Racetrack Veterinary Services

Racetrack Veterinary Services Racetrack Veterinary Services is an Equine Veterinary Practice based in Mornington covering the Mornington Peninsula, Pakenham and Greater Melbourne area.

Racetrack Veterinary Services is an Equine Veterinary Practice founded by Dr Eoin Kelly, MVB MRCVS in 2014. Based in Mornington, the practice also covers the greater Melbourne area. Dr Eoin Kelly MVB MRCVS grew up on the family farm at St John's Point, Co Down in Northern Ireland. Eoin developed an interest in horses and racing from a young age and worked in the racing industry in Ireland before a

nd during his time at university. Having graduated from the Veterinary College of Ireland at University College Dublin in 2004, Eoin was selected onto the Darley Flying Start Bloodstock Management training program and spent the subsequent two years working with and learning from some of the greatest thoroughbred industry leaders around the world. Time spent with trainers such as Bobby Frankel and John Shirreffs in the USA, Mike de K**k in Dubai and David Hayes at Lindsay Park in Angaston, South Australia gave him an invaluable wealth of knowledge. During the programme Eoin also spent a period of time working at Santa Anita and Hollywood Park racetracks in Los Angeles with popular American racetrack veterinarian Dr. Jeff Blea DVM (current president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners). In 2006 Eoin returned to Ireland to work for renowned racehorse trainer Jim Bolger in Co.Carlow as Veterinarian/Assistant. During his time there Eoin worked directly with the champions Teofilo, New Approach and Finsceal Beo along with a host of other Group 1 winners and other top class horses. With over 200 horses in the stable and an in-house blood-testing laboratory the vet’s role was a busy one! During this time Eoin was also actively involved with yearling selection at the sales (where purchases included New Approach). A stint in the UK as assistant trainer to Kevin Ryan, a renowned trainer of 2yos and sprinters (120 horse stable) followed before Eoin made the move to Australia in early 2009 to take up a racetrack Veterinarian role at Flemington with The Racetrack Practice. Clients at Flemington included Brian Mayfield-Smith and David Hayes, two of the most successful trainers in Australian Racing history. The following year Eoin relocated to the Mornington Peninsula and has built up an extensive client base in the area including racehorse trainers and pre-trainers, event and dressage riders and agistment farms. After five successful years with The Racetrack Practice Eoin founded Racetrack Veterinary Services in 2014 with the help of his partner Caitrin.

Has your horse cut their leg and you’re unsure if you require a vet?Ensure your horse is in a safe enclosed area which w...
24/06/2025

Has your horse cut their leg and you’re unsure if you require a vet?

Ensure your horse is in a safe enclosed area which will enable you to assess the damage.

You may require a vet if:

▪️ The wound is large or deep and or it is bleeding profusely.
▪️If the eye is injured.
▪️If the wound is near a joint or tendon sheath. If there is a clear, sticky discharge coming from the wound call your vet immediately; it could be synovial fluid from a joint or sheath.
▪️If something has penetrated the sole of the hoof.
▪️If the lameness worsens.
▪️If the wound isn’t healing or worsens.
▪️If 'proud flesh' appears within or around the healing wound.

Whilst you wait for your veterinarian it is important to stem the bleeding by adding pressure directly to the wound. This can be done using gamgee held in place with a cohesive bandage.

Restrict your horse movement and ensure they are in a clean secure area.

If the horse is out in the field, bring it in to the yard or onto a hard surface where the wound isn’t going to become more contaminated. If the horse is distressed or in pain, don’t take risks trying to examine the horse yourself; call a vet who can sedate the horse in order to assess the wound in a safe manner. It is important to restrain and calm the horse and stem any bleeding with direct pressure and apply a thick gamgee/lint dressing held in place with an elasticated bandage.

Monday's motivation > to be in the winner's circle at Royal Ascot 2026!Work hard, train hard, play hard!                ...
23/06/2025

Monday's motivation > to be in the winner's circle at Royal Ascot 2026!

Work hard, train hard, play hard!

Royal Ascot has once again proven to be a standout event for RVS, delivering thrilling races and unforgettable performan...
18/06/2025

Royal Ascot has once again proven to be a standout event for RVS, delivering thrilling races and unforgettable performances. The opening day on June 17 featured a particularly exciting moment as Australian jockey Mark Zahra secured a victory aboard Docklands in the Queen Anne Stakes. In a dramatic finish, Docklands narrowly defeated the favorite, Rosallion, in a photo finish. Despite losing his whip during the race, Zahra maintained control, guiding Docklands to his third Royal Ascot win.

As the week continues, we look forward to cheering on from home!

It was a fantastic start to the week as Launceston, owned by Caitrin and Eoin, delivered a strong performance to secure ...
18/06/2025

It was a fantastic start to the week as Launceston, owned by Caitrin and Eoin, delivered a strong performance to secure his maiden victory at Pakenham on Monday.

Caitrin and Eoin purchased Launceston as a yearling in Tasmania, where Hayley McCarthy and Dylan Clark initiated his training journey. They then brought him a little closer to home, entrusting Clayton Douglas Racing to complete his preparation.

The result was a well-deserved win, bringing smiles all around. We can not wait to watch Launceston's future unfold!

Have you noticed a decline in your horse’s performance?We might have the answers you’ve been searching for.Join us for o...
11/06/2025

Have you noticed a decline in your horse’s performance?

We might have the answers you’ve been searching for.

Join us for our Gastroscoping Day on June 27th and get one-on-one advice from our veterinarians about your horse’s gut health—and how it could be impacting their performance. Book your spot today!

Call our office on 03 5975 6586 to secure your spot!

