Churchill Downs Inc. Seeks Equine Medical Director

Churchill Downs Inc. is accepting applications for a companywide equine medical director, a newly created position that will oversee the safety and care of horses at all CDI tracks.

Plans to add the position were announced in April as part of CDI’s sweeping plans to improve safety protocol and procedures at its tracks. Besides its flagship Churchill Downs, CDI also owns and operates Thoroughbred tracks Arlington International Racecourse, Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, and Presque Isle Downs.

The equine medical director will be responsible for proactive development, implementation, and enforcement of all equine health and safety policies for CDI racetracks. CDI also owns and operates Standardbred tracks Ocean Downs, Miami Valley Gaming and Racing, and the under-construction Oak Grove Racing and Gaming.

A significant component of the new position will involve ongoing education regarding research findings relevant to enhancing equine health and safety and communication of best practices to CDI track stakeholders, including the racing community and the public. CDI envisions an equine medical director who can take that science and apply it to the backstretch.

“Our new equine medical director will play a critical role as we implement the world’s best practices for caring for racehorses and continue to make meaningful advancements in safety practices for the betterment of the horse racing industry,” said Mike Ziegler, CDI’s executive director of racing.

The CDI outline of the position:

Interested applicants must possess a doctor of veterinary medicine/veterinary medical doctor or equivalent degree and a minimum 10 years of experience in equine medicine, including a minimum of five years in racetrack experience preferably as a practicing veterinarian. They also should have significant experience with racing regulations and medical oversight, including knowledge of drug-testing protocols and comprehensive understanding of racing injuries and the ability to closely monitor horse injuries and the racing environment to develop new innovative solutions, services, processes, and programs to protect the health and welfare of the horse.

Applications may be submitted online here. Also, a résumé can be sent toChurchill Downs Inc.’s recruiting manager, Meaghan Dill, at Meaghan.Dill@KyDerby.com.