European Trainer - January to March 2017 - issue 56

European

ISSUE 56 – JANUARY TO MARCH 2017 £6.95

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ST MORITZ Europe’s highest racecourse

What do owners want from trainers?

Understanding owners’ needs EUROPEAN TRAINER ISSUE 56 COVER.indd 12

Does a stallion’s age affect performance?

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NEW

GILES ANDERSON Surveys and statistics

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N this issue, we’ve got plenty of surveys and statistics to keep you busy through the upcoming cold winter months. Whether you’re into breeding statistics or engaged by surveys on ownership trends on either side of the Irish Sea, this is the magazine for you!

But before we get into that, our first cover article for 2017 can only be run at this time of year -- as we take a look at the snow racers of St Moritz. What for some started off as a bit of fun on the snow 110 years ago has become not only a major social event but also a series of races that have been growing in stature.

However, some say that the uniqueness of racing on the snow has changed. Is this because racing ‘à la neige’ has become a commercial venture or because the competitiveness of the racing has resulted in better horses running? I don’t know the answer to that, but what I do know is that over the past couple of years the unique course has suffered at the hands of Mother Nature, with conditions too slushy to run one card last year and then in 2013 there was too much snow, resulting in the shortening of race distances.

But if the organisers of the St Moritz races look after owners and trainers as well as provide a safe racing surface, I’m sure that the horses will continue to keep coming, and their connections will be part of what must be one of the most unique racing experiences in the European calendar.

Back to the surveys and statistics, two of the most fascinating studies conducted last year were carried out in the United Kingdom and Ireland looking at ownership and ownership trends.

Naturally, owners are absolutely the key customer base in the majority of trainers’ businesses, so getting an understanding of the major issues and concerns they face and having the ability to react to them is paramount for the success of trainers and racing for the future. But you can conduct all the studies in the world and if the results aren’t acted upon, then frankly they’re not worth the paper they are written on.

Equally, it’s also important for the industry to canvas a proper study of what trainers think and gauge their concerns. After all, it’s often the trainer who recruits the new owners into the game but at times, I feel that the trainer isn’t given much of a voice in marketing the sport. Could this be changed in 2017? We’ll have to wait and see.

I was fascinated by the depth of research undertaken

by Alison Brassil, a recent graduate from the University of Limerick, who wrote her dissertation on “The Effect of Paternal Age on Progeny Performance in Thoroughbreds.”

Late last year, she was the worthy winner of the BETA Equine Thesis of the Year. She focussed her study on 20 stallions and their 26,000+ offspring over a 25-year period. It’s some study, and it provides an interesting angle for trainers to consider when evaluating potential purchases.

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Message from the Chairman

GUY HEYMANS At the recent European Trainers’ Federation Annual General Meeting – held last December in Cologne – I was elected to serve as your chairman of the European Trainers’ Federation, succeeding our dear friend and ambassador, Criquette Head-Maarek, who has given up so much time to the federation. I am delighted that we will be able to continue to count on her support as she will be fulfilling the role of deputy chair, along with Christian von der Recke.

F

Criquette Head-Maarek and Guy Heymans

OR those of you who don’t know me, I have been closely involved with the federation since it began 20 years ago.

I have been training horses since 1980 and am based in Belgium, where up to last year I had a string of between 30-to-50 horses under my care.

I am also closely involved in the day-today management of Ostend Racecourse, where I have been working on returning the seaside venue to its former glory days.

We have made much progress over the last few years and I really feel that the momentum is now with us.

Having the experience of training racehorses and dealing with owners has really allowed me to concentrate on providing good customer service and focus on what these key groups of people need from a racecourse. I also

“

have a business building horseboxes, which supplies trainers across Europe.

So, with my different roles, I am able to understand the racing business from different viewpoints, but my overriding desire has and always will be to help fellow trainers. I view my coming chairmanship as an opportunity to further the excellent work carried out by those who have carried the mantle before me.

