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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Risk factors for race-associated sudden death in Thoroughbre...
Equine veterinary journal2011; 44(4); 459-465; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00496.x

Risk factors for race-associated sudden death in Thoroughbred racehorses in the UK (2000-2007).

Abstract: Sudden death adversely affects racehorse welfare, jockey safety and the public perception of horseracing. Objective: To describe the risk of racing-associated sudden death in Thoroughbred racehorses in the UK from 2000 to 2007, to identify whether there were risk factors uniquely associated with sudden death and to improve the understanding of the pathogenesis of racing-associated sudden death by identification of risk factors for such cases. Methods: A sudden death was defined as an acute collapse and death, in an apparently healthy Thoroughbred racehorse, during or immediately after racing, in the absence of clinical data indicative of a catastrophic orthopaedic injury. The retrospective study included 201 case race starts and 705,712 control race starts. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify risk factors for sudden death at any one start. Results: In the multivariable model, age, distance, race type, season and number of starts in the 60 days prior to the race were associated with sudden death. Conclusions: The risk factors identified in this study are not uniquely associated with sudden death and have been also been identified in studies using all causes of fatality as the outcome. These data suggest that a generic approach to reduce fatal musculoskeletal injury and sudden death may be possible. Conclusions: The identification of risk factors allows speculation on the underlying mechanisms of sudden death in racing. This may stimulate hypothesis-led investigations into the pathogenesis of exercise-related arrhythmias, exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage and blood vessel rupture.
© 2011 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2011-12-01 PubMed ID: 22128788DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00496.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.

The research investigates the risk factors associated with sudden death in Thoroughbred racehorses in the UK from the years 2000 to 2007. The study finds age, distance, race type, season, and number of starts in the 60 days prior to the race as factors contributing to these incidents.

Objective and Methodology

  • The main objective of this research was to enhance understanding about the sudden deaths of Thoroughbred racehorses in the UK by identifying its risk factors. Ultimately, researchers hoped to improve the welfare of the horse, ensure the safety of the jockey, and contribute positively to the public perception of horseracing.
  • The researchers defined “sudden death” as an unexpected fatality during or immediately after a race, without any prior clinical data indicating a catastrophic orthopaedic injury. For the scope of the study, horses were considered apparently healthy before their demise.
  • The methodology of this research involved a retrospective study of 201 race starts that ended in sudden death and 705,712 race controls during the period of 2000-2007. Through the use of univariable and multivariable logistic regression, researchers were able to identify the risk factors associated with sudden death.

Findings

  • The multivariable model revealed certain risk factors associated with sudden death. These included age of the horse, distance of the race, type of the race, the racing season, and the frequency of the horse’s participation in races in the preceding 60 days.
  • The study found that these risk factors are not exclusive to sudden death cases. They align with factors mentioned in other studies that focus on all causes of horse fatalities.

Conclusions and Implications

  • The study concluded that a generic approach might prove effective in reducing fatal musculoskeletal injuries and instances of sudden death in race horses.
  • The identification of these risk factors can lead to speculations about the potential causes of sudden death in racehorses. This can stimulate further research into the pathogenesis of exercise-related arrhythmias, exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage, and blood vessel rupture, all of which are conditions that could be fatal to a racing horse.

Cite This Article

APA
Lyle CH, Blissitt KJ, Kennedy RN, Mc Gorum BC, Newton JR, Parkin TD, Stirk A, Boden LA. (2011). Risk factors for race-associated sudden death in Thoroughbred racehorses in the UK (2000-2007). Equine Vet J, 44(4), 459-465. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00496.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 44
Issue: 4
Pages: 459-465

Researcher Affiliations

Lyle, C H
  • Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Midlothian, UK. Catriona.Lyle@up.ac.za
Blissitt, K J
    Kennedy, R N
      Mc Gorum, B C
        Newton, J R
          Parkin, T D H
            Stirk, A
              Boden, L A

                MeSH Terms

                • Animals
                • Death, Sudden / veterinary
                • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
                • Horse Diseases / etiology
                • Horses
                • Models, Biological
                • Models, Statistical
                • Multivariate Analysis
                • Retrospective Studies
                • Risk Factors
                • Sports
                • United Kingdom / epidemiology

                Citations

                This article has been cited 19 times.
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