Sam Houston Race Park Entry Policy Regarding EHV-1

(Houston, TX 2/29/16) Due to the serious nature of the recent outbreak of the neurological strain of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1), the following entry policy will be implemented at Sam Houston Race Park, effective March 6, 2016 and until further notice:

No horses (including pony horses) will be permitted to enter the grounds of Sam Houston Race Park if they are coming from a county with a facility or race track that is under quarantine for the EHV-1 Equine Herpesvirus, or if they are coming from a county adjacent to a county where quarantine has been issued.

All horses must have a current health certificate issued within 72 hours prior to arrival.

The health certificate must include evidence of vaccination with an FDA approved modified live or killed virus vaccine for EHV-1, administered not less than 14 days and not more than 60 days prior to the date of entry.  The certificate must include the date of vaccination, brand, serial number and expiration date for the vaccine.

The health certificate must also contain a statement by the issuing veterinarian that:

• the veterinarian has physically examined each horse within 72 hours of issuing the health certificate, and the horse does not exhibit any clinical signs of the virus 
• the temperature of the horse was normal at the time of the examination
• the veterinarian verified with the owner or trainer that the horse has not been exposed to a suspected EHV-1 positive horse

If the driver is unable to provide health certificates that include all of the requirements listed above for every horse in the driver’s trailer, van or transport vehicle, then none of those horses shall be permitted entrance to Sam Houston Race Park. 

No trailer, van, or transport vehicle will be allowed to enter the enclosure of the racetrack unless the driver signs an affidavit that the horses being delivered are not coming from a county with a facility or race track that is under quarantine for the EHV-1 Equine Herpesvirus, or from a county that is adjacent to a county where a quarantine has been issued.

All trainers and horse haulers are urged to take extreme caution when transporting horses to properly disinfect and sanitize their trailers if there is any chance they may have transported an exposed horse.

Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles from downtown Houston, and offers a variety of attractions including our Suite Level presented by Draft Kings, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and the Jockey Club. For more information on upcoming group events, racing events, shows and tickets, please visit www.shrp.com.