What might occur if a horse is deemed unsound by the veterinarian during the post parade?

When a horse is deemed unsound by a veterinarian during the post parade, it indicates that the animal is not fit to compete safely and effectively in a race due to potential injuries or health issues. The top priority in horse racing is the welfare of the horse, and racing an unsound horse poses risks not only to the horse but also to jockeys and other competitors.

If a horse is found to be unsound, the appropriate action taken is to scratch the horse from the race. Scratching means that the horse will be removed from the race and will not be allowed to participate. This decision is made to ensure that the horse does not suffer further injury and that the integrity of the race is maintained.

In contrast, options such as receiving a performance improvement plan or being allowed to run under supervision do not address the immediate concerns regarding the unsoundness, and training further before racing would not be a suitable solution to a horse's current unsound condition. The choice to scratch the horse aligns with responsible veterinary care and the safety standards upheld in horse racing.