AAEP 'On Call' veterinarians ready for spring race telecasts

Lexington, Ky. - 4/10/08 - "On Call" equine veterinarians trained to deal with the media during the Thoroughbred racing season are assigned for the major televised races this spring, including the Triple Crown.

This will be the 18th year for the "On Call" program, established by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) .

Its purpose is to have qualified veterinarians at racing venues to provide immediate, accurate veterinary information to broadcast and print journalists. DVM Newsmagazine profiled the "On Call" veterinarians at last fall's Breeders' Cup race, describing how they dealt with media inquiries, particularly when a horse was badly injured on the track.

One of them, Dr. Larry Bramlage of Lexington's Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital , will be "On Call" at this year's Triple Crown races.

"On Call" veterinarians are available to discuss other horse health issues outside racing. To make arrangements, contact Sally Baker, AAEP director of marketing and public relations, at sbaker@aaep.org or call (859) 233-0147.