Being based in Belgium does have its advantages! Over the past 18 months, I have spent much of my time in the corridors of the European Parliament, representing our interests within the European Horse Network group that we are aligned to.

Racing is always under much pressure and at times it is easy for those who don’t understand the sport (especially in

legislative roles) to dismiss it. I do very much consider it my responsibility to be the voice of trainers in Brussels and to fight our corner and explain our business to those who need to understand.

Within the racing industry, we will continue to lobby for greater integration of relevant rules but sometimes I feel that the trainer is the last person to be consulted by bureaucrats. So it’s my objective to make sure that the trainer’s voice is heard.

I am also of the opinion that trainers should be used more to promote the sport, and it was very heartening to learn from Michael Grassick at our recent AGM about plans in Ireland for their leaders to develop a fund which will specifically aid the marketing of our profession.

Perhaps the Irish lead could be followed in other countries across Europe -- I would certainly be supporting such a

I do very much consider it my responsibility to be the voice of trainers in Brussels and to fight our corner and explain our business to those who need to understand

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IN 1996 I was President of the Belgian trainer’s association, I had runners in both France and Germany and came into regular contact with the governing authorities of each country. I was noticing discrepancies between the rules in each country and felt that this wasn’t very practical for trainers, so the idea to form a European federation of thoroughbred trainers came into my head, primarily to recognise the importance of trade between European nations as well as to help trainers understand the different rules in each country.

I went looking for details of the various trainers associations across Europe. To my great satisfaction the countries that I contacted all answered and were keen to support me. We met in Brussels at the Hotel Métropole for two days of reflection. Those present at this initial meeting were; Bruno Schutz (Germany), Willie Mullins (Ireland), Grant Harris (United Kingdom), Valfredo Valiani (Italy), Guy Bonnaventure (France), Lennart Reuterskiold (Sweden) and for Belgium Jean Marc Capitte, Guy Heymans and myself.

All of us agreed that a European federation would be both useful and necessary, a response from each country association was given at the start of 1997.

To my delight, all countries agreed, and an inaugural assembly was planned for later in the year. The meeting was held in Deauville on October 20th 1997 and the European Trainer’s Federation came into being.

During these following 20 years I, Guy Bonnaventure, Peter Cundell and Criquette Head-Maarek, have all served as chair of the federation.

One of the first aims of this federation was the harmonization of European regulations by promoting discrepancies to the various European Jockey Clubs and authorities. Our aim is far from being achieved, European racing is a very slow beast and difficult to move as one.

Each country seemingly has difficulty in harnessing the concept of changing its own rules and finding common ground with its neighbours. It will be my greatest regret that we have not been able to move things forward. I believe that our presence in Brussels among the European Horse Network is a great success and a source of hope for the future.

One of the great successes of the federation has been the creation of a magazine in year 2000, with the aim of being distributed to trainers in all member countries. The magazine you read now, European Trainer, has evolved to become a magazine of high quality and is an important link for our federation, thanks to the dynamism of Giles Anderson.

The meetings we hold every year has allowed me to visit all the member

Max Hennau retires after 20 years service with the ETF Max Hennau was the driving force behind the formation of the European Trainers’ Federation. After 20 years involvement, he has decided to step down from the Federation. Here he recalls how the federation came into being. countries, joined by delegates who all share the passion of our trade and understand the importance of meeting trainers and representatives from each different country.

Over the past 20 years our member countries have grown and we can now count Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Spain, Slovakia, Sweden, United Kingdom and from this year, Russia as part of our federation.

But after 20 years of being involved in the running of the federation, I believe

that now is the right time for me to retire. The federation is in good hands for the future but I would like thank all of those who have helped us get to where we are now over the last twenty years.

Both Greta (my wife) and I were deeply touched by the kind gesture of the federation in giving me such a superb bronze to mark my time with the ETF when we met in Cologne last December.

Thank you!

I wish you all happiness and success for the future.”

