On Call Program

Providing Accurate Information

"On Call" is an innovative media-assistance program developed to provide accurate veterinary information to the broadcast and print media during live-network races. Media-trained equine veterinarians are available to respond to crisis situations and to answer questions about veterinary medicine.

ASSISTING THE INDUSTRY AND MEDIA

In response to the horseracing industry's plea for accurate reporting of veterinary issues, particularly at the racetrack, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) came to the forefront in 1991. Prompted by the tragic deaths of three horses during the telecast of the 1990 Breeders' Cup at Belmont Park, the AAEP developed the "On Call" program to assist racetrack management with the media and live coverage of major races throughout the country.

Sharing Expertise

More than 30 AAEP veterinarians have committed their time and knowledge to the "On Call" program. This team has received media training in order to educate the racing public about the highly specialized care of the equine athlete.

Supporting Equine Events Worldwide

The "On Call" program is offered during all live-broadcast racing events, including the Triple Crown races and the Breeders' Cup, and arena events such as the AQHA World Championship Show. Over 100 events are supported by an "On Call" veterinarian each year.

AAEP On Call Program Receives Special Eclipse Award

The On Call media-assistance program of the American Association of Equine Practitioners was honored with the 2008 Special Eclipse Award. The Special Eclipse Award, honors outstanding individual achievements in, or contributions to, the sport of Thoroughbred racing. Representatives of the On Call program of the AAEP were presented the Special Eclipse at the 38^th annual Eclipse Awards on Jan. 26, 2009, at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach in Miami Beach, Fla. Read more.

Summer/Fall 2009 On Call Schedule

“On Call” veterinarians will assist the following racing telecasts:

July 25: Eddie Read Handicap - Dr. Jeff Blea at Del Mar Racecourse
August 8: Arlington Million and Beverly D. - Dr. Mary Scollay at Arlington; Hambletonian - Dr. Scott Palmer at Meadowlands
August 29: Travers Stakes and King's Bishop - Dr. Stephen Carr at Saratoga
September 7: All-American Futurity - Dr. Marty Ivey at Ruidoso Downs
October 10: Shadwell Turf and Breeder's Futurity - Dr. Rhonda Rathgeber at Keeneland; Goodwood Stakes, Lady's Secret Handicap and Oaktree Mile - Dr. Jeff Blea at Oaktree
October 11: Juddmonte Spinster and Keeneland Turf - Dr. Mary Scollay at Keeneland
October 17: Pattison Canadian International, E.P. Taylor Stakes and Neartic Stakes - Dr. Robert McMartin at Woodbine
October 31: Bank of America Challenge Championships - Dr. Wayne McIlwraith at Los Alamitos
November 6-7: Breeders' Cup - Drs. Larry Bramlage and Wayne McIlwraith at Santa Anita Park

Contact:
Sally J. Baker, APR
AAEP Director of Marketing & Public Relations
859-233-0147
sbaker@aaep.org

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