Distribution of race and training-related musculoskeletal injuries by track and location in Thoroughbred and Arabian racehorses.
Authors: Yildirim İsmail Gökçe, Karaarslan Solmaz, Erkan Atacan
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Musculoskeletal injuries remain the primary threat to racing career longevity in both Thoroughbreds and Arabian racehorses, prompting this retrospective analysis of 553 cases recorded at a Turkish racing facility between 2018 and 2023. The research team stratified injuries by breed, track surface, and activity type (racing versus training), using chi-square analysis to identify statistically significant patterns in injury distribution. Fractures comprised 45.3% of all injuries with a strong predilection for dirt tracks in Thoroughbreds, whilst tendon injuries (40.3% overall) affected Arabians more consistently across both surfaces—a distinction likely reflecting the biomechanical demands placed on each breed during competition. Over 90% of race-related injuries occurred in the forelimbs, predominantly affecting the carpal joint and distal structures, with career-ending consequences in 66.3% of Thoroughbreds versus 46.4% of Arabians, and peak incidence clustered in younger animals (age 2–3 years for Thoroughbreds, 3–4 years for Arabians). For practitioners involved in training, farriery, and veterinary management, these findings underscore the critical importance of breed-specific risk stratification, evidence-based track surface maintenance, and targeted conditioning protocols during the high-risk summer months when environmental conditions compromise surface integrity and increase injury risk.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Fractures predominate in Thoroughbreds on dirt tracks while tendon injuries are common in Arabians on both surfaces—adjust training intensity and recovery protocols by breed and track type
- •The carpal joint and distal forelimb structures are injury hotspots during racing; prioritize preventive conditioning and early detection of lameness in these areas
- •Summer months (June-September) show peak injury rates—intensify track maintenance, monitor footing conditions closely, and consider adjusted training schedules during dry periods
Key Findings
- •Of 553 MSI cases, 45.3% were fractures, 40.3% were tendon injuries, and 9.8% were bone fissures
- •MSI distribution during racing and training differed significantly by track surface in both Thoroughbreds and Arabians (p < 0.0001)
- •Forelimb injuries during racing were predominant in both breeds (91.3% Thoroughbreds, 92.7% Arabians) with focus on carpal joint
- •Career-ending injuries occurred in 66.3% of Thoroughbreds versus 46.4% of Arabians; most injuries occurred June-September during dry season