Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners Hosts Discussion on Bush Racing

The Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners (KAEP) will hold a meeting on Tuesday, October 13, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Spy Coast Farm's Equine Education Center in Lexington, Kentucky. Angela Pelzel-McCluskey, DVM, MS, will be the keynote presenter, speaking on bush track racing and its implications for equine health. This event is made possible through the support of the Keeneland Association.

Unsanctioned "bushtrack" racing has occurred in the United States for decades. State and Federal health officials identified bushtrack racing to the widespread transmission of equine infectious anemia (EIA) and equine piroplasmosis (EP). There are 219 bushtracks in 33 states and illegal activities have been documented at these venues. 

There is frequent crossover of Quarterhorse racehorses between sanctioned and sanctioned events and between 2008 and May 2026 there were 621 confirmed cases of EP and 674 cases of EIA. 

There is often no veterinarian at bushtracks and use of illegal drugs and procedures have impacted these horses.  Animal health and increased infectious diseases are causing a true horse welfare impact. 

Click HERE for more information.

You are also invited to attend a Zoom Webinar
When: Oct 12, 2026 @ 7:00 PM Eastern Time
Topic:  Underground and Unregulated: Bush Track Racing 

Register in advance for this webinar: 
https://uky.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QjRldNxvRKO7JhykJrbkBg

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.