Nature vs. Nuture

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Criquette's Words

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Australian Racing

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French Rule Change

Irish Champions Weekends

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Prize-money boost and “free entry scheme” for Longines Irish Champions Weekend

Building on the success of last year, total prize-money for the 2015 Longines Irish Champions Weekend has been increased to €4.03 million. The Group 1 QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday, September 12th remains one of the highest-rated races on the international calendar and will be worth €1.1 million in 2015, an increase of €100,000 on last year. The total prize money on offer at Leopardstown on the opening day of Longines Irish Champions Weekend will be €2.13 million.

Three races at the Curragh on Sunday, September 13th have also been raised in value. The Derrinstown Stud Flying Five will be run as a Group 2 race for the first time and its prize fund has been doubled from €100,000 to €200,000. The value of the Group 1 Palmerstown House Estate Irish St. Leger has increased from €300,000 to €350,000 and the Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sale Stakes also rises by €50,000 to €250,000. The total prize-money at the Curragh has risen by €200,000 to €1.9 million.

Four valuable premier handicaps will be run over the course of Longines Irish Champions Weekend. It is certainly a weekend of high-class racing action which will cater for all. Each of the handicap races boasts a value of €150,000 and will be run over six, seven, ten and twelve furlongs respectively.

Longines Irish Champions Weekend is, in effect, the first leg of a European Triple Crown of championship meetings, leading into the QATAR Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe meeting at Longchamp in early October and QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot two weeks later.

What’s more, a series of races have been included in the ‘Longines Irish Champions Weekend Free Entry Scheme’ where the winning horses will be entitled to a refund equivalent to the total cost of running for a horse which had been entered at the initial entry stage, should they run in designated races on Longines Irish Champions Weekend.

Valuable and prestigious races in their own right, the additional bonus of free entry for Longines Irish Champions Weekend makes them all the more enticing:

RACE DATE QUALIFIER RACE FREE ENTRY FOR

6th August Ballyroan Stakes (Gp 3) 3yo+ 12f - Palmerstown House Estate Irish St Leger (Gp 1)

7th August El Gran Senor (L) 2yo 71/2f - John Deere Juvenile Turf Stakes (Gp 3)

7th August Abergwaun Stakes (L) 3yo+ 5f - Derrinstown Stud Flying Five Stakes (Gp 2)

12th August Hurry Harriet Stakes (L) 3yo+ 91/2f - Moyglare “Jewels” Blandford Stakes (Gp 2)

13th August Desmond Stakes (Gp 3) 3yo+ 8f - Clipper Logistics Boomerang Stakes (Gp 2)

22nd August Renaissance Stakes (Gp3) 3yo+ 6f - Derrinstown Stud Flying Five Stakes (Gp 2)

23rd August Debutante Stakes (Gp 2) 2yo 7f - Moyglare Stud Stakes (Gp 1)

23rd August Futurity Stakes (Gp 2) 2yo 7f - Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (Gp 1)

23rd August Royal Whip Stakes (Gp 3) 3yo+ 10f - QIPCO Irish Champions Stakes (Gp 1)

23rd August Irish St Leger Trial Stakes (Gp 3) 3yo+ 14f - Palmerstown House Estate Irish St Leger (Gp 1)

27th August Fairy Bridge Stakes (Gp 3) 3yo+ 71/2f - Coolmore Matron Stakes (Gp 1)

30th August Dance Design Stakes (Gp 3) 3yo+ 9f - Moyglare “Jewels” Blandford Stakes (Gp 2)

Gowran Park

Remembering Denny Cordell

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2015 marks the 20th running of the Denny Cordell Lavarack and Lanwades Fillies Stakes (Gp 3) at Gowran Park. Denny Cordell enjoyed a brilliant career in the music business. He produced "A Whiter Shade of Pale" and the great early records of stars such as Tom Petty & Joe Cocker and in his latter years signed and Developed Irish super-group The Cranberries.

It is the intention of his family and friends that the sponsorship of this race will create an annual event at which Denny's life and friendship will be celebrated with the same zest he himself brought to life.

