Dr. Durenberger first began working on the racetrack in 1991 as a veterinary assistant at what was then Canterbury Downs in Shakopee, MN. She received her veterinary degree from Cornell University in 2002. Following an internship at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, KY and a short time in private practice, Dr. Durenberger went back to the racetrack. She was employed as an association veterinarian for the New York Racing Association (“NYRA”) from 2003-2008. She left New York for California in 2008, working as Commission veterinarian for the California Horse Racing Board from 2008-2010 while completing a law degree. Following a term as an association steward at Delta Downs in Louisiana, Dr. Durenberger accepted the position of Director of Racing for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Serving in that capacity from 2012-2015, she oversaw and was the responsible regulatory authority for all pari-mutuel and racing-related activities at the Commonwealth’s Standardbred, Thoroughbred, and simulcasting facilities. She returned to Canterbury Park in 2016 as a steward for the Minnesota Racing Commission, and recently re-joined NYRA with the title Chief Examining Veterinarian. Dr. Durenberger currently operates a consulting business, Racing Matters, based in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Dr. Durenberger is an accredited steward and member of the Racing Officials Accreditation Program Education Committee. An at-large member of the ROAP executive board, she also serves on the American Association of Equine Practitioners Ethics and Professional Conduct Committee and on the Jockey Club’s Racing Equipment and Safety Committee. Some of her most satisfying work comes from her involvement with the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s Safety and Integrity Alliance.
