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Risk factors for horse falls in New Zealand Thoroughbred jumps racing.
Abstract: This study aimed to determine the incidence of, and risk factors for race-day horse falls in Thoroughbred jumps (hurdle and steeplechase) racing in New Zealand. Incidence rates for race-day horse falls in jumps races from 2005/6 - 2018/19 racing seasons (n = 13,648 race day starts) were calculated per 1000 starts. Univariable and multivariable analyses of race-, horse- and jockey-level risk factors for horse falls were conducted using Poisson regression in a generalised linear mixed model. The incidence rate of horse falls in jumps races was 42 (95 % confidence intervals [CI], 39 - 45) per 1000 starts. Horse falls in steeplechase races were 1.6 (95 % CI, 1.4 - 1.9) times more likely than hurdle races. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) for horses falling at the last three jumps in comparison with the first three jumps was 3.1 (95 % CI, 2.8 - 3.5) for hurdle and 4.4 (95 % CI, 3.9 - 5.0) for steeplechase races. Greater jockey (age, P = 0.02) and horse experience (P = 0.001) were associated with a lower IRR of falls (P = 0.05). Longer races (P = 0.02) and those held in autumn compared to winter (IRR 1.4; 95 % CI, 1.0 - 1.8; P = 0.05) were associated with a higher rate of falling in steeplechase races. A regulatory change enhancing discretionary ability of jockeys to pull up 'in-race' was associated with reduced horse falls (IRR 0.65; 95 % CI, 0.51 - 0.82; P = 0.001). Pragmatic rule changes within the industry can have a positive effect on reducing risk and improving equine welfare.
Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2022-10-13 PubMed ID: 36243304DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2022.105915Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
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 aimed to understand the factors contributing to race-day horse falls in Thoroughbred jumps racing in New Zealand and found that factors like the type of race, experience of jockey and horse, and race length affect falling incidence. The ability of jockeys to pull horses up ‘in-race’ also was found crucial in reducing falls.
Research Methodology
- The researchers measured the incidence rates of race-day horse falls in jumps races from 2005/06 to 2018/19 racing seasons, considering 13,648 race day starts. The rates were calculated per 1000 starts.
- Each of the race-, horse-, and jockey-level risk factors for horse falls were evaluated via a combination of univariable and multivariable analyses using Poisson regression in a generalized linear mixed model.
Results: Incidence Rate of Horse Falls
- The researchers found that the incidence rate of horse falls in jumps races was 42 falls per 1000 starts.
- Horse falls in steeplechase races were 1.6 times more likely than in hurdle races.
Results: Influence of the Racing Course
- Comparing the last three hurdles to the first three, the incidence rate ratio (IRR) for horses falling was 3.1 for hurdle races and 4.4 for steeplechase ones.
- In steeplechase races, researchers observed a higher rate of falling in longer races and those conducted in autumn as compared to winter.
Results: Influence of Jockey and Horse Experience
- The research revealed that a greater level of experience for both the jockey and the horse in question were associated with a lower IRR of falls.
Results: Influence of Regulatory Rules
- A reduction in horse falls was found linked to regulatory changes that increased the discretionary ability of jockeys to pull up horses within races.
- Thus, adjustments to rules within the racing industry could help in reducing risks and improving the welfare of the horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Legg KA, Bolwell CF, Gee EK, Gibson MJ, Rogers CW.
(2022).
Risk factors for horse falls in New Zealand Thoroughbred jumps racing.
Vet J, 289, 105915.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2022.105915 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand. Electronic address: k.legg@massey.ac.nz.
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
Conflict of Interest Statement
Conflict of interest statement None of the authors has any financial or personal relationships that could inappropriately influence or bias the content of the paper.
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Jeppesen A, Eyers R, Evans D, Ward MP, Quain A. Comparison of Reported Fatalities, Falls and Injuries in Thoroughbred Horse Jumps and Flat Races in the 2022 and 2023 Jumps Race Seasons in Victoria, Australia. Animals (Basel) 2024 Mar 5;14(5).
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