That's done now. The track veterinarians ARE in the barns in the morning of race day, checking AND on the track during pre-race warm up, behind the starting gate with walkie-talkies etc. The track veterinarian(s) have the ability to scratch ANY horse AT THEIR SOLE DISCRETION up to the time the bell rings. They also watch as the horses come back and pull up and if all isn't well, the horse is put on a "non-starters" list and you CAN NOT enter it until examined and passed by a track vet at a later date. It's not "just" the horses they are protecting, remember the jockeys are at risk too. BTW, the jockey also has the ability to scratch a horse if something doesn't feel 'right". Kathy, member GSDCA, DVGSDC Celebrating generations of Dual Titled TC'd Champions visit www.geocities.com/pinehillgsds In a message dated 5/5/2008 9:28:36 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, gsdramey@xxxxxxx writes: I do feel a Vet check on sight before they are permitted to actually go on the track. **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2007. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - www.showgsd.org ============================================================================