Trailblazing imaging suite available for horses in Western Australia
The first standing MRI machine installed in Western Australia has scanned twice the expected number of horses in its initial month of operation. The MRI technology can diagnose a wide variety of lameness conditions caused by musculoskeletal injuries, which cannot be accurately assessed with radiographs or ultrasound. MRI is particularly useful for diagnosing soft tissue […]
Science turns to racehorse care
Welfare experts from Australia and beyond recently pointed to quality research as vital for the lifelong health of racehorses. The 2023 Asian Racing Conference held in Melbourne, which included guests from 35 countries, hosted expert discussions on advances in injury prevention and the innovations for horse safety and care. Among the experts was Dr Christopher […]
Community fund for new ideas to engage retired racehorses
Horse-based education and therapy projects stand to benefit from the new Off the Track WA Community Fund. In launching the funding program, Racing and Wagering Western Australia Head of Animal Wellbeing Anna Smet said it was open to a range of learning and wellbeing projects where off the track horses were involved. “We are delighted […]
New path on the quest to keep horses healthy
A new screening program is being trialed to gain a deeper understanding of potential health issues in retired racehorses in the hope of preventing them. Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) recently began a Preventive Health Care Screening program in partnership with Murdoch University Veterinary School. RWWA Head of Animal Wellbeing Dr Anna Smet said […]
Advanced technology for horse health arrives in WA
The first standing MRI module has arrived in Western Australia and promises advanced imaging to help avoid injuries in horses. Standing MRI scans are expected to be available in early 2023 as part of a veterinary imaging suite at The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University, which will also include standing CT. Racing and Wagering Western […]
From Railway winner to Paddock Pop
Two-time Railway Stakes winner Luckygray has swapped the simplicity of one job for a varied career juggling the roles of model, celebrity, ambassador and nanny. Ahead of The Pinnacles, he starred in an early morning photoshoot in the centre of Perth before graciously posing for selfies with fans at Ascot and taking the honour of […]
A double life works for Stephen
There’s not a lot of common ground between mechanical engineering and racehorse training but Stephen Reed has been linking the two careers for more than a decade. Stephen, the son of harness trainer Michael Reed, grew up around horses and found a way to keep them in his life after graduating as an engineer and […]
Holly swaps kebab shop for a more stable career
Apprentice jockey Holly Watson can’t wait to get to the stables each morning because she knows who’s waiting to see her. Even though it means getting up at 3am to go to work, Holly doesn’t envy the people sleeping in the homes she drives past. She’s looking forward to seeing the horses – especially her […]
New guide promotes good horse care
A set of principles on the care of all horses across the state is open for public consultation. On a recent visit to Ascot to meet trainer Luke Fernie and one of his stable favourites Wild Belle (pictured above), Agriculture Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the Standards and Guidelines for the Health and Welfare of Horses […]
Big Mak a treat for top sporting team
Strong and reliable Mak has one more important job to do before retiring – for the second time. The 20-year-old thoroughbred is heading for Sydney this week, where he will carry the Ripplebrook Equestrian Vaulting Academy team through their performances at the National Vaulting Championships. It will be his last major event before returning home […]