The Jockey Club of Turkey

JOCKEY CLUB OF TURKEY

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The racing passed through many phases but the only thing that has remained unchanged through the history has always been the same: The Passion for the Horses. The founder of Turkish Republic and our great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk believed that horse racing is a social need for all modern society. Named after him and known as the Turkish Derby, “Gazi Derby” is the only sports competition in Turkey, hold uninterruptedly since 1927.

Jockey Club of Turkey, the leading actor of the horse racing sector in Turkey, is listed among the top countries in horse racing with a turnover of 1,3 Billion Euros and distributed prize money of  129,5 Million Euros. Horse races are organized throughout the year on 698 racedays. All these races are broadcasted live both online and from the official TV Channels of TJK.

Veliefendi racetracks

Istanbul Veliefendi Racecourse is established on 596.000 square meters land. It has one 2020 meters long , 27-36 meters wide turf, and one 1870 m long, 17.5-19 m. wide synthetic ( Polytrack) tracks. At the inmost of the tracks, It has also a sand training track 1720 m in length and 14-16 m in width

Turkey is also a significant country in the international races. The first International Race with the participation of foreign runners was held in Istanbul, in 1990. Since then, Turkey has been becoming more and more active in the international racing field and has been organizing International Racing Festival in the first weekend of September every year, since 2008 with total purse of Euros 1.538.000 to be distributed in 7 races.

On 5th & 6th September 2015, Turkey will again open its doors to the champion thoroughbreds and stage a breathtaking International Racing Festival, which includes 5 Group races for Thoroughbreds and 2 Group races for Purebred Arabians. Among these internationally renowned races, International Topkapi Trophy (G2), International Bosphorus Cup (G2) and International Istanbul Trophy (G3) are recognized worldwide and listed in the Part I of the International Cataloguing Standards.   

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES OF INTERNATIONAL RACES

ON AUGUST 5th WEDNESDAY TILL 17:00 (LOCAL TIME)

WITH SUPPLEMENTARY ENTRIES ON AUGUST 31st MONDAY.

Transportation Subsidies

The Jockey Club of Turkey will make a subsidy of;

• 7.500 Euros for THOROUGHBRED horses,

• 3.000 Euros for PUREBRED ARABIAN horses non placed in first four.

Horses that are not placed in the first four places, will receive the subsidy if they have travelled by plane.

Andrews Bowen

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Andrews Bowen has products that are proven at the highest levels and the experience and resources to deliver. Their unrivalled passion to produce the very best surface possible so that horses can perform at their very best sets them apart.

Andrews Bowen world leaders in surface technology offer their, BHA approved Safetrack racing and training surface providing minimal kickback, allowing horses to benefit from a secure and consistent footing. Clients can take advantage of their complete design, supply and installation packages. Andrews Bowen have installed their Safetrack surfacing at a number of facilities including; Manor House Stables, Paul Nicholls Racing, Dan Skelton Racing, Ocala Breeder Sales and Goldmark Farms.

Andrews Bowen are also able to offer their unique Equaflow System in conjunction with their surfacing as an alternative to traditional stone sub bases and drainage layers. Equaflow is a source control sub base replacement layer comprising high strength, interlocking modular plastic units that are installed beneath the Safetrack surfacing. The system can be designed to include rain water harvesting and water management if required, offering a multitude of uses in our highly demanding greener society.

Trainer - Dan Skelton said; I am delighted in all aspects of my Safetrack installation. The team at Andrews Bowen are true horsemen who understand the needs of race horses. I could not be happier with the team and the product.

Trainer Todd Quast of Goldmark Farms Florida, had Safetrack installed in 2006 and said “Safetrack is a consistent, safe track surface and was definitely the best choice for us. It is the most consistent racetrack I have worked with. I have seen a 70% reduction in bone issues. Andrews Bowen have been very supportive throughout”. Jockey Dominic Elsworth said Andrews Bowen is a great design, horses feel confident and travel well. I have found it consistent in all weathers in all the locations I have ridden on it. Andrews Bowen are used to working with all clients to achieve installation of top quality surfaces in the required timescales and also providing the necessary technical back up and supportive for our surface throughout their lifecycle.

