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Influence of Track Surface Condition on Racing Times of Thoroughbred Racehorses in Flat Races

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Influence of Track Surface Condition on Racing Times of Thoroughbred Racehorses in Flat Races

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Site: ScienceDirect

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Title: Influence of Track Surface Condition on Racing Times of Thoroughbred Racehorses in Flat Races

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Site: AVMA Publications

Genre: Article

Title: Fifteen risk factors associated with sudden death in Thoroughbred racehorses in North America (2009–2021)

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Site: National Library of Medicine

Genre: Article

Title: Epidemiology of racing injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses with special reference to bone fractures: Japanese experience from the 1980s to 2000s

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ABSTRACT

This report describes the descriptive epidemiology of racing fractures that occurred from the 1980s to 2000s on racetracks of the Japan Racing Association (JRA). The incidence of racehorse fractures during flat racing was approximately 1-2%. Fractures occurring during a race are more likely to occur in a forelimb. Fractures mostly occur at the third and fourth corners of oval tracks and on the home stretch. They also occur more frequently at the time of changing the leading limb. Comparison of the incidence of racing fracture between before and after reconstruction of the geometrical configuration of a racetrack revealed that there was an outstanding reduction in the number of serious fractures in the year before and after reconstruction. It was postulated that the improvement in racing time, possibly influenced by reconstructing the geometrical configuration of the racetrack, was connected to the reduction in the number of fractures. Of non-biological race- and course-related factors, type of course (dirt or turf), track surface condition, differences between racecourses, and racing distance significantly influence racing time. By using an instrumented shoe, vertical ground reaction forces (VGRFs) on the forelimb during galloping and the relationships between a rough dirt and woodchip track surface and a smooth dirt and woodchip surface were measured. Relating the incidence of racing fractures with track conditions in general showed that track surface has significant effects on the incidence of fracture, with the incidence of fractures increasing as track conditions on dirt worsen and a tendency for the incidence of fractures to decrease as track conditions on turf worsen. It seems probable that track condition in general may affect the incidence of fracture. The incidence of fracture in horses during both racing and training decreased as the years progressed.

Keywords: bone fracture, epidemiology, racing injury, Thoroughbred racehorse

Background

Bone fractures in racehorses are the most commonly occurring problem in the racing industry worldwide [ 46, 62, 109, 111]. Historical background and epidemiologic studies of fracture in racehorses have been well reviewed by Clegg [ 18], Parkin [ 94, 95], Riggs [ 108], Stover [ 118], and Verheyen [ 132].

Many studies of fractures in racehorses have been conducted around the world. However, there are significant differences in non-biological (race- and course-related) factors between Western countries and Japan in terms of horseracing, climate, racetrack shape, track surface components, race distance, number of runners, and horseshoes utilized. It is difficult to directly introduce and apply the data and findings from investigational studies in Western countries to the horse racing industry in Japan because of differences in risk factors at the country or regional level. For the purpose of addressing this problem, the Japan Racing Association (JRA) formed the Japanese Committee on the Prevention of Accidents to both jockeys and racehorses in April 1983 which is composed of veterinarians, facility managers, trainers, and jockeys. Up until the early 2000s, this committee conducted investigations to grasp the real conditions regarding the occurrence of fractures during races or training and to implement appropriate countermeasures in Japan. These investigations mainly focused on patterns and risk factors specific for bone fractures during flat racing. Compared with the published scientific articles on bone fracture and epidemiology of bone fracture in Thoroughbred racehorses on flat racetracks in Western countries, there have been few epidemiological studies of the effects of non-biological factors on locomotive injuries during racing and training on Japanese flat racetracks [ 53, 54, 55, 56, 58, 83, 119, 125].

Horse Racing in Japan

The organization of horse racing in Japan and the structure of the JRA have been described in a previous report [ 78]. In summary, the JRA holds races at 10 race courses across Japan on oval-shaped courses primarily on weekends, with a total of 288 racing days per year. Thoroughbred horses race in a clockwise direction on eight tracks and counterclockwise on two tracks. The percentages of flat races run on turf courses and dirt courses during the period of review were 51.5% and 48.5%, respectively. Flat racing is conducted on both turf and dirt courses throughout the year. Training of Thoroughbred horses not at racecourses takes place on turf, dirt, and wood chip courses at two training centers: the Miho Training Center in eastern Japan and the Ritto Training Center in western Japan. About 4,400 racehorses are managed, stabled, and trained at the two training centers. On racing days, the horses are transported in vans to race courses nationwide, where race meetings are held. The JRA holds two types of horse races: Thoroughbred flat races and Thoroughbred jumping races (steeplechases). Over 95% of all races held during the racing calendar are Thoroughbred flat races. In Europe and the U.S.A., training takes place on turf and sand courses, American dirt courses, and artificial or synthetic tracks (sometimes referred to as all-weather or man-made tracks).

