Chartered Physiotherapist Specialising in the Thoroughbred racehorse

Veterinary physiotherapy service for racehorses ONLY

Kate Hesse with Cracksman, joint World’s Best Racehorse 2018

Kate Hesse with Cracksman,
joint World’s Best Racehorse 2018

On Track Physiotherapy Ltd is based at the historic headquarters of horse racing, Newmarket England, providing physiotherapy services to Thoroughbred racehorses in training. It is run by chartered physiotherapist Kate Hesse BPhysio MSc MCSP ACPAT(A) who has been treating horses since 1997.

Australian born, Kate Hesse graduated from La Trobe University (Melbourne) in 1995 with a four-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPhysio). Her early training in equine physiotherapy was predominantly with the Academy of Equine Sport Therapy in Germany. Moving to the UK in 2002, Kate qualified as a Category ‘A’ Member of ACPAT, the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy. In 2009 she attained a distinction in the Master of Science (MSc) degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London.

Also working in association with Rossdale and Partners Veterinary Surgeons, Kate treats horses at their equine hospital and in a number of racing yards in the Newmarket area. As an expert in the field, for a decade Kate provided clinical education for the Royal Veterinary College and thereafter the University of Liverpool on their MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy programmes. She continues to present at professional conferences in the UK and abroad.

Occasionally Katharine (Kate) Stephens BSc (Hons) MSc MCSP ACPAT(A) provides cover for Kate through Complete Performance Physiotherapy.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Thunder Snow, two-time winner of the Dubai World Cup, 2018 and 2019 - courtesy of Erika Rasmussen

Thunder Snow, two-time winner of the Dubai World Cup,
2018 and 2019.
Courtesy of Erika Rasmussen

Some noteworthy Group One winning champions with whom Kate Hesse has worked include:

  • The phenomenal, multiple award winning Queen of the Turf, Enable, winner of 11 Group 1s across two continents and four countries including two Prix de l’Arc Triomphes (2017 & 2018), three King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2017, 2019 & 2020), and the Breeders’ Cup Turf (2018).
  • Thunder Snow, the only two-time winner of the Dubai World Cup (2018 and 2019); with career earnings in excess of £12.5 million.
  • Joint World’s Best Racehorse 2018, Cracksman (Champion Stakes 2017 and 2018, Coronation Cup 2018)
  • World’s Best Three-year-old 2018 and Cartier Horse of the Year 2018, Roaring Lion (Coral-Eclipse 2018, Irish Champion Stakes 2018, Juddmonte International 2018, Queen Elizabeth II Stakes 2018)
  • Persuasive (Queen Elizabeth II Stakes 2017)
  • Rizeena (Moyglare Stud Stakes 2013, Coronation Stakes 2014)
  • Cartier Champion Three-year-old Filly, Taghrooda (Epsom Oaks 2014, King George 2014)
  • Cartier Horse of the Year, Kingman (Irish 2000 Guineas 2014, St James’s Palace Stakes 2014, Sussex Stakes 2014, Prix Jacques le Marois 2014)
  • Nathaniel - courtesy of Thoroughbred Photography Ltd

    Nathaniel, sire of dual Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Enable.
    Courtesy of Thoroughbred Photography Ltd

    Nathaniel, sire of dual Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Enable (King George 2011, Coral-Eclipse 2012)

  • US$5 million Dubai Sheema Classic winner 2010, Dar Re Mi (Pretty Polly Stakes 2009, Yorkshire Oaks 2009)
  • Aussie sensation, Starcraft (5 Group 1s across both hemispheres including the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes 2005)
  • Winner in a then record time of the 2005 Japan Cup, Alkaased (Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud 2005)
  • Epsom Derby winner 2004, North Light

Another major highlight in Kate’s career was her appointment as the official physiotherapist for Veterinary Services at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Further information on Kate Hesse

N.B. UNFORTUNATELY WE ARE UNABLE TO TAKE ON ANY WORK EXPERIENCE STUDENTS


For information on qualifying as a veterinary physiotherapist in the UK, please
visit Careers and Development at ACPAT.