Ensuring the welfare of our equine athletes is always Keeneland's highest priority. Advancements in technology have revolutionized the way Keeneland safeguards the health and well-being of our horses and at the forefront of this initiative is our VetCam system, a sophisticated tool dedicated to the 24/7 surveillance of Keeneland’s track surfaces, barn areas and surrounding grounds.

Comprised of 21 high-definition cameras strategically positioned across the track equipped with Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) capabilities for comprehensive coverage, the VetCam system offers grid-like surveillance that enables real-time monitoring of track conditions and the precise movements of horses during training and racing. By zooming in on specific areas of interest, Keeneland veterinarians and regulatory officials can scrutinize any abnormalities or irregularities they see.

One of the most valuable features of the VetCam system is its ability to capture and analyze the performance of individual horses over successive training sessions. Just as human athletes use video analysis to study and improve their performance, veterinarians can use these recordings of workouts and post-exercise behaviors to identify subtle changes or signs of discomfort in a horse that may indicate underlying health issues.  

During the races, the real-time capabilities of the VetCam system allow the Keeneland equine safety team and regulatory officials to monitor the progress of each horse and intervene if necessary. With a clear understanding of who is racing and where they are on the track, officials can swiftly address any concerns. This greatly helps mitigate potential risks and prioritizes the safety of both horses and jockeys.

The VetCam system also serves as a vital tool for regulatory oversight, providing transparent access to training and racing footage for regulatory veterinarians and officials. Video footage and pertinent information can be shared with relevant parties which helps facilitate collaborative efforts to uphold the highest standards of equine care across tracks.

The work done to create VetCam underscores Keeneland's dedication to fostering a culture of safety throughout its operations. This collaborative effort among our broadcast, IT and electrical teams has yielded a robust video infrastructure that now serves as a cornerstone of our safety protocols

Through the VetCam system and other safety protocols, Keeneland is leveraging technology to pave the way for a future where the highest standard of equine care is synonymous with Thoroughbred racing.