Track Surface Condition as Defined by the JRA

The components of a JRA turf course (10-12 cm Japanese lawn grass over 30-50 cm sandy soil) is similar to those of turf courses used by the New York Racing Association (NYRA) (12-14 cm tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass over 25 cm sandy soil) [ 37, 38]. The components of a Japanese dirt course (7-8 cm cushion sand layer over hard substrate; thus, in Japan, it might be preferable to refer to it as a sand course rather than a dirt course) differs from those of dirt courses used in Western countries, such as those used by the NYRA (10-12 cm cushion sandy loam layer over a 25-27 cm base layer mixed with clay/silt/sand; thus, referred to as a dirt course) [ 37, 38]. The cushion sand used by the JRA is composed of river sand, which is of a fine particle size with a narrow particle size distribution [ 66].

Track surface conditions are classified by four grades according to the levels of moisture in the track for both Japanese dirt courses and turf courses, as follows [ 66].

Japanese Dirt Courses

Good: some residual moisture

Muddy: very moist due to high water content

Sloppy: slippery due to excessive water content

Turf Courses

Firm: dry or slight moisture

Good: good amount of moisture

Yielding: very wet course that produces slower racing times

Soft: water-logged course that produces very slow racing times

Track Surface Maintenance Equipment

The JRA has developed different kinds of track surface maintenance equipment in order to maintain the uniformity of hardness and evenness of track surfaces. The rationale for doing so is based on the results of studies indicating that the incidence of racing fractures depends on the track surface condition [ 6, 7, 15, 16, 133, 136] as well as data suggesting the significance of track surface maintenance in prevention of racing and training injury (unsoundness) in horse [ 48, 99, 108, 118]. These findings emphasize the importance of maintaining appropriate track hardness so as to maintain its cushioning effect.

The JRA developed a track hardness measuring vehicle that is equipped to determine a track's hardness and sand thickness, and has instrumentation for analysis of the data it collects [ 80]. Attached to the rear of the vehicle is an arm that is one meter long. At the end of this arm is a piezoelectric accelerometer, to which a 6 kg weight is attached. The principle of tracks measurements is fundamentally the same as that of a type of lightweight drop test apparatus [ 16]. The arm is thrust out, mechanically assisted by a spring, and the weight attached to the accelerometer makes contact with the track surface [ 80]. The impact deceleration is recorded by the data recorder [ 80]. This track hardness measuring vehicle indicates the hardness distribution of the track, i.e., deceleration at impact of the track in units of g (9.8 m/s ²) [ 80]. Measurements are made at 5-m intervals around the entire track [ 80]. The vehicle is used to determine how deceleration at impact changes when track conditions change from firm to soft on turf and from fast to sloppy on dirt [ 80]. Based on these data, an automatic water sprinkler is used to supply water to turf courses that require moisture to maintain grass growth. To eliminate excessive water on the track surface, a water absorption cross-channel roller is used [ 80]. A vehicle equipped with a rake is used to rake up accumulated sand away from the side rails.

Comparison of Racetrack Properties in Japan with Those of European and American Racetracks

It has often been suggested by people involved in horse racing in foreign countries that turf courses in Japan are hard. The JRA conducted a survey of track conditions by using the track hardness measuring van mentioned above at nine racecourses in Europe and North America during the period of 1992 to 1997 and outside of the racing season [ 66, 80]. The racecourses studied were Hollywood Park, Santa Anita, Arlington, and Keeneland in the United States of America (U.S.A.), Epsom and Newmarket in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (U.K.), and Longchamp, Saint Cloud, and Chantilly in the French Republic (France) ( Fig. 1 ) [ 66]. Compared with the standard hardness of the JRA racecourses, 80 to 130 G, measured on non-race days, those of Saint Cloud and Chantilly in France were higher, while those of Keeneland, Arlington, and Hollywood Park in the U.S.A., Epsom and Newmarket in the U.K., and Longchamp in France were lower ( Fig. 1 ).