Life Assays

Equine Haptoglobin test

Make useful and accurate decisions by testing for Acute 

Phases Proteins with Lifeassays

LifeAssays® AB has developed a unique patented rapid Point of care test for Equine Haptoglobin.  Equine haptoglobin is a very stable acute phase protein and therefore a very reliable marker for inflammations. LifeAssays makes it possible to run tests that normally have to be sent to a central lab. Performing a test using the LifeAssays® System is easy and convenient. Insert the reagent vial into the instrument and the LifeAssays® VetReader will automatically perform the measurement and display the result after 11 minutes.

A complete solution for The LifeAssays® VetReader is a new alternative for POC testing utilizing the unique and patented magnet immuno assay (MIA) technique. The system composes of two parts: wet chemistry reagents and an analytical instrument, the Vet Reader, for quantification and measuring. Trainers who use the Lifeassays test, avoid extensive training with a sick horse and then can safely see when the horse is back on the road to recovery and into training. What’s more the accuracy of testing is comparable to data that takes much longer to come back from a laboratory. Veterinary professionals, who use the Lifeassays test, do so to determine if; selected treatment is effective and not affected by concurrent medications; for post operative monitoring. Veterinarians can also rely on the Lifeassays test to give them the best diagnostic and most accurate point of care tool for detecting systemic inflammation.

ReadySupp

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READYSUPP VITAMIN E & SELENIUM

Why is high quality vitamin E and selenium crucial for optimum muscle support in racehorses? And should you be feeding it?

Racehorses in full work have high requirements for antioxidant nutrients due to the demands their exercise puts on their bodies, especially the muscles. Vitamin E and selenium are two important cellular antioxidant nutrients which play a key role in keeping body tissue, including muscles, healthy and functioning optimally.

Deficiencies of either essential nutrient will impair performance and can eventually cause disease. During exercise, micro-damage and oxidative stress occurs, which the body then counteracts with physiological changes during the rest period following. These changes are the conditioning process that gets the horse fitter, but this process relies entirely on adequate supply of all the essential nutrients to have an anabolic effect, building stronger muscles with more stamina. Vitamin E and selenium are the primary muscle cell antioxidants, which reverse oxidative stress and help the muscle get stronger and more conditioned after a training session. Thoroughbreds have a huge muscle mass - about 40% or 200 kg for a 500 kg horse, and their working muscles demand a high intake of antioxidants.

It is worth considering that vitamin E levels are often lower than required with regular feeding, especially if the thoroughbred is not turned out (pasture is a good source of vitamin E). Conserved forages including hay and haylage lose Vitamin E during processing, and neither fresh nor conserved grass contains enough selenium for horses. Compound feeds often contain low levels of vitamin E, and in such cases diets must be supplemented if the horse is expected to perform at his best. Vets and Nutritionists recommend at least 2000 IU of vitamin E daily for working horses, and levels double this amount might be appropriate in some cases.

Levels should be elevated throughout training, and not just during the racing season, so it is worth considering supplementing the diet.

Vitamin E and selenium intake should always be increased for horses with any history of tying up. A deficiency can contribute to tying up, and supplementing these nutrients after a bout will help the muscle to heal and regenerate. Post-injury or surgery, horses also have an increased requirement for antioxidants, so vitamin E and selenium should be elevated during any healing phase.

ReadySupp Vitamin E and Selenium supports optimum performance with high levels of both essential nutrients at levels recommended for maximum benefit.

All ReadySupp supplements are manufactured in the UK according to the BETA NOPS code and do not contravene FEI or Jockey Club rules.

Kerckhaert

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Super Sound raceplates have all the excellent design features you have already come to expect in the Kings Plate Extra Sound Race program, plus multiple innovative and patented new features.

Super Sound horseshoes offer more balance and support, allow natural, unimpeded hoof expansion and drastically reduce bruising and soreness. Your horse will perform better and will have sounder and thicker hooves.

•    Available Sizes :        4 – 5 – 6 – 6,5 – 7 – 7,5 – 8 – 9
•    Recommended nail:    Liberty FJ0 or ASV 1 ¾

Upgrade your horse today to the newest, most advanced designed plates in the industry to keep your horse SUPER SOUND.

