Radio-active racehorse

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32565, 26 March 1971, Page 8 (Supplement)

Radio-active racehorse

Prodromus Is no bomb of a horse, even though he is radio-active. Under that plaster and bandage on his off foreleg he is carrying a radio-active pad. In the pad is radon, to dampen an inflammatory condition of the knee from which a small bone was removed. Because of the presence of radon the law requires a yellow and red radioactive warning sign to put outside Prodromus’ stable. Next to that sign there is another warning notice which reads:— ‘‘This horse is treated with radio-active material. Access to the area should be limited to about 15 minutes a day per person. "Do NOT stay in the vicinity unnecessarily.” Prodromus a winner of three races and five placings from 13 starts injured his off knee so badly that an operation was necessary. Part of the post-operative treatment is the application of radon. The radio-active pad was placed on the horse’s knee by a radiation consultant under instructions from the veterinary surgeon who performed the Operation. The treatment has been used successfully in America for several years. Prodromus is being treated at the Stockwell Stud Diggers’ Rest, which is owned by V.R.C. committeeman, Mr Ken Cox. He also races Prodromus and expects the horse to be racing again in a couple ■ of months.