Data Collected on Racing Fractures

For this review, data on fractures occurring during flat racing, track conditions, and racing time were retrieved from both the annual JRA report on racehorse hygiene [ 121] and the Racehorse Information Management System, which manages information about medical care and race records of JRA-registered horses kept on a computerized database (M880/180 mainframe computer, host; WS3050RX, terminal; Hitachi, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) [ 83]. A case was defined as any horse with an acute bone fracture that occurred during a race and then failed to race for three months or longer from the date of the fracture or was permanently retired, was euthanized, or died. Regardless of the severity of the fracture, i.e., ranging from compound catastrophic fractures to mild chip fractures, only cases that were confirmed as bone fractures by radiography and/or ultrasound were included in this data set. Cases that were diagnosed only on clinical presentation were not included.

Outline of Research on Racing Fractures in Thoroughbred Horses

In 2000, Professor Andrew F. Clarke in Melbourne University was charged with developing a project entitled "Epidemiology and risk factor analysis of racetrack fatalities" in Victoria, Australia [ 17]. A report of the project was published on a website [ 17]. The purpose of the project was to minimize the risks of occurrences such as falling in both jockeys and racehorses during racing, as well as to identify predisposing causes of future injury [ 17]. One of the clear messages from this project was that racing and training on firmer turf track surfaces might result in a greater risk of musculoskeletal injury in horses as well as increased risk for the jockeys riding them [ 17]. This project was followed by a Havemeyer Foundation Workshop entitled the "Epidemiology of Training and Racing Injuries," which was held over two days in 2005 in Melbourne, Australia [ 94]. In this first international symposium, experts from racing jurisdictions in the U.K., Japan (JRA), Macau, Australia, the U.S.A., Hong Kong, and New Zealand presented papers [ 94]. This meeting identified exercise measurements, case definitions, control selection, and racetrack rating as key issues for future research [ 94].

Outline of Fractures during Training and Racing in the JRA

The total number of musculoskeletal injuries that occurred in training and races during the period of 1987 to 1996 is shown in Table 1 [ 121]. The majority of fractures occurred in legs, particularly in forelimbs, during both racing and training ( Table 1 ) [ 121]. Force plate data showed significantly greater vertical loading rates and horizontal loads in the forelimb than the hind limb during trotting [ 32]. There are details to be clarified regarding mechanisms leading to differences in injuries between forelimbs and hind limbs. The total number of fractures was 10,203 in the cases of 556,705 starters in flat racing at 10 racetracks from 1987 to 2000 [ 83], an incidence of 1.83%. The majority of forelimb fractures were intra-articular, that is, occurring in the bones of the carpus, the metacarpophalangeal joint including the distal condyle of the third metacarpus/metatarsus, the proximal sesamoid bones along with the suspensory interosseous ligament, and the phalanx [ 54, 83]. In JRA racehorses, distal condylar fracture of the third metacarpus/metatarsus is the most common catastrophic fracture, followed by fracture and injuries of the suspensory apparatus comprising the proximal sesamoid bones along with the suspensory interosseous ligament [ 83]. Fractures in the legs during training and racing are more likely to occur in forelimbs than hind limbs ( Table 1 ) [ 121].

Table 1.

Total number

Fracture

Soft tissue injury

Limb

(Forelimb)

(Hind limb)

Other
(skull, spine, etc.)

(dislocation, tendon injury)

Training

10,710

97.3

(71.9)

(25.4)

0.8

1.9

Racing

8,484

90.6

(78.1)

(12.5)

0.3

9.1

Metacarpal distal condylar and proximal phalangeal and carpal fractures are the most prevalent catastrophic fractures in all types of races, particularly in flat turf courses in the U.K. [ 13, 18, 88, 89, 91, 92] and Hong Kong [ 9], whereas, proximal sesamoid bone fracture is the most common catastrophic fracture in the U.S.A. on flat dirt courses [ 4, 47]. In the U.S.A., close associations have been reported between the development of metacarpal distal condylar fracture or catastrophic suspensory ligament rupture with moderate ligamentous suspensory apparatus injury and recent high-intensity (high-speed) exercise and longer interval since layup in male horses and horses between 2 and 5 years of age [ 41]. Although catastrophic proximal sesamoid bone fractures are less common in the U.K., proximal sesamoid bone fracture results in a significantly greater risk of catastrophic fracture on all-weather courses when compared with flat turf courses in the U.K., suggesting a strong association between type of racing track surface and proximal sesamoid bone fractures [ 63, 88]. Further epidemiological studies need to be conducted to clarify these relationships.