Red Mills

Red Mills - Fitness and Nutritional Status

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Many National Hunt horses returning from pasture will appear well conditioned, in some cases a little too well conditioned, and giving the appearance of great health following a period of relaxation. Whilst pasture will have provided an abundance of protein and sugars that flesh out a horse nicely, it will in most cases have fallen short in meeting the mineral requirements of a horse even when at rest. When starting back into work it is worth considering improving the nutritional profile of the horse at the same time as building fitness. ​

Whilst the major minerals including calcium and phosphorus along with key electrolytes potassium and sodium are generally well catered for within pasture the micro minerals of zinc, copper, selenium and manganese are often too low to meet requirements. Of these copper is the most easily noted as the horse’s skin colour changes giving a bleached looked and a flat colour.

Unlike the vitamins A,D,E which are fat soluble and can be stored in the body, minerals cannot be stored in tissues and so it is not possible to pre-load a horse before going out to pasture. The only mineral that can be stored is copper, which is held within the liver. Depending on the pasture content and stocking rate a horse may hold enough reserve to match any shortfall or the reserve will run short and a deficiency occurs. In most cases the horse returns to work with a low mineral profile that needs to be lifted in order to withstand the increased workload.

Increasing mineral intake requires a well supplemented diet designed to provide minerals matching the intensity of work and taking into account a dried forage base rather than pasture. When considering which diet to start on the protein level is important but of equal importance is the vitamin and mineral profile. The initial training phase has high demands for adaptation as fitness increases and the requirement for nutrients that support muscle function, such as vitamin E, selenium, magnesium and copper is raised. There is significant variation in mineral levels found within feeds. Choosing a diet with an elevated mineral content will reduce the need for additional supplements and will cater for the variation of minerals found in dried forages.

Equestrian Surfaces

Equestrian Surfaces     

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Equestrian Surfaces are leading suppliers in high performance synthetic all weather surfaces, over the 28years trading we have a highly respected range of synthetic surfaces with the flagship surface being the Cushion Track.

Equestrian Surfaces mission is to provide a safe and consistent surface for horse, rider and trainer. We are constantly striving to improve, using research and development to emulate a surface as close to turf as possible. Not only this but we are the only equestrian company to be environmentally approved and 9001 UKAS accredited, meaning that all our products are made to a quality standard second to none. Alongside this being the only company to manufacture our own stabilising fibre, which is a vital component in modern day surfaces and the core to all our products, for this reason we can guarantee a quality and consistency to our surfaces no other company can match.

Professionals choose Equestrian Surfaces as they believe it is essential to train on the best surfaces possible, our surfaces not only support the horses limbs, but they also reduce the risk associated with rigorous training regimes which are regularly placed on the modern day race horse.

Cushion Track which has been developed and improved over the years and is a mix of multi washed silica sand, environmentally approved stabilising fibre and coated in a wax binding, offering the ultimate safety for both horse and rider. The wax within the surface means that the surface is frost resistant and requires minimal maintenance and no irrigation to keep it in premium condition. All of Equestrian Surfaces products are different to many other surfaces on the market due to the specialist fibres which are uniquely blended and that the surface has been rigorously tested to provide the ultimate footing in terms of consistency, durability and quality.

The Cushion Track is installed at Klampenborg, Jaegersro within Europe. Within the UK it is laid within the Jockey Club Estates at Lambourn, and Ireland The Curragh racecourse have a schooling lane. There are many more.

NAF - Superflex

NAF Superflex

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Five Star Superflex is the right combination; a scientifically balanced ratio of readily absorbed Glucosamine Sulphate 2KCl and Chondroitin, the highest quality MSM plus the added benefits of a powerful anti-oxidant formula, exclusively designed to address excess free radical build up around the joint. Five Star Superflex contains the right combination of key nutrients in the optimum ratios, developed over twenty five years of working with sound horses. So provide the best flexibility for life for your horse or pony with Five Star Superflex, available in liquid and powder forms.

Five Star Superflex has been developed by international veterinary scientists to provide horses and ponies across all disciplines with the ultimate joint support.
The best riders in the world put their trust in Five Star Superflex, make sure you offer your horse or pony that essential support to achieve the best performance possible.

