Descriptive epidemiology of fracture, tendon and suspensory ligament injuries in National Hunt racehorses in training.

This research paper investigates the incidence of fractures and tendon and ligament injuries in National Hunt (NH) racehorses during training, describing the types of injuries sustained, and comparing rates of injury according to different factors such as horse age, trainer, gender and background.

Study Methodology

• The researchers gathered cohort data from 14 UK National Hunt training yards over two racing seasons.
• Details of the horses’ daily exercise regimens and any fractures or tendon and ligament injuries occurring were recorded.

Study Results

• Data was collected from a total of 1223 horses, who collectively spent 9466 months at risk of injury.
• The fracture incidence rate was found to be 1.1 per 100 horse months, with variation observed between different trainers but not between different genders, ages or backgrounds of horses.
• The most common fracture sites were the pelvis and third metacarpal bone, although the specific site varied between training and actual racing.
• The rate of tendon and ligament injuries was 1.9 per 100 horse months, with variation again differing by trainer and age, but not by gender or background.
• However, horses previously used in store (ex-store horses) had a significantly higher likelihood of sustaining a tendon or ligament injury on the racecourse compared with horses previously used in flat racing.
• Of all tendon and ligament injuries, 89% were superficial digital flexor injuries, with the remaining being suspensory ligament injuries.

Conclusion

• The researchers concluded that fractures and tendon and ligament injuries are significant causing of morbidity and mortality in National Hunt racehorses during training in England.
• The study provides accurate estimates of the incidences of such injuries and serves as a baseline for monitoring the impact of future preventative interventions.