Relationship between Incidence of Fractures during Flat Racing and Track Condition on Turf and Dirt Courses

The incidence risk between 1987 and 2000 was reported in a previous paper [ 83]. The risk of fractures increased significantly as track conditions on dirt courses became muddy ( P<0.001, Cochran-Armitage test) [ 83]. The risk of fractures tended to decrease as track conditions on turf courses became softer with higher water content ( P=0.0711, Cochran-Armitage test) [ 83]. As mentioned above, the incidence of racing fractures on dirt tracks in the JRA is higher than that on turf tracks in the JRA. Relating the risk of racing-related musculoskeletal breakdown with turf track conditions, published data from other countries have shown conflicting results. In Victoria State, Australia [ 7], and the U.K. [ 134], softer turf tracks with higher water content were associated with a lower risk than harder, drier turf tracks. Conversely, horses raced on firm turf tracks had significantly lower risks in the NYRA [ 69]. The reason for the conflicting results on turf tracks is not evident. In the NYRA, a greater incidence of fractures occurred on dirt courses than on turf courses. Turf courses have 1/3 the risk compared with dirt tracks with a fast or good condition [ 38]. However, on NYRA dirt courses, muddy conditions create a significantly lower risk of fractures compared with the risk for fast dirt racetracks [ 38]. Contrary to this trend in the NYRA, on JRA dirt tracks, there is a significant trend for a higher incidence of fractures when dirt tracks become heavy due to higher water content [ 83]. These differences between the JRA and NYRA might be caused by the differences in the composition of the cushion and base layers of dirt racetracks, which are related to vertical hardness and horizontal shear strength, primarily depending on the materials used in constructing the dirt racetracks by the JRA and NYRA, as mentioned above [ 38, 39, 66]. In other words, there is a possibility that hoof-ground interactions differ on the dirt courses of the JRA and NYRA. We speculate that dirt courses in the NYRA may become more cohesive as the moisture content increases on the track surface (possibly easier to grip) than on dirt courses with lower moisture content because the dirt track surface used in the NYRA is primarily composed of clay/silt/sand [ 38, 39]. In contrast, the JRA dirt track surface is composed of fine particle-sized sand [ 66]. This difference in track surface composition between NYRA and JRA may affect the behavior of soil in the track surface, thus leading to differences in foot motion or slide on the track surface [ 2, 102, 103, 104]. Hoof acceleration and ground reaction force were considered as possible indices of vertical hardness and horizontal shear, which may be involved as possible risk factors for racing injuries [ 15, 114]. One study has reported that hoof acceleration and ground reaction force in Thoroughbred horses during running are influenced by types of track surfaces, i.e., dirt, synthetic, or turf track surface [ 114].

The firmness of the turf track and racing speed are thought to be important factors related to musculoskeletal injuries on turf, and it has been reported that harder turf tracks, which likely have greater vertical hardness and horizontal shear, have less of a cushioning effect and therefore exert a high impact, putting a large strain on the limbs as the hooves land on the ground [ 7, 90, 137].

Dirt courses were found to have a high incidence of racing fractures when tracks were in heavy [ 83]. This may reflect the characteristics of Japanese dirt track components, as mentioned above. A previous study reported that track surface conditions were unrelated to the occurrence of racing injuries for Thoroughbred horses [ 37]. To clarify the relationship between track condition and injuries, further studies need to be conducted on the interaction of the hoof with the track surface, the magnitude and character of load transfer between the ground (consistency, compliance, shearing strength, geometry, banking) and hoof, and limb mechanics (ground reaction forces, decelerations, accelerations, strains, stride vibrations) using both in vitro and in vivo studies.

Interaction of the Hoof with Different Track Conditions

Energy from the shock of hoof contact with the ground and the forces resulting from the change in momentum of the legs and body transmitted between the track and hoof underlie the risk for injury to bones and soft tissues. Therefore, it is important to understand track surface properties such as vertical impact (hardness), horizontal shear, and rebound timing. For the purpose of clarifying the interaction of the horse and hoof with the track surface properties, a new device sandwiched between the hoof and shoe to measure vertical ground reaction forces (VGRFs) during cantering and galloping was developed by Kai et al. in the JRA [ 49]. By using this instrumented shoe, the VGRFs acting on the forelimb during galloping, and the relationship between the effect of a rough dirt and woodchip track surface (uneven track surface) were used to study the variation in peak VGRF in the forelimbs during galloping [ 48]. The variance in peak VGRF of the trailing forelimb decreased significantly more on a harrowed dirt and woodchip track surface than on rough dirt and woodchip track surfaces [ 48, 120]. These results indicate that rough deformable track surfaces (unevenness and non-uniformity of the track surface) increase the variance of vertical forces at the hoof and positioning of the load on the hoof [ 48] and that track surface maintenance such as harrowing on dirt and woodchip tracks will also impact the health of locomotor organs in racehorses because uneven track surfaces exacerbates asymmetry of loading on the hoof.

Locations on Racetracks Where Racing Injuries Occur Based on Patrol Video

Analysis of racehorse fractures utilizing video recordings have been reported in the U.K. [ 93]. In Japan, the distribution of locations at which 259 cases of catastrophic fracture occurred on racetracks at 10 JRA racecourses over a period of three years (1983 to 1986) was analyzed from video recordings taken by cameras positioned to observe all parts of the tracks (referred to as "patrol video") during races [ 81, 125] ( Fig. 3 ). These cases were selected as those in which fractures occurred that were clearly identified on the patrol video. Although there are slight differences in the locations, fractures mostly occurred at the third and fourth corners, as well as on the home stretch ( Fig. 3 ), partly due to the increase in the horse's running speed and disturbances in running pace as a result of fatigue in the musculoskeletal system [ 125]. A similar pattern of racing fractures on racetracks in the NYRA has been reported by Hill [ 38].

Another study also analyzed the location at which catastrophic fractures occurred during races and the correlation between the leading leg and injured leg when fractures occurred [ 125]. On a straightaway and when coming out of a turn and onto a straightaway, the leading leg and injured leg were highly correlated, irrespective of whether the track was run in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction [ 125]. In contrast, there was low correlation between the leading leg and injured leg while traversing a turn and going from a straightaway into a turn. It is noteworthy that many accidents occurred just after a lead change [ 125]; similar findings were reported in the U.K. [ 93].

Trial for Reducing Racing Injuries by Restructuring the Geometry of a Racetrack

The JRA successfully reduced the number of fractures during races at the Hanshin racetrack by changing its geometry [ 76]. In the pre-remodel configuration, the third and fourth corners were very tight turns because there were straightaway between both corners, so horses had to frequently change their leading limb, reduce their speed, and then accelerate [ 76]. Also, because the overall course was level, it was easy to gain speed. The third and fourth corners were made more gradual, and the straightaways between them were made into gentle curves with an increased radius of curvature. The centrifugal force on the limb, which may predispose the limb to injury, decreases as the radius of curvature is increased [ 65]. As a result of these modifications, there was a great reduction in the number of serious fractures, more so than of slight fractures, compared with the year before the reconstruction [ 76]. These results are thought to have occurred because the horses no longer had to change their leading limb while traversing a turn or entering a straightaway, thus reducing the number of fractures due to changing the leading limb. The average racing time on the turf and dirt courses for all distances was 2.37 seconds slower after reconstruction. The authors of the study assumed that the improvement in the hardness of the track and the resulting slower racing times, influenced by the reconstruction of the geometry of the racetrack, were responsible for the reduced number of fractures [ 76].

Incidence of So-called "Bucked Shins"

"Dorsal metacarpal disease" or "bucked shins" is a common bone disease that occurs at the dorsal cortex of the third metacarpal bone in young racehorses during early training [ 72]. This disease is an athletic performance-limiting problem as well as a common cause of lost training days [ 46, 111]. Although the classical description of the pathogenesis is associated with fractures, such as fatigue fractures, stress fractures, and microfractures in the dorsal aspect of the mid-diaphysis occurring during the growth period of the long bone, an initial bone lesion has not been demonstrated histologically. In the U.K., Verheyen et al. reported that increasing the exercise distance in short periods (up to 1 month) increases the risk of bucked shins, probably as a consequence of microdamage and the associated remodeling response [ 128]. Recent studies of its pathogenesis indicate that bucked shins occurs in young horses being trained during the bone growth period when microdamage of cortical bone in the dorsal aspect accumulates faster than bone remodeling (turnover rate of bone resorption and formation) as the bone's adaptive or compensative response to repeated high loading during fast exercise [ 72, 73, 128]. In terms of bone mineral content, several methods to assess bone metabolism and maturity of the metacarpus to prevent bucked shins have been reported by Japanese researchers [ 60, 61, 122, 123, 124].

The incidence of bucked shins in 2-year-old racehorses in training varies by country and ranges from an incidence rate of <10% [ 46, 111] or 24% [ 128] in the U.K. to 25% in the U.S.A. [ 12] and 65% in Australia [ 20]. Epidemiological surveys by the JRA have found a 66% incidence of bucked shins in 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses during their first 8 months of training [ 58]. This variability between countries may be related to differences in study populations, study design, training regimen, and/or racecourses.

It is well known that the incidence of bucked shins is affected by track-surface properties (types of track surfaces, i.e., dirt, synthetic, or turf track surface) [ 70, 73] as well as distance run and intensity of exercise [ 45, 73, 128]. In an experiment to test the hypothesis that frequency of intense (high-speed) exercise under the same Japanese racetrack surface conditions on the same track would affect the likelihood of bucked shins developing in young horses, no difference was found in the incidence of the bucked shins between a group that exercised once per week at maximal speed and a group that exercised twice per week at maximal speed [ 58]. This result suggests that the frequency of intensive exercise employed in the experiment did not affect the incidence of the disease [ 58].

Conclusions and Future Research Directions

The annual incidence of fractures is approximately 2% during racing and 0.1% in training. The difference in incidence between training and racing may be partially influenced by the magnitudes of the vertical ground reaction forces and/or shock energy during hoof impact on the ground at a racing gallop [ 15, 109]. There were significant effects of track condition on the incidence of fractures, with the incidence of fractures increasing as track conditions on dirt worsened, and there was a tendency for the incidence of fractures to decrease as track conditions on turf worsened. These results suggest that track surface conditions may be a risk factor for racing fractures, although no definite evidence is available to indicate the relationship between track condition and the onset of fracture. Catastrophic fractures occurring during races have been analyzed using videos taken during a race. Fractures mostly occur at the third and fourth corners and on the home stretch. They also occur with increased frequency with lead changes. Analysis of relationships between the geometry of the racetrack (radius of curvature), the loads and decelerations of the hoof on impact with the ground, especially at the time of a lead change, or the centrifugal force when moving around corners needs to be performed in detail. The incidence of racing fractures is higher in JRA horses than the incidences reported by racing authorities outside of Japan. It is uncertain whether the differences in incidence between the racing communities outside of Japan and the JRA are due to geographic differences or methodological differences. While definitive evidence does not exist, the geometrical configuration of a racetrack must be considered a possible factor related to racing injuries. When viewed from the perspective of preventing racing injuries, it is hoped that additional studies can 1) evaluate variables of load magnitude and the character of load transfer between the ground, hoof, and limb with different track surface conditions, at different running speeds, and with different hoof conformations in order to determine the optimal track design and track surface, such as by utilizing the hoof-shaped impactor designed by Peterson et al. [ 98], the wireless data acquisition system for measurement of hoof accelerations in exercising horses designed by Ryan et al. [ 113], the track-testing device that simulates equine hoof impact designed by Setterbo et al. [ 115], foot-mounted accelerometers utilized by Witte et al. [ 136], and the instrument sandwiched between the hoof and shoe to measure vertical ground reaction forces and three-dimensional accelerations developed by Kai et al. [ 49], and 2) predict the risk of fracture on the basis of objective parameters, such as exercise and racing history (effects of cumulative exercise distance and speed) or early diagnosis of fatigue-related bone damage (fatigue or stress fracture), as fractures of this type occur when bone damage exceeds bone repair and pre-existing lesions can be precursors of catastrophic fractures (pathologic fracture).

Addendum

For further information on research into the effects of footing on a horse's biomechanical responses, on research of the interaction between horse injury and racetrack surface, and on research of the composition, construction, and maintenance of arenas and racing tracks, readers are referred to the recent reviews "Racing Surfaces White paper 2011" (http://grayson-jockeyclub.org/resources/White_Paper_final.pdf), "Equine Surfaces White Paper 2016" (http://www.fei.org/system/files/Equine%20Surfaces%20White%20Paper.pdf), "Modeling equine race surface vertical mechanical behaviors in a musculoskeletal modeling environment" (2015. Journal of Biomechanics. 48: 566-572) and "Proceedings of the 12th International Equitation Science Conference. 2016. International Society for Equitation Science with the collaboration of the French Institute for Horses and Riding, France; ISBN: 9782915250510".

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the members of the Committee for the Prevention of Accidents to Racehorses of the Japan Racing Association, the researchers of the Equine Research Institute of the Japan Racing Association, and all staff, colleagues, veterinarians, and researchers who contributed to the investigations and studies presented in this paper. The authors also wish to thank Dr. James H. Jones, Professor of the University of California, Davis, and Director of the Equine Athletic Performance Laboratory for critical reading of this paper and valuable advice.

