Musculoskeletal disease and injury, now and in the future. Part 1: fractures and fatalities.
Authors: Clegg P D
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Racing Thoroughbreds experience orthopaedic injury at substantial rates, creating significant economic burden for the industry alongside serious welfare implications, particularly when injuries prove fatal during competition. Clegg's 2011 review synthesises epidemiological evidence on fracture prevalence, falls and fatalities in racing populations, drawing on research programmes funded by the Horserace Betting Levy Board to identify modifiable risk factors. Key findings highlight that track surface conditions, pre-existing pathological changes within bone and joint structures, and an individual horse's prior training and racing history all meaningfully influence both injury incidence and fatal outcome rates. Understanding these determinants—especially the role of cumulative orthopaedic load and surface interaction—provides evidence-based targets for intervention strategies designed to reduce catastrophic injuries. For equine professionals involved in racing, these findings underscore the importance of thorough pre-competition assessment, appropriate surface management, and careful progression of training intensity based on individual tolerance and existing pathology.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Monitor track surface conditions carefully as they directly influence injury risk; advocate for optimal surface maintenance to reduce fracture incidence
- •Conduct thorough pre-racing orthopaedic assessments to identify pre-existing pathology and manage or restrict at-risk horses appropriately
- •Consider individual horse training and racing history when assessing injury risk; horses with inadequate preparation or past racing experience may need modified schedules
Key Findings
- •Track surface conditions are important determinants of fracture and fatal injury risk in racing Thoroughbreds
- •Pre-existing orthopaedic pathology significantly increases injury and mortality risk
- •Horse's past training and racing experience are key factors influencing fracture and fatality occurrence
- •Orthopaedic injuries in racing Thoroughbreds represent both major economic loss and significant welfare concerns