The incidence of fatal and non-fatal injury in thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racehorses in Louisiana (2014-2022).

Overview

• This study analyzed the rates of fatal and non-fatal injuries in Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racehorses racing in Louisiana between 2014 and 2022.
• It also examined various factors that might influence the occurrence of race-related injuries in these horses.

Study Objectives

• Determine the incidence (rate) of race-related injuries and fatalities among Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racehorses at Louisiana racetracks.
• Evaluate whether factors such as number of starts, racetrack location, breed, and season affect injury rates.

Key Findings: Incidence Rates

• Fatal injuries (defined as horses euthanized on or off the track within 72 hours of the race) had an average rate of:
  • 1.70 ± 0.76 per 1000 starts for Thoroughbred racehorses.
  • 1.94 ± 0.89 per 1000 starts for Quarter Horse racehorses.
• Non-fatal injuries had an average rate of:
  • 4.81 ± 1.97 per 1000 starts for Thoroughbreds.
  • 4.47 ± 2.34 per 1000 starts for Quarter Horses.

Factors Associated With Injury Rates

• No significant association was found between the number of starts, number of injuries, racetrack location, breed, or seasonal changes and the number of fatal injuries.
• However, racetrack location and seasonal changes were significantly associated with the number of non-fatal injuries.

Interpretation of Results

• The incidence rates of both fatal and non-fatal injuries in Louisiana racehorses fall within the range reported at other racetracks for these breeds, indicating typical injury rates compared to similar racing environments.
• Compared to other racing jurisdictions in North America, Louisiana had relatively lower rates of injury and fatalities.
• The lack of association between fatal injuries and many studied factors suggests that fatal injuries might be influenced by complex or unmeasured variables beyond breed, track location, or season.
• That racetrack location and season influenced non-fatal injuries highlights the importance of environmental and perhaps management factors on less severe injuries.

Significance and Implications

• This study provides valuable epidemiological data on injury rates in racehorses in Louisiana, serving as a benchmark for safety and health monitoring.
• Identifying factors linked to non-fatal injury rates suggests opportunities for intervention at specific tracks or times of year to reduce injuries.
• Because fatal injuries were not linked to the examined factors, further research may be needed to identify other risk factors to improve horse welfare and safety.
• The relatively lower injury rates compared to other regions could inform best practices or highlight differences in racing conditions, veterinary care, or regulatory environments.