AAEP Veterinarians are “On Call” for 2008 Thoroughbred Racing Telecasts

Media-trained equine veterinarians representing the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ “On Call” program will support a month of live Thoroughbred racing broadcasts on the major television networks. The program is now in its 18th year.

Already this season, Dr. Rhonda Rathgeber was on hand for the Lane’s End Stakes and Rushaway Stakes at Turfway Park on March 22 and Dr. Tom Brokken watched Big Brown whiz to his win at the Florida Derby this weekend at Gulfstream Park in Florida.

Watch for AAEP “On Call” veterinarians to provide on-air insight into horse health issues at the following spring racing telecasts, as well as the 2008 Triple Crown races:

April 12: Toyota Blue Grass Stakes with Dr. Scott Hopper at Keeneland Racecourse; Arkansas Derby with Dr. Milton McClure at Oaklawn Park; and Holy Bull Stakes with Dr. Tom Brokken at Gulfstream Park.

April 19: Coolmore Lexington Stakes with Dr. Alan Ruggles at Keeneland Racecourse.

Once again, the Triple Crown races (Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes) will have the expertise of Dr. Larry Bramlage embedded with the television crews.

Since the founding of “On Call” in 1991, more than 30 AAEP member veterinarians have volunteered their time and expertise to the program. Offered during all live network racing as well as arena events such as the AQHA World Championship Show, over 75 events are supported by an “On Call” veterinarian each year.

The "On Call" program is made possible in part by an annual donation from Oak Tree Racing Association.

Dr. Larry Bramlage Honored by Turf Writers

Above: Dr. Larry Bramlage thinks on his feet during a live interview at a televised horse race. (AAEP photo)

The National Turf Writers Association has announced that Dr. Larry Bramlage will be the 2007 recipient of the Joe Palmer Award, named for the former New York Herald Tribune turf writer and presented annually for meritorious service to racing.

Dr. Bramlage is the renowned equine orthopedic surgeon responsible for developing many new procedures and for working on high-profile horses in need of leg surgery. While his day job may be as head surgeon at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, Dr. Bramlage has become well-known to the American public as one of the veterinarians who represents the AAEP in its "On Call" program to provide veterinary commentary on nationally-televised horse races.

In 2006, Dr. Bramlage had the tough assignment of providing expertise to the audience of the Preakness Stakes when Barbaro broke his leg. Dr. Bramlage was at the finish line and was trying to interpret reports sqeacking in his earphone from far up the track. Later, he had to speculate on what was going on in Barbaro's stall on the backstretch as he was prepared for transport to New Bolton Center. He remained remarkably cool on camera.

Bramlage is the second veterinarian to received the Joe Palmer Award; last year it was presented to Dr. Dean Richardson and the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center for their work with Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro.