Effect of training location and time period on racehorse performance in New Zealand. 2. Multivariable analysis.
Abstract: To investigate training location (horses trained in Matamata vs those trained at all other venues in New Zealand), and time period (1996-1997 and 1998-1999), while controlling for other horse- and race- or trial-related factors, as a means of assessing the possible impact of construction of a new training surface at the Matamata Racing Club on indirect measures of racehorse performance (number of starts, and failure to race within 6 months of any start). Methods: Multivariable logistic regression and poisson analysis were used to analyse data derived using a retrospective cohort approach. Multivariable logistic regression was also used to analyse a case-control study. All data were derived from New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), records of race and trial results for racehorses trained in Matamata and other venues in New Zealand, covering two 19-month time periods (1996- 1997 and 1998-1999). Outcome variables included whether a horse started again in the 6 months following any start that occurred in the first 13 months of either time period, and a count of the total starts for every horse. Results: Factors associated with increased risk of a start being followed by a 6-month no-race period included training location other than Matamata in comparison to horses trained in Matamata in the 1996-1997 time period, increasing age, 1998- 1999 over 1996-1997, starting in a trial rather than a race, placing fourth or worse in a start, softer track conditions, summer vs autumn, increasing cumulative exercise intensity in the 60 days prior to a start, and increasing race distance. Factors associated with an increase in the total number of starts included horses trained at Matamata in 1996-1997 compared with other time period-location combinations, younger age of horses at the time of a start, longer race distance, and an increasing proportion of starts in stakes races. Conclusions: Official race and trial results data provided a valuable resource for epidemiological studies of factors influencing racehorse performance. Results of analyses performed here provided little evidence of any adverse impact of a new training surface at the Matamata Racing Club on indirect measures of racehorse performance.
Publication Date: 2005-03-16 PubMed ID: 15768119DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2004.36435Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This study investigates the impact of a new training surface at Matamata Racing Club on racehorse performance. The authors used data analysis to compare the performance of horses trained at different locations and during two time periods.
Study Context and Aims
- The study aimed to evaluate the effect of training location and the time period on the performance of racehorses in New Zealand. Two specific training locations were compared: Matamata and all other venues in New Zealand.
- The time frames for comparison were two periods of 19 months each- 1996-1997 and 1998-1999.
- Performance was mostly gauged by indirect measures like the number of starts a horse had and whether a horse failed to race within six months of any start.
- The overall goal was to examine the potential impact of a new training surface at the Matamata Racing Club.
Methodology
- The research used multivariable logistic regression and Poisson analysis to analyze the data gathered using a retrospective cohort approach.
- Data was obtained from New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) which holds records of race and trial results for racehorses trained in Matamata and other venues in New Zealand.
- The outcome variables studied included whether a horse started again in the six months following any start that occurred in the first 13 months of both selected time periods, and a count of the total starts for each horse.
Results
- Factors that increased the chances of a 6-month no-race period following a start included training at a location other than Matamata, increasing horse age, race starting in a trial rather than a race, lower placement in start, softer track conditions, summer vs autumn season, increasing cumulative exercise intensity in the 60 days leading to the start, and longer race distance.
- The total number of starts increased for horses trained at Matamata in 1996-1997, younger horses, longer race distances, and an increasing proportion of starts in stakes races.
Conclusions
- The data from official race and trial results was found to be a valuable resource for such epidemiological studies of factors influencing racehorse performance.
- Based on the analyses conducted, there was little evidence to suggest that the new training surface at the Matamata Racing Club negatively impacted the indirect measures of racehorse performance.
Cite This Article
APA
Perkins NR, Reid SW, Morris RS.
(2005).
Effect of training location and time period on racehorse performance in New Zealand. 2. Multivariable analysis.
N Z Vet J, 52(5), 243-249.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00480169.2004.36435 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Epicentre, Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. N.R.Perkins@massey.ac.nz
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Cullier A, Cassé F, Manivong S, Contentin R, Legendre F, Garcia Ac A, Sirois P, Roullin G, Banquy X, Moldovan F, Bertoni L, Audigié F, Galéra P, Demoor M. Functionalized Nanogels with Endothelin-1 and Bradykinin Receptor Antagonist Peptides Decrease Inflammatory and Cartilage Degradation Markers of Osteoarthritis in a Horse Organoid Model of Cartilage. Int J Mol Sci 2022 Aug 11;23(16).
- Morrice-West AV, Hitchens PL, Walmsley EA, Wong ASM, Whitton RC. Association of Thoroughbred Racehorse Workloads and Rest Practices with Trainer Success. Animals (Basel) 2021 Nov 1;11(11).
- Physick-Sheard P, Avison A, Sears W. Factors Associated with Mortality in Ontario Standardbred Racing: 2003-2015. Animals (Basel) 2021 Apr 5;11(4).
- Gardner DS. Historical progression of racing performance in the Thoroughbred horse and man. Equine Vet J 2006 Nov;38(6):581-3.
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