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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Flat, hurdle and steeple racing: risk factors for musculoske...
Equine veterinary journal1998; 30(6); 498-503; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1998.tb04525.x

Flat, hurdle and steeple racing: risk factors for musculoskeletal injury.

Abstract: A retrospective case-control study was conducted to identify and quantify risk factors for serious musculoskeletal injury sustained at 4 Australian metropolitan racetracks. During the period of study (August 1988-July 1995) there were 196 cases from flat racing, 52 cases from hurdle racing and 53 cases from steeplechases. The incidences of fatal musculoskeletal injuries per start for flat, hurdle and steeple races were 0.06, 0.63 and 1.43% respectively. Logistic regression identified harder track surfaces, horses being older than age 3 years, one racecourse (Flemington) and jumping races as significant risk factors which increased the risk of musculoskeletal breakdown. The incidence of fatal musculoskeletal injuries for flat races at the 4 study tracks was similar to that reported in the UK but less than the USA. Death rates for hurdle and steeple races in the study population were higher than in the UK. Strategies to reduce the incidence of serious musculoskeletal injuries may include avoidance of excessively hard track surfaces through closer regulation of track moisture content; implementation of more rigorous prerace lameness examinations of horses, particularly older horses; and altering the design and number of jumps in hurdle and steeple races. The quantification of risk, as we have reported here, is the first step towards addressing the causes of musculoskeletal breakdown and should help in applying a reasoned approach to intervention measures that may be effective in reducing racing injuries.
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Publication Date: 1998-12-09 PubMed ID: 9844968DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1998.tb04525.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study examines specific risk factors for serious musculoskeletal injuries amongst horses in flat, hurdle, and steeple races on Australian metropolitan racetracks, with suggestions for prevention strategies.

Study Details

  • This is a retrospective case-control study with the primary goal of identifying and quantifying risk factors that might lead to serious musculoskeletal injuries in horses participating in flat racing, hurdle racing, and steeplechasing.
  • The researchers used data gathered over seven years (between August 1988 and July 1995), from four different Australian metropolitan racetracks.

Results and Findings

  • Over the study period, there were 196 reported cases from flat racing, 52 from hurdle racing, and 53 from steeplechasing.
  • The incidences of fatal musculoskeletal injuries per start for flat, hurdle, and steeple races were found to be 0.06%, 0.63% and 1.43% respectively. This indicates that steeple races were the most hazardous with the highest rate of fatal injuries.
  • Using logistic regression methods, the researchers determined the risk factors significantly associated with increased risk of musculoskeletal breakdown were harder track surfaces, horses older than three years, one specific racecourse (Flemington), and jumping races.
  • The fatal injury rates for flat races on the studied tracks were found to be comparable to those reported in the UK, but lower than the rates reported in the USA. However, death rates for hurdle and steeple races were higher than those reported in the UK.

Suggested Prevention Strategies

  • To mitigate the chances of serious musculoskeletal injuries, researchers suggest measures such as avoiding excessively hard track surfaces, regulating track moisture content more closely, implementing more rigorous prerace lameness examinations of horses (especially older ones), and modifying the design and number of jumps in hurdle and steeple races.
  • The study emphasizes that understanding and quantifying risk factors, as done in this research, is the first step towards addressing the root causes of musculoskeletal breakdowns, which can lead to the development of intervention measures to reduce injuries in horse racing.

Cite This Article

APA
Bailey CJ, Reid SW, Hodgson DR, Bourke JM, Rose RJ. (1998). Flat, hurdle and steeple racing: risk factors for musculoskeletal injury. Equine Vet J, 30(6), 498-503. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1998.tb04525.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 30
Issue: 6
Pages: 498-503

Researcher Affiliations

Bailey, C J
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia.
Reid, S W
    Hodgson, D R
      Bourke, J M
        Rose, R J

          MeSH Terms

          • Analysis of Variance
          • Animals
          • Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
          • Athletic Injuries / etiology
          • Athletic Injuries / veterinary
          • Case-Control Studies
          • Female
          • Horses / injuries
          • Incidence
          • Logistic Models
          • Male
          • Musculoskeletal System / injuries
          • Retrospective Studies
          • Risk Factors
          • Running / injuries
          • Victoria / epidemiology

          Citations

          This article has been cited 24 times.
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