BHA to consider mandatory x-ray technology

The BHA is to consider making portable x-ray technology on the racecourse mandatory in the wake of an owner's angry reaction following an incident at Leicester this month.

The Tom Dascombe-trained Executive Bay pulled up lame after finishing a well-beaten sixth of seven in a 1m1/2f handicap on August 7, with racecourse vets deciding to transport the three-year-old to a veterinary practice 22 miles from the course for an x-ray after diagnosing likely damage to the near-fore sesamoid bone.

Following x-rays the horse was immediately euthanised, after which owner John Duffy contacted the BHA to inquire about the protocol, which does not require courses to have x-ray equipment on course.