The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Nicholas Meittinis, DVM to the Board of Directors of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. Dr. Meittinis is a Maryland-based equine veterinarian who is the President of the North American Association of Racetrack Veterinarians (NAARV). The TRF Board provides leadership for carrying out the Foundation’s mission to save Thoroughbred horses no longer able to compete on the racetrack from possible neglect, abuse and slaughter. The addition of Meittinis maintains the organization’s commitment to including veterinary expertise within the leadership of the oldest and largest Thoroughbred aftercare organization in the United States.
“On behalf of the TRF Board of Directors, I warmly welcome Dr. Meittinis to the board” shared Patrick H. Mackay, Chairman of the Board. “Nick’s professional expertise as a leading veterinarian in the Thoroughbred racing community will be a valuable asset to the TRF’s leadership, and we also appreciate his enthusiasm for introducing the mission and the horses of the TRF to the vibrant and caring horseracing community across Maryland and Virginia.”
Dr. Meittinis was born to the horse racing business and grew up with Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds on Long Island, NY. His father, Lou Meittinis, was a successful Standardbred trainer who trained 1979 Three-Year-old Pacing Colt of the Year, Hot Hitter.
In 1990, one year after receiving his degree from Cornell University, Dr. Meittinis established the Pimlico Equine Service as a sole practitioner at Pimlico and Laurel racetracks. Five years later, he created the Maryland Veterinary Group LLC. Dr. Meittinis expanded his practice to include full coverage of the racing meet at Colonial Downs in Virginia, and recently has expanded coverage to include the Fair Hill Training Center in Maryland. He also serves on the Maryland Racing Commission’s Medication Committee. Recently, he participated in the American Association of Equine Practitioners Racing Task Force and the AAEP Racing Committee. He also served on the Veterinary Advisory Board of the Marion DuPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg, Virginia.
“As a Thoroughbred racing veterinarian, I believe in the critically important role played by the TRF” shared Dr. Meittinis. “As the industry has evolved to create greater options for retraining and retraining horses after their retirement, I am an advocate for providing a secure safety net for those horses who are unable to pursue second athletic careers. Through the nationally acclaimed TRF Second Chances program, the welfare of these vulnerable horses is ensured while the horses make a tremendous impact on the incarcerated individuals who care for them. I look forward to being actively involved in ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of the TRF.”