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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Fractures in Thoroughbred racing and the potential for pre-r...
Equine veterinary journal2024; 56(3); 424-436; doi: 10.1111/evj.14046

Fractures in Thoroughbred racing and the potential for pre-race identification of horses at risk.

Abstract: Risk rates for and predisposing factors to fractures occurring in Thoroughbred racing that have been published in peer reviewed journals are documented. The potential for currently available techniques to identify horses at increased risk for fracture is discussed on the bases of principles, practicalities, advantages, disadvantages and current data. All are reviewed in light of justifiable decision making and importance of fractures to horseracing's social license.
© 2024 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2024-01-10 PubMed ID: 38200406DOI: 10.1111/evj.14046Google Scholar: Lookup
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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 research paper extensively examines the risks and factors contributing to fractures in Thoroughbred racing horses and explores whether current techniques can proactively identify horses susceptible to fractures. It also contemplates the ethical decision making involved and how these fractures impact horse racing’s social license.

Risk Rates and Predisposing Factors

  • The research starts off by covering the prevalence and risk rates for fractures in Thoroughbred racing horses. These risk rates are critical as they shed light on the extent of the issue in horse racing.
  • Moreover, the authors delve into the predisposing factors to such fractures. Understanding these factors can help in better management and prevention strategies.

Current Techniques for Identification of At-Risk Horses

  • A significant part of the research investigates currently available techniques that have the potential to identify horses that are at a higher risk of fractures. This aspect is crucial for early detection and preventive measures.
  • The researchers discuss these techniques under several categories – principles behind them, their practical implementation, advantages, disadvantages, and current data supporting their use.

Ethical Decision Making

  • One noteworthy side of the paper is its contemplation of ethical decision making. Given that the welfare and treatment of racehorses is a sensitive issue, the researchers consider the consequences of their findings on ethical decisions made within the racing industry.
  • The research investigates whether identifying horses at risk of fracture could lead to withdrawing them from races, and if that is a justifiable decision.

Social License of Horse Racing

  • The study also examines the impact of fractures in racehorses on the horse racing industry’s social license – the acceptance or approval by the public and stakeholders.
  • The implications of this research are significant as they could potentially affect the perception and acceptance of horse racing by society, particularly if the findings show a high incidence of avoidable harm to racehorses.

Cite This Article

APA
Wright I, Minshall G, Young N, Riggs C. (2024). Fractures in Thoroughbred racing and the potential for pre-race identification of horses at risk. Equine Vet J, 56(3), 424-436. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14046

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 56
Issue: 3
Pages: 424-436

Researcher Affiliations

Wright, Ian
  • Newmarket Equine Referrals, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK.
Minshall, Gaynor
  • Newmarket Equine Hospital, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK.
Young, Natalie
  • Newmarket Equine Referrals, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK.
Riggs, Christopher
  • Equine Welfare Research Foundation, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin Racecourse, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China.

MeSH Terms

  • Horses
  • Animals
  • Fractures, Bone / epidemiology
  • Fractures, Bone / etiology
  • Fractures, Bone / veterinary
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases / etiology

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