Can a horse be entered in a race if it has been nerved above the ankle

Can a horse be entered in a race if it has been nerved above the ankle.

Answer: Nerving or de-nerving is usually performed below the ankle as that is the area most likely to cause a horse pain.

In the United States the rules of racing allow this to happen enabling the horse to continue its racing career free of pain. A recording of the operation is entered onto a list.

Although the effects of the operation can wear off in time as the nerves in the foot regenerate.

In the U.K. the procedure is prohibited and a horse would not be able to continue racing under rules.

The same rules are likely to apply whether the operation is above or below the knee.