Max Hennau

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Issue 56

CONTENTS 12

Paternal age

The new weight-for-age scale

Alison Brassil details the results on a study she undertook on how a sire’s age affects his produce.

Lissa Oliver gives details on the new scale designed to level the playing field.

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White turf

Staff focus

Racing in the winter wonderland of St Moritz,

by Chris Dixon.

One of the trainer’s tasks is to understand regulations concerning staff, by Lissa Oliver.

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Testosterone

Dr Catherine Dunnett with some new insight into this hormone.

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Condylar fractures

Early detection of potential problems is key,

by Pete Ramzan.

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Owners survey

Keeping owners happy has never been more important, and the BHA/ROA and HRI surveys are a step to understanding their needs.

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Lameness the Singapore way An in-depth study on lameness has been underway in Singapore, by Maria Fernanda Sepulveda Caviedes.

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Ain’t misbehavin’ Stacey Oke on the psychology behind bad behaviour.

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Match-fixing

Dr Paull Khan checks in from his travels to Greece.

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Contributors

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ETF members

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TRM Trainer of the Quarter

77

Product Focus

80

Stakes Schedules

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gastriAi

CONTRIBUTORS

Editorial Director/Publisher Giles Anderson Editor Frances Karon Designer Neil Randon

Editorial/Photo Management Eleanor Yateman Advertising Sales Giles Anderson, Oscar Yeadon Photo Credits Giles Anderson, BHA, Dr Paull Khan, Horsephotos, Professor Celia Marr, Caroline Norris, Maria Fernanda Sepulveda Caviedes, ROA, Shutterstock, York Racecourse Cover Photograph Shutterstock

Trainer Magazine is published by Anderson & Co Publishing Ltd. This magazine is distributed for free to all ETF members. Editorial views expressed are not necessarily those of the ETF. Additional copies can be purchased for £6.95 (ex P+P).

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any format without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Printed in the European Union For all editorial and advertising enquiries please contact: Anderson & Co Publishing Ltd Tel: +44 (0)1380 816777 Fax: +44 (0)1380 816778 email: info@trainermagazine.com www.trainermagazine.com Issue 56

ISSN1758 0293

Alison Brassil graduated with a B.Sc. in Equine Science in 2016 and has spent the last three years gaining experience in the breeding industry in the USA, Ireland and England.

Since graduating, she has completed the Horse Racing Ireland internship, won the BETA Equine Thesis of the Year award and has contributed to The Irish Field. Alison currently works in stallion nominations for a leading stud in the UK. Chris Dixon is a horseracing form analyst and TV pundit, regularly seen on the leading racing channel Racing UK. Chris also manages two small racing partnerships and has enjoyed over 20 winners as a part-owner since 2013.

Dr Catherine Dunnett BSc, PhD, R.Nutr. is an independent nutritionist registered with the British Nutrition Society. She has a background in equine research, in the field of nutrition and exercise physiology, with many years spent at The Animal Health Trust in Newmarket. Prior to setting up her own consultancy business, she worked in the equine feed industry on product development and technical marketing.

Dr Paull Khan PhD. is an international horseracing consultant. He is SecretaryGeneral of the European & Mediterranean Horseracing Federation and Technical Advisor for Europe to the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities. His other clients include the British Horseracing Board. Previously, Dr Khan held many senior roles at Weatherbys, including Banking Director and Racing Director.

Professor Celia Marr is Editor-in-chief of Equine Veterinary Journal and also works as a Specialist in Equine Internal Medicine, based at Rossdales Equine Hospital and Diagnostic Centre in Newmarket. Celia has published on a wide range of equine medical problems and is particularly interested in equine heart disease and intensive care.

Stacey Oke is a licensed veterinarian and freelance medical writer and editor. In addition to writing for various horse publications, she also contributes to scientific journals, is an editor of an internationallyrecognised, peer-reviewed journal, creates continuing education materials for both human and veterinary medicine, and conducts biomedical research studies.

