AAEP On Call Veterinarians to Assist Telecasts of Triple Crown, Prominent Prep Races

Media-trained equine veterinarians representing the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ On Call program will support another season of live Thoroughbred racing telecasts when the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” series on the NBC Sports Group kicks off this weekend. “On Call” is designed to deliver accurate veterinary information to broadcast and print journalists regarding the health of the equine athlete.

AAEP On Call veterinarians will assist the following spring racing telecasts:

• March 30: Besilu Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park – Dr. Scott Hay; and Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots – Dr. Tom David.

• April 6: Wood Memorial at Aqueduct Racetrack – Dr. Celeste Kunz; and Santa Anita Derby at Santa Anita Park – Dr. Jeff Blea.

• April 13: Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland Racecourse – Dr. Rhonda Rathgeber; and Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park – Dr. Milton McClure.

• May 4: Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands at Churchill Downs – Dr. Larry Bramlage.

• May 18: Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course – Dr. Larry Bramlage.

• June 8: Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park – Dr. Larry Bramlage.

AAEP On Call veterinarians also are available to discuss horse health issues outside of the racing telecasts. For assistance, please contact Sally Baker, AAEP director of marketing and public relations, at sbaker@aaep.org or (859) 233-0147.

The On Call program, which started in 1993, serves over 30 televised equine events annually and received the 2008 Special Eclipse Award for contributions to the sport of Thoroughbred racing. Nearly 20 media-trained AAEP-member veterinarians share their veterinary expertise as On Call spokespersons.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, the AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its nearly 10,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.