Application Of RWWA Hot Weather Policy For Racing
Application Of RWWA Hot Weather Policy For Racing
5 February, 2016
Industry
With the forecast of hot weather conditions over the next few days, RWWA Stewards advise that measures are being taken in accordance with the well-established hot weather policies to ensure the health and welfare of participants and animals.
These polices, including the Australian Racing Boards Guidelines on the Prevention of Heat Stress in Jockeys, have been shown in the past to be successful in managing the risks associated with hot weather. As we typically race in Western Australia during hot weather, considerable work has been undertaken in establishing these policies.
In this respect Stewards, with the co-operation of relevant race clubs will be adopting practices to ensure proper management of environmental thermal load. In addition to water misters, fans, and availability of ice at strategic locations, arrangements are being made to limit the time participants and animals are exposed to the sun by shorter parade times and other changes to standard procedures designed to lessen exposure.
RWWA engages where necessary extra veterinarians at equine race meetings to ensure horses’ conditions are closely monitored and to provide expert advice as to the safety of the continuation of racing. Horses’ will be closely examined upon return from racing to ensure appropriate hot weather post-race practices are applied and any heat affected horses will be immediately reported to the Stewards, who will be guided by the Veterinary Surgeons as to the suitability of the continuation of racing. A Course Doctor will also be in attendance at race meetings to ensure the welfare of licensed persons.
Heat stress after exercise is most likely to be seen on days when both the ambient temperature and relative humidity are high, and winds speeds are low or absent (conditions of high environmental thermal load). RWWA Stewards and Veterinarians are regularly monitoring weather updates as they become available and will be closely monitoring conditions on the day and constantly assessing the suitability of racing continuing. If at any time conditions reach a point where the health or safety of participants is jeopardised, then race meetings may be cancelled.
Evening race meetings, like that in greyhounds, benefit from the timing of such race meetings, as conditions are likely to have moderated. However, close monitoring will still continue.
RWWA has in the past cancelled or delayed race meetings due to weather conditions not being able to be safely managed, with such decisions made based on available up to date information.