Lissa Oliver lives in Co Kildare, Ireland and is a regular contributor to The Irish Field and the Australian magazine, Racetrack. Lissa is also the author of several collections of short stories and two novels.

Pete Ramzan BVSc(Sydney), MRCVS joined the racing team at Rossdales LLP in Newmarket in 1998, becoming a partner in 2005. Pete is the frontline vet for several leading Newmarket racing yards but has also maintained an active academic interest, publishing and lecturing widely, particularly on the early detection and improved management of racehorse orthopaedic injuries. His book The Racehorse: A Veterinary Manual is the first comprehensive textbook wholly dedicated to veterinary management of the racehorse.

Maria Fernanda Sepulveda Caviedes graduated from the University of Chile in 1998.

Her first job was at the main race track in Santiago, the Hipodromo Chile S.A. She then completed an Internship, Masters and PhD at the Royal Veterinary College in London. She then worked seven years in private practice in Surrey, where she officiated regularly as track vet at Lingfield Park Racecourse.

In November 2014, with HBLB funding, Fernanda joined a research team based at the Structure and Motion Lab of the RVC and the Singapore Turf Club.

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Bet on GastriAid for a winning constitution

GastriAid is an advanced formula containing a unique blend of key ingredients to maintain gastric health, soothe the stomach wall and support the balance of pH levels within the gut.

GastriAid supports and maintains the digestive system naturally and encourages a healthy gut environment in those horses with compromised gastric health, giving them the stomach to perform.

For more details please go to your local NAF stockist or call our Advice Line: 0800 373 106 or email info@naf-uk.com

www.naf-equine.eu/uk EUROPEAN TRAINER ISSUE 56 CONTRIBUTORS.indd 5

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EUROPEAN TRAINERS’ FEDERATION AIMS and OBJECTIVES of the ETF:

a) To represent the interests of all member trainers’ associations in Europe. b) To liaise with political and administrative bodies on behalf of European trainers. c) To exchange information between members for the benefit of European trainers. d) To provide a network of contacts to assist each member to develop its policy and services to member trainers.

ETF REPRESENTATIVES Chairmanship: Guy Heymans (Belgium) Tel: +32 (0) 493 389 140 Email: heymans1@telenet.be

Vice Chairmanship:

Vice Chairmanship:

Treasureship:

Criquette Head-Maarek (France) Tel: +33 (0)3 44 57 25 39 Fax: +33 (0)3 44 57 58 85 Email: entraineurs.de.galop@wanadoo.fr

Christian von der Recke (Germany) Tel: +49 (022 54) 84 53 14 Fax: +49 (022 54) 84 53 15 Email: recke@t-online.de

Michael Grassick (Ireland) Tel: +353 (0) 45 522981 Mob: +353 (0) 87 2588770 Fax: + 353 (0) 45 522982 Email: irishta@eircom.net

AUSTRIA

SLOVAKIA

Mrs Živa Prunk Tel: +38640669918 Email: ziva.prunk@gmail.com

NETHERLANDS

Jaroslav Brecka Email: jaroslav.brecka@gmail.com

CZECH REPUBLIC

Geert van Kempen Email: renstalvankempen@hetnet.nl

SPAIN

NORWAY

Mauricio Delcher Sanchez Tel: +34 (0) 666 53 51 52 Email: mdelcher@hotmail.com

Roman Vitek Tel: +42 (0) 567 587 61 Fax: +42 (0) 567584 733 Email: dr.romanrvitek@gmail.com

Annike Bye Hansen Email: annikebyehansen@hotmail.no

GERMANY Erika Mäder Tel: +49 (0) 2151 594911 Fax: +49 (0) 2151 590542 Email: trainer-und-jockeys@netcologne.de

HUNGARY

SWEDEN NORTH UNITED KINGDOM Rupert Arnold Tel: +44 (0) 1488 71719 Fax: +44 (0) 1488 73005 Email: r.arnold@racehorsetrainers.org