Footnotes

* Asterisk indicates the study was conducted by Japan Racing Association (JRA), JRA Equine Research Institute and Japanese researchers.

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# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Epidemiology of racing injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses with special reference to bone fractures: Japanese experience from the 1980s to 2000s

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This report describes the descriptive epidemiology of racing fractures that occurred from the 1980s to 2000s on racetracks of the Japan Racing Association (JRA). The incidence of racehorse fractures during flat racing was approximately 1-2%. Fractures ...

# data[].attributes.body
Site: The Humane Society

Genre: Article

Title: This deadly horse racing season signals urgent need for zero-tolerance anti-doping and track safety policies

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2023 could have been a watershed year for the welfare of racehorses in the U.S. with the historic implementation of national racetrack safety and anti-doping programs the anti-doping section of the new law was late in implementation due to continued pushback by a few laggards using the courts to prevent it. With the spotlight on the tracks, horse deaths in racing continued at a rate that was frightening and unacceptable to the American public. Doping scandals and deaths surrounded each of the Triple Crown races.

Despite these grim developments, interest in racing still flourishes and some betting handles were at an all-time high. But the world of horse racing has been shaken, and the industry must not only implement these urgent and obvious reforms but make horse safety and welfare its absolute first priority.

The passage of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act in 2020 was a significant marker of progress. However, the law's implementation has been constantly obstructed by certain parties in the industry. Lawsuits challenging the authority's constitutionality are ongoing, and proposed legislative measures threaten to undermine reform. Some states, including Texas and Nebraska, have opted to not simulcast their races across state lines so they can dodge federal oversight, while Louisiana and West Virginia are operating under a court injunction that prevents the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, created by the Act, from regulating thoroughbred racing in those states.

Even in states where support for reform is strong, there are differing opinions on the best way forward, for example in the appropriate use veterinary technology. California champions the use of PET scanners as a means of enhancing race horse safety, while some in New York remain unconvinced of their value. These differences between two states with well-established regulatory systems highlight how regional variations impact the safety and uniformity of horse racing nationwide. Certainly, too, they bolster the argument for federal oversight. The patchwork approach to reform is one of the reasons that horse racing is in such poor shape.

On the fundamental issue of fatalities, the industry must adopt and enforce a zero-tolerance policy toward any practice or condition that results in horse deaths due to racing. No reasonable person would support a system in which the gambling stake literally depends on the lives of the horses themselves.

On the related problem of rampant illicit drugging of horses, the anti-doping program established under the HISA in May could be decisive. Of the top thoroughbred racing nations, the U.S. leads the field as the deadliest for horses. Doping's long and unchecked history is probably the reason for this, but the current state of affairs is intolerable. We commend the improvements already made in drug testing and enforcement, track safety protocols, veterinary care and the emphasis on necessary rest and recovery for the horses. And we concede that a little time may be necessary for the full impacts of the national anti-doping program to be felt. However, lives are hanging in the balance, and we can't afford to wait for change much longer.

Investigation reports from the HISA did not single out doping as the sole culprit but instead outlined a broad spectrum of risks associated with horse racing. This variety of threats underscores the necessity of a unified federal regulatory body capable of imposing consistent and rigorous standards across all racing jurisdictions.

There is a deeper moral problem that makes fundamental change an uphill battle: In some states, racing authorities and interest holders have come to view horse deaths as an unfortunate yet inevitable cost of the racing business. Such a view will be the death knell for racing in those jurisdictions.

Representative of this alarming perspective are the comments by veterinarian and New York State Equine Medical Director, Scott E. Palmer, VMD, concerning HISA's investigation at Saratoga. Palmer claims that the mortality rate of the general horse population of 1.4% is statistically higher if not comparable to the mortality rate of racehorses at Saratoga this year, which he calculated as 1%. He states that, "[t]hese statistics indicate that horses that race in New York are as safe if not more so than those that live on farms in non-racing capacities."

However, the 17 horses who died at Saratoga this year, who had collectively won more than $6.5 million dollars in their short careers, were all between 2 and 6 years old, and the very study Palmer referenced indicated that horses aged 1 to 5 years across the nation had a death rate of only 0.5%, and not 1.4% or even 1% as Palmer claimed. Based on this data, racehorses at Saratoga this year died at a rate double that of horses in the general population, despite receiving highly specialized care.

We believe that the only way for racing to move forward is with a resolute commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on harmful practices and a unified front to put the safety of the horses above all else. Thankfully, the new HISA authority and forward-thinking horse people share our position.

