Organizations and racetrack representatives from around the nation congregated at Parx Racing at Philadelphia Park, located in Bensalem, Pa., from June 14-16, 2011, for the tenth annual Track Superintendents’ Field Day, hosted by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA). Attendance by racetrack representatives contributed to fulfilling the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance requirements for safety training and continuing education. Robert E. Holland Jr., DVM, PhD, associate director of outcomes research at Pfizer Animal Health participated on a panel of experts to discuss the theories and practices of injury prevention.

The event featured two days of discussions and demonstrations on the latest technologies affecting track maintenance. The event–which included educational seminars and panel discussions from industry authorities–covered topics from injury prevention to the mechanics of locomotion in horses and track surfaces.

"Pfizer Animal Health is honored to once again be part of the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance’s efforts to improve track safety and education for the wellness of race horses," said Holland. "Initiatives such as the Track Superintendents’ Field Day are necessary to bring industry professionals together to ensure that improvements continue to be made toward a common goal–the health and wellness of race horses and to uphold the integrity of the sport."

Pfizer Animal Health partnered with NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance in 2009 in an effort to help the organization intertwine education and the importance of equine health and wellness with their messages of safety and integrity. The NTRA and Pfizer Animal Health have a similar mission in that the safety and well being of the horse must be protected, understood and improved