The acquisition of an equine ambulance to service SA race tracks further underlines the joint commitment of Thoroughbred Racing South Australia (TRSA) and the Marshall Liberal Government to animal welfare.
TRSA has taken delivery of the new, state-of-the-art ambulance, which will allow best-practice race-day treatment of injured horses.
TRSA’s equine welfare officer John Cornell described the purchase as “a great initiative for South Australian racing”.
“It’s the first one we’ve had in South Australia and it’s a top-of-the-range facility,” Mr Cornell said.
“The ambulance is designed for accessibility, lowering to ground level for horses to enter and exit, with only a small step.
“It is also packed with a long list of features, which all adds up to providing premium care for injured horses.”
TRSA CEO Nick Redin said the equine ambulance was the latest animal welfare measure introduce to SA racing as part of the State Government’s previously announced industry stimulus package, which supported the creation of Mr Cornell’s role earlier this year.
Mr Redin said the purchase brings South Australia into line with several other world-leading racing jurisdictions, such as the Sydney-based Australian Turf Club, Hong Kong Jockey Club and Singapore Turf Club.
“We hope we don’t have much need for the ambulance, but we want to have the best equipment available,” Mr Redin said.
“Having potentially injured horses walking up and down ramps is far from ideal, and this equine ambulance has a hydraulic lift, meaning that the float can sit at ground level.
“Horses can also exit the ambulance via the front door, eliminating the need to turn around inside.”
Mr Cornell said the new ambulance – valued at over $100,000 – also boasts a long list of other key features, including a built-in “crush”.
“A crush allows a horse to be restrained inside the ambulance area and the veterinarians can actually work on them,” he said.
“That cuts the risk of the horse doing any further damage to itself.”
Other features of the ambulance include:
- Adjustable divider system
- Clear floor (stowed divider)
- Equine medical kit (including splint kit)
- Winch and drag mat
- Video monitoring
- Privacy blinds
- Interior and exterior lighting
- Remote control operation
- Automatic trailer coupling system.
The ambulance will be on hand for all Morphettville meetings, starting today, plus all SA provincial meetings and Oakbank meetings.
TRSA is ordering two more ambulances to increase its fleet.