Results of racetrack examinations of Standardbred horses at race meetings in New South Wales.

This research examines the veterinary reports from harness racing meetings in New South Wales, analyzing findings from both prerace and postrace examinations to identify common injuries.

Methodology

• The study focused on the race day veterinary reports from harness racing meetings overseen by the New South Wales Greyhound and Harness Racing Regulatory Authority.
• The period covered by this study was from 1 September 2008 to 30 June 2009.
• Both prerace and postrace examinations were analysed, with the frequency of observations recorded.
• Statistical testing (Chi-square) was used to check if there were differences in the incidence of abnormalities between age groups and tracks.

Data Collected

• A total of 542 meetings were held during the study period. Veterinary examinations were conducted at 395 of these meetings.
• There were 520 veterinary examinations in total, with 60 prerace and 460 postrace.
• During this period, 3,685 horses started races 31,393 times.

Findings

• Most common findings on prerace examination: Injuries occurred more during the warm-up or start period (11 reports), followed by lameness (6 reports).
• Most common problem identified during postrace examinations: Lameness, which occurred at a rate of 2.10 cases per 1000 starts.
• Other problems identified frequently: poor postrace recovery/heat stress (2.04 cases per 1000 starts) and lacerations (1.75 cases per 1000 starts).
• Falls occurred at a rate of 1.72 cases per 1000 starts.
• Two-year-old horses were less likely to become lame than 3, 5 and 6-year-old horses.
• No significant difference was found in the rate of falls or lameness between tracks.

Conclusion

• This study provides a reference point or benchmark that can be used to assess ongoing improvements in horse welfare in the harness racing industry.