Media-trained equine veterinarians representing the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ “On Call” program will support a month of live Thoroughbred racing broadcasts on the major television networks. The program is now in its 18th year.
Already this season, Dr. Rhonda Rathgeber was on hand for the Lane’s End Stakes and Rushaway Stakes at Turfway Park on March 22 and Dr. Tom Brokken watched Big Brown whiz to his win at the Florida Derby this weekend at Gulfstream Park in Florida.
Watch for AAEP “On Call” veterinarians to provide on-air insight into horse health issues at the following spring racing telecasts, as well as the 2008 Triple Crown races:
April 12: Toyota Blue Grass Stakes with Dr. Scott Hopper at Keeneland Racecourse; Arkansas Derby with Dr. Milton McClure at Oaklawn Park; and Holy Bull Stakes with Dr. Tom Brokken at Gulfstream Park.
April 19: Coolmore Lexington Stakes with Dr. Alan Ruggles at Keeneland Racecourse.
Once again, the Triple Crown races (Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes) will have the expertise of Dr. Larry Bramlage embedded with the television crews.
Since the founding of “On Call” in 1991, more than 30 AAEP member veterinarians have volunteered their time and expertise to the program. Offered during all live network racing as well as arena events such as the AQHA World Championship Show, over 75 events are supported by an “On Call” veterinarian each year.
The “On Call” program is made possible in part by an annual donation from Oak Tree Racing Association.
