Queensland Oaks favourite Fireburn scratched by vet

2 June 2023

Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) veterinarians have ruled out Group 1 Queensland Oaks favourite Fireburn due to lameness.

The 3-year-old Sydney filly was subject to a routine pre-race examination at Eagle Farm yesterday morning.

The QRIC vet determined that Fireburn appeared with significant (2.5/5) lameness making it unfit to race in Saturday’s feature event.

QRIC’s Head of Veterinary Services Dr Sally Colgan said while the Commission appreciates that connections will be disappointed the horse doesn’t race, QRIC’s purpose is to ensure the highest level of animal welfare.

“Our principle aim here is to ensure the welfare of the horse, the rider and field, and in my opinion, the level of lameness (which is a reflection of the degree of underlying pathology) presented too high a risk to allow the horse to race on Saturday,” Dr Colgan said.

“Whilst the horse’s gait may well have improved, following rest or other therapies, the potential risk of significant underlying pathology remains.”

Discussions were held with connections regarding plans for additional diagnostics which would allow the filly to race again in Queensland.

ENDS.

QRIC Media Contact: Chris Reid 0418 656 244