| VETERINARY |
Kristien Verheyen and Sarah Rosanowski Shutterstock
M
usculoskeletal injuries are an inherent risk of horseracing, and they are the primary cause of thoroughbreds failing to train and race, or even retiring altogether. In addition to the evident equine welfare concerns, racehorse injuries also have economic consequences and impact on jockey safety. The industry
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remains committed to investigating causes of injury and associated risk factors, which can inform strategies aimed at minimising their occurrence. Advancements in methods of identification, management and prevention of musculoskeletal disease and injury in thoroughbreds, and improved training and racing environments to enhance the safety, health, and wellbeing of racehorses have long been strategic
priorities of the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB)’s veterinary research funding programme. In 2014, the HBLB funded a research team at the Royal Veterinary College to undertake a detailed study of injuries and other veterinary events occurring in Flat racehorses on race day. The purpose of the project was to establish causes of fatal and non-fatal injuries occurring in British