Equine Welfare
The Best Care
Three specifically qualified equine vets are on duty every race day at Chelmsford, dedicated to the welfare of all the horses. During each race, vets follow the runners by car and can respond to and attend a casualty generally within a minute – as fast as the paramedic teams responsible for human casualties.
There are two equine ambulances on course at all times and three ambulances for any incidents involving injuries to jockeys.
Chelmsford’s two permanent veterinary boxes are supplemented with an X-Ray machine for the major meetings to assist with swift diagnosis before administration of treatment on site or any movement necessary to equine hospitals.
Copious supplies of water and multiple wash downs are also provided through the site to ensure horses are able to cool down properly straight after their race.
Chelmsford’s Polytrack racing surface is designed to provide greater consistency and control than traditional turf. This all-weather surface reduces the risks associated with unpredictable ground conditions and helps maintain a stable, safer racing environment in a wide range of temperatures. While extreme cold can occasionally cause postponements, our surface is otherwise highly resilient and regularly maintained by expert ground staff to meet optimum safety standards.
Veterinary Excellence
Our veterinary team is one of the most advanced in British racing. Three senior veterinary surgeons are on-site well before racing begins, coordinating coverage, checking equipment, and preparing for every eventuality.
Every race is supported by a dedicated veterinary convoy comprising a vet and a skilled handler who follow the runners from the moment the gates open. This rapid-response team is trained to respond instantly in the event of an incident on the course, with privacy screens deployed swiftly if needed. Their presence ensures that immediate care is always just seconds away, reinforcing our deep commitment to safety and preparedness.
The racecourse is equipped with digital X-ray machines, ultrasound equipment, oxygen cylinders and two fully stocked treatment rooms, one near the stables and another trackside. Horses benefit from expert care at every stage of the race day, with continuous coverage across the site including the stables, the track, and within the convoy that follows every race, even those where veterinary presence is not formally required, such as pony races.
Ultimate Care
Equine welfare during hot weather is a priority at Chelmsford. On warm race days, we activate a dedicated cooling protocol to keep horses safe and comfortable. Cooling stations are positioned across the site with hoses, showers, water buckets and troughs readily available. Horses are not permitted to return to the stables until they are fully cooled, and our welfare team communicates clearly with all handlers to enforce this protocol. While natural shade is limited by the track’s layout, we are actively exploring additional solutions such as temporary structures and marquees to improve comfort. These measures help ensure horses remain healthy and hydrated in even the hottest conditions.
Our commitment to horse welfare doesn’t stop at the finish line. Horses stabled at Chelmsford overnight are under constant supervision from experienced staff. If a horse is injured, our veterinary team provides immediate stabilisation on-site before arranging a professional handover to the horse’s home veterinary surgeon. This structured approach ensures continuity of care and supports a safe, managed recovery. Every decision is guided by one principle — doing what’s best for the horse.
