spot_img
29 C
Philippines
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Philracom moves on equine vaccinations

- Advertisement -

AS expected, the Philippine Racing Commission is pursuing several of its initiatives regarding equine health following reports of a virus infecting horses abroad.

According to Philracom Executive Director Andrew Rovie Buencamino, as a veterinarian he was aware of the concerns overseas and had already been engaging with various other stakeholders to make sure the Philippine Thoroughbred industry is prepared for any eventualities, such as a pandemic, that may strike horses in the country.

The best cure is prevention, so Buencamino will be attending a convention in Baguio to meet with the Philippine College of Equine Practitioners regarding an updated vaccination plan against equine influenza.

Two weeks ago, he had a meeting with Zoetis Pharmaceuticals, the local distributor of the vaccine, “for an assurance regarding the supply of the vaccine. The Philracom Board [under the leadership of Chairman Andrew Sanchez, approved] a synchronized mass vaccination” to ensure “that all racehorses will be properly vaccinated on time annually.”

A tripartite agreement between Philracom, Zoetis, and PCEP “will guarantee that the new vaccination program will be successful,” with attention paid to the quality of the vaccines to be administered. This program will soon be finalized.

- Advertisement -

This is a good development and we are glad that Philracom is proactive in this regard.

★★★★★

Charismatic, 1999 Horse of the Year, died from a broken pelvis last Feb. 19. He was 21.

As a 3YO, Charismatic was an unlikely contender in the 1999 Kentucky Derby (G1), having run lowly claiming races only months earlier. He won the Derby and the Preakness (G1), but broke down in the Belmont Stakes (G1) while on his way to vie for the Triple Crown.

In that Belmont, Charismatic was a few strides from the wire but suffered multiple fractures in his left near fore. Jockey Chris Antley immediately dismounted and held the horse’s injured leg up, preventing further damage.

Charismatic went on to stand stud at Lane’s End in 2000 and relocated to Japan’s famous Shizunai Stallion Station where he stayed until Dec. 4 last year, when he was returned to the US to live out his remaining years at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement center in Georgetown, KY.

Among his other accomplishments were winning the 1999 Eclipse Award as 3YO colt. His record stood at 5 wins from 17 starts with career earnings of $2.038 million.

Charismatic (Summer Squall-Bali Babe, by Drone) sired around 150 offspring in the US over three breeding seasons, and many other horses in Japan. Perhaps his best offspring is Wonder Acute (Charismatic-Wonder Heritage, by Pleasant Tap), who earned GBP 5.25 million over 38 career starts.

★★★★★

Dr. Ortuoste is a California-based writer. Facebook: Gogirl Racing and Jenny Ortuoste, Twitter: @gogirlracing and @jennyortuoste, and Instagram: @jensdecember 

- Advertisement -

LATEST NEWS

Popular Articles