(Edited press release)
Now in its 19th year, the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ “On Call” program will assist the spring season of live Thoroughbred racing on major television networks. The role of the “On Call” veterinarian is to deliver accurate veterinary information to broadcast and print journalists regarding the health of the equine athlete.
AAEP “On Call” veterinarians will assist the following spring racing telecasts, as well as the Triple Crown:
--March 21: Lane’s End Stakes (gr. II) and Rushaway Stakes – Dr. Mary Scollay at Turfway Park.
--March 28: Florida Derby (gr. I) and Swale Stakes (gr. II) – Dr. Scott Hay at Gulfstream Park.
--April 4: Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) – Dr. Jeff Blea at Santa Anita Park; Illinois Derby (gr. II) – Dr. Gary Norwood at Hawthorne Race Course.
--April 11: Arkansas Derby (gr. II) – Dr. Milton McClure at Oaklawn Park; Bluegrass Stakes (gr. I) – Dr. Alan Ruggles at Keeneland.
--April 18: Coolmore Lexington Stakes (gr. II) – Dr. Scott Hopper at Keeneland.
--Triple Crown: Dr. Larry Bramlage.
Since the formation of “On Call” in 1991, more than 30 AAEP members annually volunteer their time and expertise to the program. New to the “On Call” roster in 2009 are Dr. Scott Hay of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and Dr. Martin Ivey of Weatherford, Texas. The program, made possible in part by an annual donation from Oak Tree Racing Association, received the 2008 Special Eclipse Award for outstanding individual contributions to the sport of Thoroughbred racing.