Arabian Racing Association of California Backs Irish Equine Welfare Innovation
24 February 2021, California ~ Horse racing in California has been under significant scrutiny in recent years, but industry leaders have embraced sweeping reforms, the most recent of which sees Kildare-based Equine MediRecord (EMR) gaining accolades in the state with the official endorsement of the Arabian Racing Association of California (ARAC).
Yet another accomplishment for the company which launched its system just over two years ago but has already amassed an impressive list of clients including: the Thoroughbred Owners of California, Breeders Cup World Championships, Irish Veterinary and Welfare Commission, Irish Harness Racing Association, Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and the Arabian Racing Organisation.
Developed in the heart of equine country in Ireland, the EMR system allows for the full veterinary history of the horse to be recorded securely, ensuring the best possible horse welfare as well as aid with crucial anti-doping procedures. EMR built a specific system to comply with the new California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) requirements that all horse trainers in the state keep treatment records. This EMR system was officially approved by the CHRB to cover the new regulations. “I was impressed with EMR’s system,” commented Executive Director of the California Horse Racing Board, Scott Chaney. “Equine medical records are digitized and recorded on a mobile and web-based application used by trainers or their vets.”
Dr. Cory Soltau, President of the Arabian Racing Association of California (ARAC), shares the support of the system and understands the importance of record keeping in maintaining animal health and welfare. ARAC is the CHRB recognized breed organization for Arabian race horses in the state of California.
Dr. Cory Soltau, President of the Arabian Racing Association of California (ARAC), shares his support of the Equine MediRecord system
“The Arabian Racing Association of California looks forward to joining many of the other racing associations in the USA endorsing Equine MediRecord,” said Dr. Soltau in a recent interview. “Equine MediRecord offers an easy to use record-keeping system which allows a complete reference of each horses’s treatment and medication to help make those important decisions for the health and safety of our horses.
“The Arabian Racing Association of California enthusiastically endorses Equine MediRecord as a tool which will enhance the integrity of all competitive equine sport.”
The system has proven to reduce time spent on regulatory documentation by up to fifty percent and ensure complete compliance when inspected by regulators. Equine Medirecord CEO, Pierce Dargan, is understandably thrilled with the latest news.
He said: “We have been very impressed with the desire and determination to promote transparency and equine welfare in the state of California. Some of our earliest support has come from Arabian racing horsemen and organizations who want to ensure the very best welfare for their horses. We feel our system can play a role in the movement to help ensure that our children will be able to enjoy horse racing the way we have for generations.”
The company is gaining interest and traction in the state, shown by the over 120 trainers who attended a CHRB webinar where Mr Dargan demonstrated the EMR system while discussing the CHRB trainer treatment recording requirement along with the CHRB’s Dr. Rick Arthur, Equine Medical Director, and Dr Dionne Benson, Chief Veterinary Officer for The Stronach Group.
At a time when horse welfare and sport integrity are firmly under the microscope, this Irish innovation could not have arrived at a better time.