Livia Prem Email: queen.quissisana@hotmail.com

Julian McLaren Tel: +46 (0) 709 234597 Email: jmclaren@hotmail.com

SWEDEN SOUTH Jessica och Padraig Long Email: jplong@live.se

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A DV ERT ISEMEN T

JUMPING UP A CLASS

Hunting for the “Secret” to peak performance // By Mark Hansen What a difference 20 days can make in a horse’s performance. Carolyn Desfor, lifelong rider, event winner and experienced trainer of hunter-jumpers and riders, told us this amazing story about one of her clients.

“She’s in a Master’s Division with jumpers and was struggling with an older horse – she always had trouble getting him to go forward. Sometimes it would take her nearly halfway through the event to get him going. But after just 20 days on this impressive supplement, he had a lot more pep. He actually takes my client to the jumps now, and recently she came in second in a really good class! We attribute this achievement to the supplement.”

Carolyn added, “It’s the first time my client reached this higher level, and her horse isn’t the only one responding well to the supplement. We have three horses on it now, and they have a lot more energy and stamina. The riders feel it too.”

So what is Carolyn’s “Secret”? The answer may be found in a natural supplement called EPO-Equine® that is demonstrating outstanding results in building blood, strengthening muscles and increasing energy.

Just like in people, a horse’s muscles require oxygen. Red blood cells serve as a pathway for oxygen-carrying cells. A higher red blood cell count = more oxygen = more muscle energy. Elevated muscle energy helps

EUROPEAN TRAINER ISSUE 56 ETF.indd 3

the horse perform harder, faster and longer during endurance events.

Veterinarians at the Equine Research Centre in Ontario, Canada ran a doubleblind trial investigating the blood building properties of the active ingredient in EPOEquine in healthy horses. For 42 days, one group of horses was supplemented with the active ingredient in EPO-Equine and another group of horses was given a placebo.

The supplement delivered significant blood building results, increasing red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels. Researchers also observed improved blood quality and increased oxygen transport in the supplemented horses.

Improved blood levels leads to elevated exercise physiology and performance.

In short, the ingredients in EPO-Equine® perform as a natural “blood-builder.”

Pharmacologists at Biomedical Research Laboratories (BRL) discovered a proprietary, horse-friendly strain of Echinacea that’s astounding researchers and trainers due to its blood-building capabilities.

With this special Echinacea strain at the helm, the uniquely formula in EPOEquine ® -containing a dozen different herbs, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients combined to accelerate red blood cell production… for remarkable strength, stamina and control during training and competition. This makes it ideal for all

horses, including dressage horses that require a calmer, more controlled presentation. It’s not a stimulant. Instead it serves to fortify the horse’s natural strength and support a healthier immune system. Simply put, the horse feels better all over, ready for peaklevel performance.

Trainers find it easy to add just 1 scoop (3.2 grams) of EPO-Equine® to the horse’s daily feeding routine in the barn or on the road. Within a few weeks of daily use, you can expect to see increased red blood cell levels with no undesirable side effects. An increase in red blood cell levels can improve muscle performance, supercharge endurance, and enhance recovery after hard exercise.

Nothing else is scientifically proven to deliver these benefits in a completely safe and natural formula.

Compared to the cost of veterinarians, drugs, icing, tapping the knees, and putting the horse on Bute; or even the consequences of being banned for synthetic doping, EPO-Equine® is very affordable at the low price of just $59.95 (£47.37) per jar. Or save $180 if you are ready to commit to a larger trial of 12-jar case for just $539.55 (£426.29). EPO-Equine® can be ordered at www.EPOEquine.com or +44 (0)800-557-9055, and comes with a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee. Also available locally at Dave Wilson Harness Shop.

