Dr. Peter Ramzan – Expert in Racehorse Health, Orthopaedics & Performance Management
BVSc(Sydney), FRCVS
Among the leaders shaping contemporary equine veterinary practice, Dr. Peter Ramzan BVSc(Sydney), FRCVS stands out for his rare combination of clinical authority, research insight, and global industry influence.
His career has been built on decades of hands-on experience inside the world’s most competitive racing environments, paired with a deep commitment to elevating the science behind racehorse health and performance. Today, Dr. Peter Ramzan is widely regarded as one of the foremost experts on the medical, orthopedic, and management demands of the modern Thoroughbred.
From the Hunter Valley to a Global Racing Hub
Dr. Peter Ramzan’s early life in Australia played a significant role in shaping the veterinarian he would become. Growing up among Western performance horses in the Hunter Valley exposed him early to the realities of animal athleticism: soundness, conditioning, conformation, and the fine line between peak performance and injury.
That foundation of practical horsemanship led him to the University of Sydney, where he completed his veterinary degree in 1994.
Following graduation, Dr. Peter Ramzan spent a season working as a stockman in the Kimberley region of Northern Australia, an experience that refined his large-animal handling skills and broadened his understanding of livestock management in demanding environments.
In 1996, he relocated to the United Kingdom, where he immersed himself in mixed and large-animal practice in the West Country. These early years of work provided an invaluable grounding in general veterinary practice before his career took a defining turn toward the racing industry.
A Longstanding Career at Rossdales: Europe’s Largest Equine Practice
In 1998, Dr. Peter Ramzan joined Rossdale & Partners in Newmarket, a practice renowned for its depth of expertise in Thoroughbred medicine and its central role within the British racing industry. This move marked the beginning of a distinguished career that would see him become one of the practice’s most respected clinicians.
His progression at Rossdales reflects both professional excellence and leadership:
- Joined the practice: 1998
- Became partner: 2005
- Appointed Clinical Director: 2021
Within the racing division, Dr. Peter Ramzan’s responsibilities span an extensive range of first-opinion duties across Newmarket’s major training yards.
He also plays a significant role in pre-purchase evaluations, both privately and at public auction, providing trusted analysis for clients across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. His expertise is internationally recognised, he serves as a Nominated Veterinarian for the Hong Kong Jockey Club, one of the most respected racing authorities worldwide.
Advancing the Understanding of Racehorse Medicine
Although Dr. Peter Ramzan maintains a heavy clinical caseload, his contributions extend far beyond day-to-day practice. He has been a long-standing advocate for applying scientific discipline to the management of the racehorse and is deeply committed to early detection and prevention of orthopedic injury.
His research interests have centered on:
- identifying subtle musculoskeletal abnormalities that precede significant injury
- improving diagnostic approaches for racehorses in active training
- refining management strategies that support long-term soundness
He has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and has become a regular presenter at veterinary conferences, racing symposia, and scientific meetings. Many of his insights are drawn directly from extensive work inside training yards, an environment where racehorse health challenges are often complex, fast-moving, and influenced by many variables.
Author of the First Comprehensive Textbook on the Racehorse
One of his most impactful contributions to equine veterinary literature came in 2014, when CRC Press released his landmark book, The Racehorse: A Veterinary Manual.
This work is recognised as the first complete textbook dedicated solely to the clinical management of the racehorse, covering orthopedic issues, internal medicine, diagnostics, training stresses, and performance-limiting conditions.
The manual has since become an essential resource for veterinarians, trainers, and students seeking an authoritative reference on Thoroughbred health.
Recognition at the Highest Level of the Profession
Dr. Peter Ramzan’s influence within the field has been acknowledged through some of the most respected awards in equine veterinary medicine. Notably:
He received BEVA’s Richard Hartley Clinical Award for exceptional clinical research.
In 2018, he was conferred Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) for Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice, an honour reserved for veterinarians who have made significant, original, and sustained contributions to their discipline.
Fellowship of the RCVS is the highest level of professional recognition available within the UK veterinary profession and reflects the depth and impact of Dr. Peter Ramzan’s work.
Dr. Peter Ramzan: A Career Defined by Expertise, Integrity, and Global Impact
Across northern and southern hemispheres, Dr. Peter Ramzan is regularly sought by breeders, owners, trainers, and agents who rely on his judgement for some of the most important decisions in racing and bloodstock investment. His ability to blend scientific understanding with practical, real-world experience makes him a trusted voice in situations where precision and clarity are critical.
Whether delivering lectures to veterinarians, advising racing bodies, or publishing research that enhances the welfare and performance of the Thoroughbred, Dr. Peter Ramzan continues to shape the standards of racehorse sports medicine worldwide.
His career reflects unwavering dedication to the horse, deep respect for the racing industry, and a lifelong commitment to raising the level of veterinary care available to the equine athlete.
Dr. Peter Ramzan is a faculty speaker in the Equine Lameness Program. If you wish to elevate your lameness diagnostic skills and learn directly from him, Dr. Annamaria Nagy and Dr. Roger Smith, make sure to explore the Equine Lameness Program. This the most comprehensive, case-based training pathway designed to help veterinarians make a measurable difference to the horses in their care.