduct pre-race examinations on all horses entered to race that day to determine based on professional opinion whether a horse is fit to race.
- Observe all horses during training and throughout the afternoon including in the paddock, post parade, gate, and during and after racing for unsoundness and/or distress.
- Assess and manage injured or distressed horses; provide emergency medical care and/or euthanasia when required. Ensure that all injured/distressed horses returning to the barn area are released to the attending veterinarian.
- Maintain the Veterinarian's List of all horses ineligible to race including the addition and removal of the horses from the list.
- Maintain appointments and perform exams and blood collection for horses working off the Veterinarian's List.
- Notify the stewards of any horses deemed unsafe/inhumane to race and review prior day's race charts.
- Perform post-race claim exams and place horses on the Veterinarian's List as needed.
- Update and maintain the RTO Injury Database by reporting all horses examined and placed on the Veterinarian's List, including pre-race scratches, paddock and gate injuries, and racing injuries.
- Update and maintain all exam records including pre-race, claim, and general exams.
- Ensure all horses that are euthanized or die on racetrack property are sent for a necropsy. Collect records, conduct catastrophic reviews, and report findings on all catastrophic fatalities.
- Ensure the racetrack has and maintains plans and protocols to prevent and manage infectious disease outbreaks among horses.
- Chair/co-chair the RSWC monthly meeting to review circumstances around injuries and other safety issues.
- Provide assistance and second opinion if needed for any exams or other equine welfare issues.
- Maintain an open line of communication with the stewards, other veterinarians, and racetrack management.
- Foster and promote a positive work environment that encourages excellent safety and welfare practices.
- Ohio State Racing Commission license and fingerprinting are required.