A. Brief Description of the Issue
Current Rules Governing Horse Racing In Alberta preclude veterinarians from holding a "A" Thoroughbred Trainers License
B. Discussion of the Issue and Problem
What specific problems or concerns are involved in this issue?
As a licensed thoroughbred veterinarian and owner in Alberta I am prevented from training my own thoroughbreds and holding a practicing veterinarians license.
Who does the issue affect?
Myself and any other veterinarian who wished to hold a trainers license in addition to their veterinary license.
What existing HRA rules relate to this issue?
Rule 36 (G) Conditions of a veterinarian license: The licensee will not apply for or hold a trainers license
65 (Bb) No trainer may be licensed as a licensed veterinarian or vice versa
C. Possible Solutions and Impact
What solution does this proposal provide?
I propose modifying the above rule to state 'except by special permission of the racing stewards' to allow a case by case assessment. This would allow me to apply for both licenses and the stewards to decide if it is possible to for me to hold both, and whatever restrictions might be imposed if necessary.
How will the solution fix the problem?
Allows the stewards discretion to award both licenses if they deem appropriate
How will the change affect any entities or stakeholders?
It will benefit other stakeholders as it will allow me to continue to provide veterinary service to my clients should I decide to take my trainers license and scale back my current level of veterinary service. It is difficult to find veterinarians willing to work racetrack hours- I am currently hiring, but it is beneficial if I can continue to work at least some hours as well, and mentor younger veterinarians that may come to work in my practice. Also there are certain procedures that I am able to do (standing castration, myectomy) that most veterinarians are unable to do.
How will you or your organization be affected by the proposed change?
What are the benefits of the proposed change?
See above.
What are the possible drawbacks of the proposed change?
None that I am aware of. I believe the argument has been made that there is an issue of public perception with veterinarians holding trainers licenses but I believe that is not the case.
D. Please identify any affected stakeholder groups that expressed support or opposition.
(These stakeholders may include the racetracks, breed registries, owners, trainers, jockeys, veterinarians, or others.)
For those stakeholder groups that have expressed an opinion, please list the points on which they agree or disagree, and the arguments they have expressed.
Are there any affected stakeholder groups that have not been consulted on this proposal?
Please attach any formal letters of support or opposition by stakeholder groups. Files must be .pdf, .doc, .docx, or .txt format and under 3072k for the system to accept the submission. You can add a maximum of 3 attachments.
E. Attach the rule language you are proposing. Please show new language in a new paragraph below the current wording. If you are proposing that current rule language be eliminated, please indicate the text to be deleted with [delete: sample deleted copy]
in both cases add "except by special permission of the stewards"
F. Do any racing jurisdictions currently have a version of this rule in effect? If yes, please attach copies of those rules.
Internationally many racing jurisdictions allow veterinarians to hold trainers licenses (in New Zealand when I practiced there the Vet I worked for had a trainers license). In Ontario veterinarians are currently allowed to also hold a trainers license.
G. Review the Rules Governing Horse Racing in Alberta and identify any other Rules this change would affect and submit proposed amendments to those rules to comply with changes that would be made by this proposal.
No other rules would be impacted. As a holder of both license types I would be subject to the restrictions of both.
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