Therma-Vet

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What do you use to detect signs of heat?

Vets have used thermal imaging cameras for years with consistent positive results that can no longer be ignored. Thermal cameras have not been adopted by many yards either due to financial restrictions or lack of the technical know-how for such complicated equipment. However, recent advances in technology have allowed the creation of the ThermaVetTM, a thermal imaging camera that’s simple to use and can easily be attached to your Smartphone/pad. The racing industry demands a lot from its trainers, staff and horses alike. When presented with a thermal imaging camera that fits into the palm of your hand and can be used on a daily basis for monitoring injuries, infections and disease with ease; how can this not catch our attention? This has the potential to make a positive impact on equestrian health monitoring and save time and money. Instead of just feeling for heat, see the heat and take a photo/video of it to compare against previous images.

Easy to use and non-invasive complementary tool in the palm of your hands…
Thermal imaging is a useful non-invasive method of remotely monitoring surface temperature. The ability to monitor skin temperature easily has great potential for the early detection of disease, infection or injury. A hot spot indicates inflammation or increased blood flow. Cold spots indicate decreased blood flow, usually the result of swelling, nerve damage or scar tissue. It is especially useful when deciding when to bring a horse back into work after injury, when detecting infections post op. and in wounds, monitoring when travelling or locating abscesses – the list is endless.
The ThermaVet TM is an early warning, simple and affordable tool that can be used on a daily basis. It simply attaches onto your Smartphone/pad and enables the user to take and store thermal photos and videos, giving instant comparable results at the point of care, aiding trainers to make decisions, act quickly and save money.

How much does it cost and where can I get one from?
The RRP is £199.99 however, European Trainer readers can use the discount code: TRAINER to receive £25 off. Simply buy from the online shop found at www.therma-vet.com

Fibre-Beet Sponsor Foulrice Park Racing

Fibre-Beet is the proud new sponsor at Foulrice Park Racing.

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Will I’Anson & Colin Stirling celebrating the sponsorship at York Races

Based in Middleham, North Yorkshire, the racing yard is delighted to be supported by the super fibre conditioning feed, produced by local feed manufacturers, British Horse Feeds, a feed division of I'Anson Bros Ltd at Masham.

Foulrice Park Racing benefits from the newly refurbished yard, ‘Little Spigot’, providing first class training facilities in Middleham - the heart of racing in the North. 

The yard is run by Trainer Patrick Holmes, with his business partners Colin and Ailsa Stirling and a very experienced senior team - horse welfare is paramount to all. 

The team started using Fibre-Beet when they were looking for a high fibre feed which would promote gut health and maintain condition.

Trainer, Patrick Holmes, explains how the relationship developed with the brand: 

“We started using Fibre-Beet last year and were very impressed with the palatability - even the fussiest of horses enjoy it. They look very well on the feed and maintain condition throughout the season.”

Said Will I’Anson of British Horse Feeds: “We have been working with Foulrice for some time now, and we are absolutely delighted to be involved with this sponsorship arrangement. We firmly believe our association with them will continue to promote our brands and particularly the benefits of feeding Fibre-Beet into this important sector." 

Colin Stirling is also delighted with the Fibre-Beet association: “To have Fibre-Beet onboard as yard sponsor is excellent and we look forward to an exciting season with British Horse Feeds and our owners as the relationship develops”.

Fibre-Beet is an excellent conditioning feed for racehorses as the pectins in the beet pulp help coat the stomach lining and the quality alfalfa has an antacid effect. It is high in fibre and low in starch and sugar. 

Foulrice Park Racing and British Horse Feeds celebrated the sponsorship deal at York Races Dante Festival 13-15 May. 

For more information on Fibre-Beet please contact British Horse Feeds on:

+44 (0)1765 680300 or visit www.britishhorsefeeds.com  

Foulrice Park Racing website - www.foulriceparkracing.com

Equine Flu: ProteqFlu® first to secure Clade 2 update

The recent launch of the updated equine influenza (EI) vaccine, ProteqFlu®, brings to market the first and only EI vaccine in Europe to contain a clade 2 strain, and also the only vaccine that is fully compliant with the latest 2014 OIE World Organisation For animal Health Expert Surveillance Panel (ESP) recommended EI vaccine strains

Louise Radford MRCVS of manufacturer Merial Animal Health explains the significance of the launch

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Merial, the world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company has recently launched the updated ProteqFlu vaccine, marking the UK’s first and only fully updated equine flu vaccine that contains both a Clade 1 and Clade 2 antigen, which includes protection against the latest Florida Clade 2 strain, Richmond 07. This is a significant step for horse health and the equine industry as a whole. 

