RP HORSE RACING NEEDS FOREIGN VETS, TRAINERS
Manila, Aug. 26, 1998 - The Philippine Racing Commission will hire foreign experts to help improve the condition of local racehorses.
Philracom chairman Benedicto Katigbak said yesterday that the racing body will hire foreign equine dentists and other experts who could assist local horse practitioners.
Katigbak stressed that the racing body is just waiting its request for additional annual budget is approval by Malacañang before it can push through with the project which involves inviting experts from Australia, Japan and New Zealand--all well-known horse racing countries.
The need to hire equine dentists surfaced following a recent visit here by Renaud Lebrum, an expert equine dentist from France. Lebrum found out that many local racehorses have defective teeth. Lebrum was able to treat 150 horses, including those stabled at the Manila Polo Club.
''We don't have equine dentists here so we need them to take care of all our horses,'' said Katigbak.
Philracom executive director Francisco Cayco said Lebrum also noted that several racehorses with unsound oral hygiene have improper bits and wounds inside their mouths.
Other foreign experts may also be hired to teach starting gate helpers proper horsemanship.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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