Federal legislation and the establishment of the Authority demonstrates a national commitment to making the care of the animals that are central to horse racing the top priority. It sends a powerful message that the welfare of race horses is a priority, ensuring that their lives are treated with the respect and care they deserve, from foal to retirement.

There has never been such heavy moral and practical scrutiny of horse racing, and the future of horse racing hinges on its ability to reform at a pace faster and more determined than any Triple Crown race. These magnificent animals are depending on it.
Sara Amundson is president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund.

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This deadly horse racing season signals urgent need for zero-tolerance anti-doping and track safety policies

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2023 could have been a watershed year for the welfare of racehorses in the U.S. with the historic implementation of national racetrack safety and anti-doping programs the anti-doping section of the new law was late in implementation due to continued pushback by a few laggards using the courts to prevent it.

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Site: Lifestyle

Genre: Article

Title: Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit to be Held at the University of Kentucky

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Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit to be Held at the University of Kentucky

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Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation announced today that it will host the 11th Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. The event will be co-hosted by the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and The Jockey Club.

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Site: Blood Horse

Genre: Article

Title: Equine Welfare, Racetrack Safety on Symposium Agenda

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Equine welfare and racetrack safety are two of the prominent topics on the agenda for the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program's 46th annual Global Symposium on Racing Dec. 9-11 at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Ariz.

The Symposium, held since 1974, attracts attendees from a broad range of racing and casino interests to hear discussion on issues affecting the pari-mutuel and gaming industries. The largest racing industry conference in the world, according to the university, its speakers and panel sessions feature many industry leaders.

Following Monday's conference-opening National Horseplayers Championship Contest Workshop, two active days of seminars are scheduled, with "Horse Racing's Social License to Operate" and "Racing's Safety and Welfare Initiatives" part of sessions Tuesday morning. Dr. Jennifer Durenberger, who operates Racing Matters, speaks at the former session. Dr. Dionne Benson, Jill Byrne, Dan Fick, and Alan Foreman discuss safety reforms at tracks during the latter.

Benson is chief veterinary officer at The Stronach Group; Byrne is vice president of racing operations at Colonial Downs; Fick is an accredited steward and board chairman at Racing Officials Accreditation Program; and Foreman is chairman and CEO of the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association.

Afternoon sessions include "Continuing the Quest for the Safest Racing Surface: The Natural Racing Surface," hosted by radio host Steve Byk with insights from three industry experts, and its companion discussion "Continuing the Quest for the Safest Racing Surface: Taking Another Look at Synthetic Surfaces," with Byk joined by panelists Michael Dickinson, president of Tapeta Footings, and Irwin Driedger, former director of Thoroughbred racing surfaces at .

Other Tuesday seminars include "Changing the Marketing Paradigm in Racing and Other Observations of the Sport," in which horse owner and furniture store mogul Jim McIngvale will discuss his sponsorship of stallion , and "Maintaining the Critical Mass in Racing," split into two discussions, one focusing on owners and another on bettors.

Wednesday's sessions begin with trainers Bob Baffert and Todd Pletcher reflecting on their racing experiences and award-winning careers in "A Personal Perspective of Racing's Past, Present, and Future," followed by shifting a final "Critical Mass" session on the horse population.

Other Wednesday panels include "Making the Grade in North America," a discussion of the graded stakes system; "The Digital Age of Breed Registries and Horse Identification;" "Racing and Television-Unleashing the Opportunity of Increased Exposure;" "Listening to the Racing Customer;" and "Good News Stories of Racing: A Look at the Rebirth of Racing in Virginia."

On Tuesday, The Turf Publicists of America will award trainer Mark Casse the 2019 Big Sport of Turfdom, which recognizes an individual who enhances coverage of Thoroughbred racing through cooperation with media and racing publicists.

Approachable and forthcoming, Casse won his first Triple Crown race when took the Preakness Stakes (G1). Three weeks later, Casse won the final leg of the Triple Crown when Sir Winston scored an upset in the Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1), beating War of Will and other leading 3-year-olds.

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Equine Welfare, Racetrack Safety on Symposium Agenda

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Equine welfare and racetrack safety are two of the prominent topics on the agenda for the University of Arizona's 46th annual Global Symposium on Racing Dec. 9-11 at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Ariz.

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The inside track | Horse Welfare on a raceday

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EQUINE WELFARE AT AINTREE RACECOURSE - HOME OF THE RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL

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Equine welfare measures on Super Saturday