22/12/2016 10:14

Gordon Elliott celebrates his sixth winner of the day, Three Swallowsnick, at Navan on Sunday, 27 November

Trainer of the Quarter

GORDON ELLIOTT

The TRM Trainer of the Quarter award has been won

by Gordon Elliott. Elliott and his team will receive a selection of products from the internationallyacclaimed range of TRM supplements, as well as a bottle of fine Irish whiskey.

WORDS: OSCAR YEADON PHOTOS: CAROLINE NORRIS

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T has been nearly 10 years since Gordon Elliott saddled Silver Birch to win the Aintree Grand National, at just 29 years of age and only 12 months after taking out his trainer’s licence. Such a highprofile result naturally marked him out as a trainer to note for the future, but few could have predicted the extent of Elliott’s success to date.

Now a familiar figure in the winner’s enclosure at the major National Hunt festivals and meetings in Ireland and Britain, Elliott enjoyed a red-letter day last March when Don Cossack won the Cheltenham Gold Cup. However, triumph in blue riband events doesn’t always reflect the true breadth of a trainer’s ability, and Elliott underlined his skill in maintaining a high level of performance across his string when they won six of the seven races at their local track, Navan

Racecourse, on Sunday, 27 November.

Brelade may have been the shortest-priced of Elliott’s five representatives in the 30-strong field for the opening race, a twomile maiden hurdle, but the paper form suggested he had something to find with the favourite. However, a gritty and improving effort at the close saw Brelade prevail by a neck and register Elliott’s first winner of the afternoon.

Like Brelade, Elliott’s Death Duty stepped up on previous performances to win his race, the Grade 3 Monksfield Hurdle, to make it two from two over hurdles. Stablemate Bull Ride obliged in the third race, improving on the form shown when he won a Wexford maiden hurdle four weeks earlier, and finished a nose ahead of his stablemate Dawerann.

While the straightforward victory of Willie Mullins’ Min (a runner-up

in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle last season) in the beginners’ chase denied the Elliott team a clean sweep in the meeting’s seven races, the fifth and feature race of the day, the Troytown Chase, provided their fourth winner of the afternoon and Elliott’s third Troytown winner in as many years.

This race marked the seasonal and stable debut for Empire Of Dirt, who was racing off an official rating 6lb higher than when successful in a Grade 3 handicap chase at the Cheltenham Festival eight months earlier.

Jury Duty and Three Swallowsnick completed the 41,276-1 six-timer when respectively winning a Grade B handicap hurdle and Listed mares’ bumper, and an astonished Elliott paid tribute to his team: “I pick up the trophies, but they are the ones at the back and without them I couldn’t do it.” ■

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INDUSTRY

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PATERNAL AGE

PATERNAL AGE The effects of a sire’s age on progeny performance

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VETERINARY

P

ATERNAL age has been found to have a variety of adverse effects on offspring characteristics, including the prevalence of mental disorders and decreased intelligence, in multiple other species such as humans and mice. The probable cause is the large increase in the rate of genetic mutations that occur in the sperm cells of older males. What is the situation in the thoroughbred horse?

This study sought to determine if the proportion of successful progeny produced changed as the stallions increased in age.

The study analysed the racing performances of 26,650 progeny produced by 20 stallions

Naturally, the sire and dam contribute equally to the genetic constitution of a racehorse. Previous research has found advanced mare age to have negative influences on racehorse performance after nine years of age and the fifth foal parity. However, to date there has been no single study where the role that stallion age plays in progeny performance has been examined.

WORDS: ALISON BRASSIL – UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK, CAROLINE NORRIS

over a 25-year period from 1985-2010.

