Veterinary Treatments

Instruction number 16 in the Rules states that no treatment or medication may be given within 24 hours prior to the start of a race.

This does not mean that all treatments are allowed outside the period of 24 hours prior to racing. Treatments which are considered to have profound and lasting affects on pain receptors will not be allowed within a much longer period prior to racing.

Prohibited treatments include the giving of all medicines, the administration of fluids in any manner, other than as a drink which the horse is able to take naturally, and the use of physical treatments which would normally be carried out by or under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon e.g. acupuncture in its various forms, ultra-sound therapy and laser therapies.

If you wish to treat your horse and are unsure whether or not the treatment in question will be permitted please forward full details of the treatment (accompanied by manufacturer’s literature if possible) to the Veterinary Officer of the Emirates Racing Authority, who will endeavour to assist but the ultimate responsibility for compliance with the Rules rests with you.