Veterinarians should select racehorses at auction, not “radiographically clean horses,” Thoroughbred farm Three Chimneys’ resident veterinarian Jim Morehead, DVM, told Australia’s leading equine veterinarians at a yearling radiographic seminar Aug. 18 at Sydney University.

“We need to remember as veterinarians that the buyer, consignor, sale companies, and veterinarians all have different roles that overlap and, ideally, we as vets can do our job helping our clients,” Morehead said. “Whether selling or buying. Help them sell or buy racehorses. Racehorses! Not radiographically clean horses. Racehorses! In a professional manner. Sellers need to sell. Buyers either want or need to buy racehorses. Underlined. Our job is to help them in their mission.”

Morehead said it was not an easy job and advised Australian veterinarians to remain oblivious to “the politics. “Every decision at the sale, on certain days, irritates somebody,” he said.

“As a vet you just have to remember your role, and that’s all you need to remember. Call it like you see it and don’t worry about the politics. It is not a popularity contest