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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2023; 13(4); 612; doi: 10.3390/ani13040612

The Reporting of Racehorse Fatalities in New Zealand Thoroughbred Flat Racing in the 2011/12-2021/22 Seasons.

Abstract: Race day fatalities as a consequence of catastrophic musculoskeletal injury and cardiac failure are both a welfare concern and provide a challenge for the social perceptions of equine welfare within the racing industry. To reduce race day fatalities, the risk factors under New Zealand racing conditions need to be identified. The aim of this study was to examine race and horse-level risk factors for fatalities in New Zealand Thoroughbred flat racing using retrospective race day data from the 2011/12-2021/22 racing seasons. Horse and race-level factors associated with a suspected cardiac failure and fatal fracture were identified by merging fatality data with the master race dataset for the corresponding seasons. Most fatalities were associated with fatal fracture (0.4 per 1000 starts, 95% CI 0.4-0.5). Horses which raced over distances > 1600 m were 1.7 times (95% CI 1.2-2.5) more likely to sustain a fatal fracture than horses racing ≤ 1600 m. Male horses and firmer track conditions were also associated with an increase in the risk of fatal fracture. Horses aged 5 years and older were 2.1 (95% CI 1.1-4.6) times more likely to suffer a suspected cardiac failure than younger horses. Changes in the industry reporting system improved the level of detail provided for fatalities, enabling the identification of specific risk factors.
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Publication Date: 2023-02-09 PubMed ID: 36830402PubMed Central: PMC9951738DOI: 10.3390/ani13040612Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • 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 paper investigates the factors contributing to racehorse fatalities in New Zealand’s thoroughbred flat racing industry. The study uses past data from racing seasons spanning 2011/12 to 2021/22 to establish a connection between certain horse and race-related elements and fatal incidents like fractures and cardiac failures.

Study Aim and Methodology

  • The main goal of this study was to understand and characterize the risk factors connected with horse race day fatalities.
  • The researchers undertook a retrospective analysis of race day data from the 2011/12 to 2021/22 seasons.
  • This data was combined with fatality data for the corresponding seasons to pinpoint horse and race-specific factors associated with lethal fractures and suspected cardiac failures.

Key Findings

  • The majority of fatalities were linked to fatal fractures with a fatality rate of 0.4 per 1000 starts.
  • Horses that raced over distances greater than 1600 meters were 1.7 times more likely to sustain a fatal fracture compared to those racing at or below 1600 meters.
  • Male horses and races held on firmer tracks were identified as having an elevated risk for fatal fractures.
  • Horses aged 5 years and above were 2.1 times more likely to suffer an apparent cardiac failure in comparison to younger horses.

Implications of the Study

  • The study provides valuable insights that can help the racing industry better understand and manage the risks contributing to racehorse fatalities.
  • The recent advancements in reporting systems for the industry have enhanced the depth of detail provided for fatalities, thereby facilitating the identification of more specific risk factors, which can lead to more effective preventive strategies.

Cite This Article

APA
Gibson MJ, Legg KA, Gee EK, Rogers CW. (2023). The Reporting of Racehorse Fatalities in New Zealand Thoroughbred Flat Racing in the 2011/12-2021/22 Seasons. Animals (Basel), 13(4), 612. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13040612

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 4
PII: 612

Researcher Affiliations

Gibson, Michaela J
  • School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
Legg, Kylie A
  • School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
Gee, Erica K
  • School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
Rogers, Chris W
  • School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
  • School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.

Grant Funding

  • 9/2017 / The New Zealand Equine Trust

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no real or perceived conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 6 times.
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