Since its launch in 2003, ProteqFlu has become a leading EI vaccine on the European market, demonstrating its success and efficacy in real outbreaks, particularly during the last major outbreak - in Australia in 2007 - when it was the only vaccine chosen for the eradication programme.

EI remains a significant disease across most of the globe, primarily due to its ability to cause extensive disruption to equestrian breeding, training and competition schedules.  As a result of this threat, vaccination against EI has become widespread and mandatory in some equestrian discipline being made mandatory for racing thoroughbreds in the United Kingdom, Ireland and France in 1981 following epizootics in 1979.  

Virus strains are constantly evolving, a process which is monitored regularly by a panel of EI experts (Expert Surveillance Panel or ESP), which includes representatives from OIE reference laboratories.  Data from outbreaks of EI, particularly in vaccinated horses, and the antigenic and genetic characteristics of EI viruses are reviewed annually. 

Recommendations are then made on the need to update vaccines.  The ESP’s latest recommendations are that vaccines for the international market should contain representative H3N8 EI viruses from both Clade 1 and Clade 2 of the Florida sublineage, with no requirement stipulated any longer for European lineage H3N8 or H7N7 EI viruses. 

The timely updating of influenza vaccines with relevant viruses is considered essential by the ESP to minimise the threat of EI to equine populations worldwide. 

 The continuous evolution of EI vaccines is of major concern in relation to maintaining the protection of equine populations against EI across the world. If there is a mismatch between the ‘field’ virus and those strains in a vaccine containing ‘outdated’ strains the horse will be affected and even if only sub-clinically infected, is more likely to shed virus.

By way of example, the vaccinated animals from Japan that introduced EI virus into the Australian quarantine facility in 2007 had been vaccinated with vaccines containing outdated strains, as none of the vaccines available at the time had been updated in line with the most recent OIE recommendations. 

The New updated ProteqFlu received its EU marketing authorisation on 11th July 2014, and was available in most European markets as of December 2014.

www.merial.com

NEW GastroGard® Performance Pack + £60 cashback on pack purchases

To celebrate the launch of the NEW GastroGard® Performance Pack, Merial are offering a £60 cashback on pack purchases made before the end of September 2015.

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The formulation in GastroGard® is proven to deliver omeprazole beyond the stomach to areas of the gut where it can be rapidly & consistently absorbed into the bloodstream. That’s why thousands of vets and trainers worldwide trust GastroGard® to heal or prevent gastric ulcers in their horses, keeping them healthy for optimum performance.

The new GastroGard® Performance Pack contains: 8 packs of 7 pre filled syringes.

If you are an ETF/NTF/TBA member, simply download this voucher following purchase of a new GastroGard® Performance Pack and return along with proof of purchase before 30th September 2015 to receive your £60 cheque.

REMEMBER 93% of racehorses in training suffer from gastric ulcers*

They can affect performance, training, appetite and temperament, as well as the overall health and wellbeing of these horses**.

Please refer to your veterinary surgeon for further information and advice on diagnosis and treatment of equine gastric ulcers in race horses. Or find out more at www.equinegastriculcers.co.uk

£60 cash back is currently available to all ETF/NTF/TBA members and is not valid for the contents of promotional packs.

References

*. Murray MJ et al. Factors associated with gastric ulcers in thoroughbred racehorses. Equine Vet J 1996;28(5):368-374.

**. McClure SR et al. Efficacy of omeprazole paste for prevention of recurrence of gastric ulcers in horses in race training. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2005;226(10):1685-1688. ***. Andrews FM et al. Efficacy of omeprazole paste in the treatment and prevention of gastric ulcers in horses. Equine Vet J 1999;29(Suppl):81-86.