Dr. Eoin Kelly, an FEI-accredited veterinarian, will be on call this weekend for the  2025 Winter CDI.For any veterinary...
05/06/2025

Dr. Eoin Kelly, an FEI-accredited veterinarian, will be on call this weekend for the 2025 Winter CDI.

For any veterinary assistance, our office is available 24/7 at (03) 5975 6586.

We look forward to seeing you later today as we kick things off with the trot-up!

Sand Colic is something we get called out to treat frequently and it is also something that can be prevented.Horses main...
02/06/2025

Sand Colic is something we get called out to treat frequently and it is also something that can be prevented.

Horses maintained on sandy lands like we have here on the Mornington Peninsula, spend time in sand yards or graze on short pastures are at risk of sand colic as they ingest the sand/dirt.

If sand or soil becomes accumulated in the gastrointestinal tract it can cause impaction in the gut. With the inclusion of Psyllium Husk, SANDXPELL encourages motility of the gastrointestinal tract.

SandXPell contains Psyllium Husk:

Psyllium Husk is primarily used to assist in the removal of accumulated sand in the intestinal tract.

Psyllium Husk is high in soluble fibre, as a result when water is mixed with the mucilage and hemicellulose in psyllium if forms a slippery/slimy mass.

Psyllium Husk acts as a sponge in the intestinal tract, absorbing water and waste material. This in turn results in the formation of a soft, bulky mass that passes through the colon faster.

Psyllium Husk has a prebiotic effect, encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria in the hindgut.

For more information chat to our Vets, check out our website or call our office on 5975 6586.

We will be holding a Gastroscoping Day in conjunction with Randlab on Friday the 27th of June at Darby Lodge, Mornington...
29/05/2025

We will be holding a Gastroscoping Day in conjunction with Randlab on Friday the 27th of June at Darby Lodge, Mornington.

Gastroscoping is the most effective and definitive way of diagnosing gastric ulcers in horses. Gastric ulcers are present in the majority of performance horses, and clinical signs can vary from change in performance, to weight loss, to recurrent colic.

The presence of gastric ulcers is confirmed by examining the stomach with gastroscopy, which requires passage of a thin tube down into the horse’s stomach. Video endoscopy allows clear visualisation of all parts of the stomach, and the images are shown on a large monitor for close examination.

It is not only useful to determine the health of the stomach lining, it also can show if any worms/bots are present.

Our Vets will be on hand to answer any questions you may have on the day and to put together an individualised treatment plan depending on the outcome of the scope findings.

Special Offers, Microchipping, Vaccinations and Faecal Egg Count (FEC) available on the day too.

Contact our office on 03 5975 6586 to secure your spot
or
Send an email to [email protected]

Wondering if you are missing something from your Equine First Aid Kit?Well why not add some Epsom salts. Epsom salts can...
29/05/2025

Wondering if you are missing something from your Equine First Aid Kit?

Well why not add some Epsom salts. Epsom salts can be a valuable addition to your equine first aid kit. Their ability to reduce inflammation, promote relaxation, relieve pain, draw out infections, and enhance nutrient absorption makes them a versatile tool in managing various horse injuries and aiding in recovery.

When transporting your horse, it's essential to prioritise both their safety and comfort throughout the journey. Begin b...
27/05/2025

When transporting your horse, it's essential to prioritise both their safety and comfort throughout the journey. Begin by ensuring the horse remains calm—this can be supported through familiar routines, gentle handling, and, if necessary, the use of calming supplements recommended by a veterinarian. Equally important is preparing the transport environment appropriately. The float or truck should be clean, well-ventilated, and designed for equine travel. Make sure the flooring is non-slip and free of debris, and check that the horse has adequate headroom and space to balance during transit.

Specifically, ensure the internal dividers are correctly adjusted to suit your horse’s size. Dividers that are too tight can cause discomfort and stress, while those that are too wide can allow excessive movement, increasing the risk of injury. Properly positioned dividers help your horse maintain balance and stability, reducing anxiety and physical strain during transport.

Regular checks throughout the journey, including monitoring temperature and observing your horse’s behaviour, can further help ensure a smooth and safe experience.

We will be holding a Gastroscoping Day in conjunction with Randlab on Friday the 27th of June at Darby Lodge, Mornington...
19/05/2025

We will be holding a Gastroscoping Day in conjunction with Randlab on Friday the 27th of June at Darby Lodge, Mornington.

Gastroscoping is the most effective and definitive way of diagnosing gastric ulcers in horses. Gastric ulcers are present in the majority of performance horses, and clinical signs can vary from change in performance, to weight loss, to recurrent colic.

The presence of gastric ulcers is confirmed by examining the stomach with gastroscopy, which requires passage of a thin tube down into the horse’s stomach. Video endoscopy allows clear visualisation of all parts of the stomach, and the images are shown on a large monitor for close examination.

It is not only useful to determine the health of the stomach lining, it also can show if any worms/bots are present.

Our Vets will be on hand to answer any questions you may have on the day and to put together an individualised treatment plan depending on the outcome of the scope findings.

Special Offers, Microchipping, Vaccinations and Faecal Egg Count (FEC) available on the day too.

Contact our office on 03 5975 6586 to secure your spot
or
Send an email to [email protected]

Do you have the courage to sit back, hang on, and keep kicking all the way down this hill?⁠⁠Aren’t horses incredible ath...
16/05/2025

Do you have the courage to sit back, hang on, and keep kicking all the way down this hill?⁠

Aren’t horses incredible athletes? And the jockeys aren't too shabby either!

Address

25 Leilani Court
Mornington, VIC
3931

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