New project to explore ways to improve racehorse safety
"By identifying risk factors and monitoring trends over time, this work will help improve the safety and welfare of horses bred to race." - Dr Sarah Allen
A three-year research project will be undertaken by The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in partnership with the Horse Welfare Board and British Horseracing Authority, to find ways to help and direct the industry’s strategy for improving the safety and welfare of racehorses.
The evidence-based research is being funded by the Racing Foundation and will focus on two main projects.
The first project will assess the risk factors associated with injury and falls in jump racing in Great Britain (Jump Racing Risk Models). For this, the RVC will look at data that is recorded for each race start made in Great Britain, including details of the horse and its competition history, trainer and jockey-level data, and race-level information such as distance and number of runners.
Researchers will also look at the records of all fatal injuries that occur within 48 hours of racing and non-fatal injuries that require veterinary attendance on race day.
Using advanced statistical modelling, the researchers will use the information to identify risk factors for injury and fatality, and monitor trends over time.
For the second project, data will be collected from a cohort of racehorse trainers to assess the risk factors associated with injury during training. The findings will be used to help inform ‘best practices’.
Dr Sarah Allen, lecturer in veterinary clinical epidemiology at the RVC, said: “Equine safety and welfare are of the utmost importance for all involved in horseracing. By identifying risk factors and monitoring trends over time, this work will help improve the safety and welfare of horses bred to race. The aetiology of injuries in racehorses is complex and identifying risk factors can be difficult. This is why utilising the RVC’s expertise in epidemiology and research will be key in helping to bring out positive change and achieve the best possible outcomes for the horse.”
James Given, director of equine regulation, safety and welfare at the British Horse Racing Authority and member of the Horse Welfare Board said: “The appointment of the Epidemiological Team at the Royal Veterinary College to support the Jump Race Risk Model and other projects is a significant step forwards in our ongoing efforts to continuously minimise risk in British Racing. The team’s work will develop models that will enable evidence-based decisions that will ultimately make a difference to the horses at the heart of our sport. The academic expertise and independence brought by the RVC to our work will be invaluable.”
Research findings and initial recommendations are expected to be published in 2024.
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