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Commission introduces new presiding judge; veterinarians report one equine death and heightened biosecurity
Summary
The Minnesota Racing Commission introduced John Yener as its new presiding judge and heard a veterinary operations update reporting one horse death, stepped-up inspections and biosecurity measures, and new veterinary and ambulance resources for the meet.
The Minnesota Racing Commission on May 19 introduced John Yener as the commission’s new presiding judge and heard a veterinary report outlining daily veterinary inspections, a recently recorded equine death and tightened biosecurity at the track.
Commissioner Dunskinson introduced John Yener, who the commission appointed last month as the presiding judge. “I feel very blessed to be here,” Yener told the commission, summarizing his 15 years as a steward in multiple states and his intention to be present at meetings and available to answer questions.
A commission veterinarian (Dr. Fazka) updated commissioners on pre-race veterinary procedures and health screenings. The vet described an increased focus on vaccination and temperature checks, a new requirement that trainers file online reports for horses laid off 150 days or more, and a program of 80-day physicals for long-layoff horses. The veterinary staff reported one horse death that arrived sound and died on the third day; preliminary findings point to a likely infectious colitis. The stall in question was disinfected and will remain closed pending final laboratory results, the staff said.
The commission heard that the veterinary team has added personnel for the meet: visiting and rotating veterinarians to cover absences, a newly hired veterinarian who did internships at Canterbury, and a new horse ambulance that is nearly ready to enter service once a recovery winch is installed.
Why it matters: pre-race veterinary checks, the handling of a sudden equine death and rapid disinfection of affected stalls aim to limit infectious spread and protect both animal welfare and the viability of the meet. Commissioners asked about staff burden for repeated inspections and whether the commission’s communications and signage were adequate to reduce confrontations at the stable gate; staff said new signage and posted rules were in place.
No enforcement actions or rule changes were adopted at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to continue the inspections and report back if additional testing or quarantines are required.
