Understanding the importance of nutrition on equine health, performance & longevity has been a life long passion for Dr. Richard McCormick, equine veterinarian. This article was published in the 2024 Spring Issue (p22 -30) of Trainer Magazine https://issuu.com/anderson-co/docs/eut_april_to_june_24?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ Author : Dr. Richard McCormick, M.V.B., Dip. Eq.Sc., M.R.C.V.S. Licensed Veterinarian (Ireland & UK, Kentucky, USA) Dunboyne, Co. Meath, Ireland ..read more

Ruling out a recurrent laryngeal neuropathy or laryngeal paralysis will pay dividends in your equine breeding program according to Dr. Richard Mc Cormick. Article published in The Irish Field - February 10th, 2024 ..read more

Paulick Report - Letter to the Editor - July 10th,2023 I feel compelled to comment on the observations John Ed Anthony of Shortleaf Stables Inc. published in the Paulick Report June 22. My own time frame of observing modern U.S. Thoroughbred racing parallels that of Mr. Anthony and my view from the “backstretch” as an equine veterinarian has fueled a career fascination on the critical impact of nutrition on peak performance on the racetrack. It is my opinion that modern nutritional feeding practices play a significant role in the decline of racetrack appearances and performance. Newly qualifie ..read more

According to research from Colorado State University and Texas A&M, dietary lipids play a beneficial role in stallion fertility, broodmare health as well as immuno-support in foals. We know that flaxseed is the richest source of Omega-3's in the plant world. It contains both Omega-3 & Omega-6 in the correct ratios (4:1) as well as 3 essential amino acids (Lysine, Methionine & Threonine) and alpha linolenic acid (ALA), a proven natural 'anti-inflammatory'. Supplementation with Omega-3 fatty acids is shown to improve sperm quality significantly and highlighted a three-fold increase ..read more

Trainer ‘strike rate’ in thoroughbred (TB) racing is a key metric to follow …. A win requires close attention to detail in all stages of preparation. Much emphasis is placed on bloodlines, with the most prominent families fetching eye watering prices in the yearling sales. But the genetic potential of the equine cannot be realized to racing success without nutrition being a key consideration. The slightest margins are anticipated among well-bred equines making for an exciting sport as these TB’s race to the finish. But my own experience has seen how optimal nutrition can make an immense differ ..read more

For Belmont Equine Products founder Dr. Richard McCormick, understanding high performance equines has been a life long passion. In today's Irish Field (01-05-2021), he recalls his own fathers connections to the legendary racing sire The Tetrarch ahead of the 'Dick McCormick Tetrarch Stakes at The Curragh Racecourse on Monday, May 3rd, 2021 ..read more

In 2021, investment & participation in Thoroughbred racing continues but the statistics point to the fact that today’s thoroughbred does not ‘show up’ like his peers of 1960. The real question is not will he/she achieve on the track but rather 'why' in this time of advanced knowledge and support is the modern thoroughbred not producing the performances of his ancestors. What has happened in the space of 60 years? Then, the US Jockey Club statistics documented 12 ‘starts’ versus the average of 3 ‘starts’ noted by leading US Trainers in 2020 (www.ownerview.com). Simply put, today’s owner nee ..read more

Serendipity had a definite role to play in the acquisition of the talented HARDBOY (IRE). As trainer, the colt gave me significant wins both over hurdles & on the flat. Consistent racing form that year (1972) culminated in an opportunity to represent at the prestigious Colonial Cup in Camden. 50 years on, our journey together is well remembered. Attending the GOFFS November sales in 1971, I spotted Sir Hugh Nugent, trainer of a three year old colt called HARDBOY (IRE), owned by an American, Mrs Ellie Prentice Porter who had run prominently a number of times finishing placed when I felt he ..read more

The drama of contaminated equine feed stuffs continues with the announcement last week that another eight feed companies have been cited as having the illegal substance Zilpaterol in their food processing supply chain*. But why are we surprised? The problem of contaminated equine foodstuffs was first highlighted in 1980 by the disqualification of Cheltenham Gold Cup winner TIED COTTAGE and two mile champion chase winner CHINRULLAH. Recent experiences tells us that the issue is ongoing and remains largely unresolved.it is my opinion that this will continue to be the case as long as pre-mixed fe ..read more

Thinking ahead of the 2022 breeding season .... ? Be aware of the value of providing NATURAL supplemental omegas for breeding stock. According to research from Colorado State University and Texas A&M, dietary lipids play a beneficial role in stallion fertility, broodmare health as well as immuno-support in foals. We know that flaxseed is the richest source of Omega-3's in the plant world. It contains both Omega-3 & Omega-6 in the correct ratios (4:1) as well as 3 essential amino acids (Lysine, Methionine & Threonine) and alpha linolenic acid (ALA), a proven natural 'anti-inflammato ..read more