Role of the Racing NSW Veterinary Department

1. To protect and enhance the welfare, health and safety of horses – before, during their racing careers and on retirement;

2. To support Racing NSW in producing a high-quality entertainment and wagering product by improving the public confidence in the integrity of the sport and trust the industry remains a responsible custodian of horse health and welfare;

3. The provision and supervision of veterinary services at the Metropolitan and Provincial racetracks and oversight of veterinary services throughout greater NSW;

4. The management of forensic biological sample collection at race meetings and Out of Competition;

5. The provision of expert veterinary advice to the Racing NSW Board, Stipendiary Stewards, Investigators and industry on veterinary, equine health and welfare matters, anti-doping and medication control strategies and procedures;

6. To assist the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) in the development, management and implementation of cost-effective anti-doping strategies, procedures and initiatives;

7. To represent Racing NSW nationally and internationally on matters relevant to equine health and welfare, injury prevention, racing integrity, anti-doping and medication use/control, biosecurity and infectious disease management;

8. The provision of expert veterinary advice and evidence in Stewards inquiries and appeals;

9. Facilitation of veterinary supervision of the Canterbury Park Approved Quarantine facility, including the strict adherence and compliance with biosecurity procedures and the conduct of mandatory disease testing;

10. Supporting Racing NSW Welfare Veterinarians and Investigators in the detection and investigation, and reporting of integrity, compliance and welfare matters, and

11. To participate in the development and management of equine health, welfare and industry education programs.
The Veterinary Department at Racing NSW plays an integral role in supporting the Racing NSW Integrity Department to ensure the integrity, safety and welfare of horses and riders throughout the state.

It is the vision of the Racing NSW Veterinary Department to lead equine health, welfare and safety by assuring the provision of appropriate veterinary care and reinforcing high standards of horse welfare, integrity and accountability among all participants – before, during racing and on retirement.

In performing these critical industry roles, the Veterinary Department at Racing NSW is guided by three pillars – safeguarding the welfare of racehorses, the work, health and safety of participants, whilst maintaining the confidence of the broader community and betting public.

Racing NSW Veterinary Department can be contacted at (02) 9551 7589 or by emailing Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Carly Garling (BVSc MANZCVS Animal Welfare) - cgarling@racingnsw.com.au