Syringe image courtesy of the U.S. Department of Justice
Oaklawn Park and Arkansas Horsemen Benevolent and Protective Association Release
HOT SPRINGS, Ark.— Starting with the current 2023 – 2024 race meet, Oaklawn Park and Arkansas Horsemen Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) instituted a house rule requiring all injections to a covered horse be done in the presence of Oaklawn’s Integrity Department.
Beginning January 25, 2024, Oaklawn Park in partnership with the Arkansas HBPA, and in consultation with the Grayson Jockey Club Veterinarian staff is enhancing the house rule to include any repeated intra-articular corticosteroid injection to the fetlock joint requires the attending veterinarian to perform a radiograph of that fetlock joint. Studies have shown the fetlock joint contributes to a larger portion of equine injuries and this rule will give veterinarians more tools to diagnose potential injuries.
If the connections believe a Covered Horse should have an intra-articular corticosteroid injection of a fetlock joint within 60 days of a previous injection, the connections are required to have specific digital imaging (radiographs) taken by the attending veterinarian. The attending veterinarian will then assess the fetlock joint radiograph for potentially dangerous findings before the repeated injection is administered.
To assist in the costs of the required digital imaging, the Arkansas HBPA and Oaklawn will pay up to $250 for each required set of radiographs.
The above terms and requirements shall be applicable for the balance of the current Oaklawn racing season ending May 4, 2024.
The above procedures are in addition to any applicable HISA rules and rules of the Arkansas Racing Commission.
