The effects of ambient air pollution exposure on Thoroughbred racehorse performance.
Authors: Kim Linda D, Kreitner Kimberly, Scott Danielle M, Seabaugh Katie, Duncan Colleen G, Magzamen Sheryl
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Air Pollution and Thoroughbred Race Performance Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) measurably impairs Thoroughbred racing performance, with winning speeds declining by 0.0008 m/s for every 1 μg/m³ increase in PM2.5 concentrations between 4 and 23.6 μg/m³. This finding emerges from a large retrospective analysis of over 31,400 races across California's 12 racetracks between 2011 and 2020, where researchers linked EPA air quality monitoring data with race outcomes whilst controlling for horse characteristics, race conditions, other pollutants, and temperature. Because athletic exertion increases respiratory minute ventilation and draws pollutants deeper into the lungs, racehorses face heightened exposure risk during the very performance event being compromised—a mechanism particularly concerning given the tight margins between winning and placing in competitive racing. Practitioners should recognise that race day air quality directly affects equine athletic capacity and welfare, suggesting the need for track-level air quality advisories and consideration of training load management during periods of elevated PM2.5. Further investigation incorporating onsite air quality monitoring, training data, and multiple racing jurisdictions would strengthen our understanding of pollution's broader impact on equine respiratory health and performance sustainability.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Monitor air quality forecasts on race days and consider adjusting training intensity or race scheduling during high PM2.5 periods to optimize horse performance
- •Poor air quality can measurably impact racehorse speed and athletic output, warranting development of air quality advisories for racing operations similar to those used for human athletes
- •Even modest increases in particulate matter pollution produce cumulative performance decrements in equine athletes that could affect race outcomes and horse welfare
Key Findings
- •PM2.5 between 4-23.6 μg/m³ resulted in decreased winning race speed of 0.0008 m/s for every 1 μg/m³ increase in particulate matter
- •Heightened exertion during racing increases airflow carrying pollutants deeper into the respiratory tract, affecting athletic performance
- •10-year retrospective analysis of 31,407 Thoroughbred races in California demonstrated measurable negative association between ambient air pollution and race speed