Effects of various presale radiographic findings for yearling Thoroughbreds on 2-year-old racing performance.

The article investigates the impact of different presale radiographic findings on the future racing performance of Thoroughbred racehorses sold as yearlings. The main conclusion indicates that specific radiographic findings in the forelimb and hind limb of the horses may affect their ability to start a race at two years old.

Methodology

• The study analyzed 397 young Thoroughbred horses selected at random from a Kentucky sales facility.
• This cohort was tracked to measure their 2-year-old racing performance.
• Variables such as whether the horses started a race, placed in a race, the total money earned and the amount earned per race start were analyzed.

Results

• Out of 397 horses, 192 (around 48%) started at least one race during the second year.
• The failure to start a race was higher for horses with forelimb proximal sesamoid bone osteophytes or enthesophytes – these horses had 1.78 times greater odds of failing to start a race compared to horses without these findings, within a 95% confidence interval.
• The failure to start a race was also higher, though not significantly, for horses with hind limb proximal phalanx osteochondral fragments. These horses had 2.02 times greater odds of failing to start a race compared to horses without these findings, within a 95% confidence interval.
• However, the radiographic findings did not seem to affect the total amount of money earned, the amount of money earned per start, or whether the horses managed to place in a race.

Conclusions

• This study reveals a correlation between specific radiographic findings in yearlings (such as forelimb proximal sesamoid bone osteophytes or enthesophytes, and hind limb proximal phalanx osteochondral fragments) and the odds of failing to start a race during the 2-year-old racing year.
• Nevertheless, these radiographic findings did not appear to impact the total amount of money the horses earned, the amount of money they earned per race, or whether they placed in any race.