3rd generation farriers ‘like firemen’
Track workers ensure that all the horses are compliant with the horseshoe regulations of NYRA
SARATOGA SPRINGS — When the race is gathering in the paddock, there are two gentlemen there whose job “is, hopefully, to do nothing.” The speaker is Mike Vinas, the official New York Racing Association farrier at all three NYRA tracks. At Saratoga, he is joined by the veteran Joe Campbell.
Both are third generation farriers: “Those who work with a forge and shoe horses.” Campbell recently retired from the ‘official’ part of the farrier’s duties after 17 years. “My dad and his dad were friends,” Vinas reports. “And our grandfathers knew each other,” Campbell notes.
When a forthcoming race is scheduled for either the Inner or Mellon turf courses, “we make sure that all the horses are compliant with the horseshoe regulations of NYRA,” says Vinas. “Then we wait for nothing to happen in every race.” Should a horse act up and lose a shoe — or should a loose shoe be detected — Vinas and Campbell are on hand to replace a lost or loose shoe. “We’re kind of like firemen,” Campbell interjects. “We’re the ones you call in case of an emergency.”
As far as their enforcement duties are concerned, they “make sure the shoes used in grass races have no traction devices — flush toes front and back,” according to Vinas. In the past, shoes with sharp rims, heel blocks, toe clips and other such appurtenances were used by trainers and their farriers to increase traction.
The reason for banning those devices, in addition to equine safety, is preservation of the turf courses. Such traction devices tend to tear up the turf and greatly diminish their availability for turf racing as each meeting goes on.
The racing fan who sees a program note saying “Bar Shoe On” may need assistance in defining that term. Vinas volunteers, “A bar shoe is one that is connected at the heels that we put on to support what may be a vast number of traumas. It could be a bruise to the foot or some other type of trauma. But, it is usually a temporary fix. It let’s the horse progress without harming him or causing him to mis-stride. His movement is helped by having the support in the heel that does not allow him to flex as much as he normally would.”
Campbell notes, “New York is one of the few places that provide information about shoes. A lot of places, there isn’t any type of scroll that provides shoe information.”
An astute bettor may see a “Bar Shoe On and jump away from that horse at the (betting) window,”
says Vinas. “But, when he comes back the next time and sees ‘Bar Shoe Off,’ he will know the problem has been alleviated by having the bar shoe on.”
Both Vinas and Campbell are quick to point out all horses that are entered on race day undergo a thorough veterinary examination the morning they are scheduled to race.
Vinas explains that an aluminum pad on a racehorse’s hoof “provides
similar relief and covers a bigger area. The pad is riveted and not welded. Those are usually indications of bruising.”
Both Vinas and Campbell note “A horse can be walking and just pick up something as simple as a stone bruise. So, an aluminum pad will help when the sole hits the ground. The dirt is not going in and cupping the foot.”
The decision on when the (therapeutic) shoe is to be removed, “is at the trainer’s discretion,” says
Vinas. “Nobody would run a horse they know is not sound. Sometimes, they run with a bar shoe but most (trainers) would rather train in a bar shoe. Then, they give you a day or two to change the shoe and make sure he’s good and sound before he races. That’s usually the case scenario.”
Vinas notes, “These (trainers) are not going to take a chance with their bread and butter — not having a horse 100% sound.