As preparations continue for the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes, 1/ST has confirmed it will once again partner with Irish technology company Equine MediRecord and its group Business Infusions to strengthen equine welfare and veterinary transparency protocols for this year’s event at Laurel Park.
Preakness Stakes equine welfare protocols.
The additional measures will be implemented for the prestigious race on Saturday, May 16, while redevelopment work at Pimlico Race Course continues under a state-led project. Representatives from Equine MediRecord will also be present onsite to assist trainers and veterinarians in logging horses’ information into the EMR system.
The digital platform, which was also utilised during the landmark 150th edition of the Preakness Stakes, enables the complete veterinary history of each horse to be securely recorded and stored electronically. Participation in the system will be mandatory for all entrants and veterinary teams, helping ensure compliance with the event’s strict medication and welfare requirements.
Officials stated that the technology’s built-in algorithms are designed to preserve the integrity of veterinary information by preventing records from being altered once submitted. The platform also allows results and documentation to be transmitted directly to regulators and racing officials, improving transparency and streamlining the clearance process ahead of the race.
Business Infusions has additionally integrated its HVMS veterinary practice management system with several racing compliance systems. The move is intended to reduce duplicate data entry for veterinarians while ensuring that medical records can be shared efficiently with mandated regulatory bodies, including HISA.
Dr. Dionne Benson, Chief Veterinary Officer for 1/ST, said the partnership continues to play an important role in maintaining high standards of horse welfare and accountability at one of American racing’s most prominent events.
“The partnership established with Equine MediRecord is a highly useful and successful tool to further protect the safety and wellbeing of horses,” Benson said. “The inclusion of this technology and data collection as part of Preakness 151 is another measure available to us to enforce the standards of integrity and accountability that have become synonymous with 1/ST RACING.”
Pierce Dargan, Chief Executive Officer of Equine MediRecord, said the company was pleased to continue supporting welfare standards within international racing.
“We are excited about our partnership with 1/ST and doing all we can to help ensure that best horse welfare and transparency protocols are followed in equine sport while ensuring participants do not have to enter information multiple times to be cleared,” Dargan said.
The Irish-based company has rapidly expanded its presence within global racing and equestrian sport in recent years. Its client list includes the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, Racing Victoria, British Horseracing Authority, Hong Kong Jockey Club and the Arabian Racing Organisation.
The continued use of digital veterinary tracking and compliance systems reflects the broader direction of modern Thoroughbred racing, where welfare oversight and data transparency are becoming increasingly central to major international events. With Preakness 151 set to take place away from Pimlico during redevelopment works, organisers are placing additional emphasis on operational standards and equine care throughout race week.
The adoption of advanced digital welfare systems has become increasingly significant across elite international racing, particularly during major Triple Crown events where veterinary scrutiny is heightened. Officials involved with Preakness 151 believe the continued collaboration with Equine MediRecord will not only improve efficiency for trainers and veterinarians, but also reinforce confidence in the sport’s welfare standards among participants and racing authorities. With Laurel Park preparing to host one of the most closely watched fixtures on the American racing calendar, organisers are aiming to ensure that equine care, medical transparency and regulatory compliance remain central priorities throughout the week-long build-up to the race.
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