Pre-race veterinary exams required for 2024 Winter Carnival Group 1 and certain 2YO races

10 April 2024

Following on from the success of pre-race veterinary examinations during Magic Millions earlier this year, the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission ( QRIC) will bolster its animal welfare initiatives with a requirement for pre-race veterinary examinations to be held on the day before certain Winter Carnival races.

QRIC Lead Veterinarian Dr Anil Prabhu said this is an opportunity for trainers to work closely with QRIC veterinarians in identifying any recent issues that may affect the suitability of the horse to compete.

“We aim to work with you to identify horses that are at risk of suffering a catastrophic injury and to protect the integrity of racing and the interests of the betting public by preventing horses that are identified with detectable injuries or veterinary conditions that may affect their race performance, ” Dr Prabhu said.

“All horses accepted to run in Group 1 events and 2YO Group 2 and Group 3 races, as well as the MAGIC MILLIONS NATIONAL 2YO CLASSIC and BATTLE OF THE BUSH FINAL, must take part in a veterinary trot-up pre-race inspection onthe Friday prior to the race day on Saturday, with the exception of the  MAGIC MILLIONS NATIONAL 2YO CLASSIC on Friday night, 24 May, 2024 where inspections will take place on the Thursday 23 May, 2024.

“Veterinarians request that connections also provide any relevant information about their runners that will assist the QRIC veterinary team.”

This requirement will come into effect on Friday 10 May, 2024 prior to the KEN RUSSELL MEMORIAL CLASSIC GR3 2YO on Saturday 11 May, 2024 at the Gold Coast.

The Commission will contact the connections of all runners to arrange a time for their examination.

Pre-race veterinary examinations will be held prior to the following Winter Carnival events:

2YO races

  • KEN RUSSELL MEMORIAL CLASSIC GR3 2YO SW 1200M $200,000
  • SPIRIT OF BOOM GR2 2YO SW 1200M $300,000
  • MAGIC MILLIONS NATIONAL 2YO CLASSIC SW 1000M $1,000,000 
  • BRC SIRES’ PRODUCE GR2 2YO SW 1400M $1,000,000

Group 1 races

  • DOOMBEN 10,000 GR1 WFA 1200M $1,500,000
  • DOOMBEN CUP GR1 WFA 2000M $1,000,000
  • KINGSFORD SMITH CUP GR1 WFA 1300M $1,000,000
  • QUEENSLAND DERBY GR1 3YO SW 2400M $1,000,000
  • QUEENSLAND OAKS GR1 3YO FILLIES SW 2200M $700,000
  • STRADBROKE HCP GR1 HCP 1400M $3,000,000
  • JJ ATKINS 2YO SW 1600M $1,000,000
  • TATTERSALL’S TIARA GR1 F&M WFA 1400M $700,000

Additional Race

  • BATTLE OF THE BUSH FINAL HCP SC 1200M $200,000

If you have any questions about pre-race veterinary examinations, please contact vets@qric.qld.gov.au or thoroughbredstewards@qric.qld.gov.au.

Thank you for your ongoing support.