In order to be eligible for the study, the stallions had to be retired from stud duties so that all progeny performance could be analysed. The stallions had to have had an active breeding career of over 15 years

STALLIONS AND THE CONCURRENT STUD FEE GROUPS, NUMBER OF FOALS PRODUCED AND LENGTH OF BREEDING CAREER Stallion 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Total

Number of Foals 2627 2069 1413 1106 1065 852 720 1232 979 2030 1468 1179 1052 2257 1451 1226 1285 917 758 964 26650

Stud Fee Group >ˆ 30,000 >ˆ 30,000 >ˆ 30,000 >ˆ 30,000 >ˆ 30,000 >ˆ 30,000 >ˆ 30,000 >ˆ 85,000 >ˆ 85,000 >ˆ 85,000 >ˆ 85,000 >ˆ 85,000 >ˆ 85,000 >ˆ 125,000 >ˆ 125,000 >ˆ 125,000 >ˆ 125,000 >ˆ 125,000 >ˆ 125,000 >ˆ 125,000

Breeding Career 4-22 yrs old 4-22 yrs old 5-19 yrs old 5-25 yrs old 5-23 yrs old 4-20 yrs old 5-18 yrs old 4-27 yrs old 5-21 yrs old 4-24 yrs old 4-18 yrs old 5-23 yrs old 6-27 yrs old 4-26 yrs old 5-25 yrs old 4-21 yrs old 4-25 yrs old 4-19 yrs old 4-17 yrs old 5-23 yrs old

STALLION AGE AND THE RELATIVE CHANGES IN STUD FEES

in order to be considered of advanced age.

The last crop of foals had to be produced at least five years prior to the study to allow all progeny to have raced from the ages of 2-5 years.

As a sizeable number of foals were needed for each stallion in order to make the study a viable one, it was necessary to use popular stallions. Success in Flat racing is greatly measured in black-type and by the number of Group and Listed race winners a stallion produces. It was therefore important to use premier stallions that had been proven to produce successful progeny and also to help prevent poor quality mares having an influence on the results, as a higher stud fee is associated with a higher quality mare.

In order to differentiate between stallions of different quality, the stallions were divided into three stud fee categories based on what the peak stud fee was: 30,000-85,000, 85,000-125,000, and 125,000-plus.

The progeny performance data was also examined in four separate groups depending on the age of the stallion at the time of conception: 4-9 years, 10-15 years, 16-21 years, and 22-27 years.

Foal crop size Overall, mean foal crop size produced by stallions at the age of 4-9 (62 foals) was the smallest, as it increased at age 10-15 (83) and was maintained thereafter. Only stallions in the 85,000-125,000 stud fee category produced a smaller foal crop (33) after the age of 22 than they did at ages 4-9.

The foal crop size of both the lower 30,000-85,000) and higher (125,000+) stud fee groups never fell below the number of foals produced at ages 4-9.

Starters The proportion of starters produced was high in all stud fee categories and was significantly maintained throughout all stallion age groups (80%).

Progeny gender Stallion age did not have an effect on the proportions of male and female progeny that was produced at any age.

Stud fees The stud fees of the 30,000-85,000 stallion category increased after age 4-9 and were maintained at a significantly similar level from the age of 10 through to 27 years of age. For the middle stud fee group of 85,000-125,000, the stud fee increased 14

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PATERNAL AGE

“

The overall proportion of Group race winners produced decreased progressively as the stallions increased in age

THE EFFECT OF STALLION AGE ON THE PROPORTION OF LISTED RACE-WINNING PROGENY PRODUCED BY ALL STALLIONS Overall Listed race-winning progeny

”

after age 4-9, peaked at age 16-21, and subsequently fell at age 22-plus; however, it never fell below what the initial stud fee was at age 4-9.

The high-priced stallions in the 125,000-plus category increased steadily in mean stud fee from the age of 4-9 to 10-15. After age 16, the stud fee reached a plateau and was maintained through 27 years of age.

Progeny success in Listed races The stallions were overall 2.5 times more likely to produce a horse with black-type by being placed in a Listed race at age 4-9 (10.8%). This reduced to 7.8% after age 16 and 4.5% after age 22.

Overall, the stallions produced more Listed race winners at age 4-9 (7.5%) than at any other age. The proportion of listed winners decreased to 5.6% after age 10, 4.8% after age 16, and 1.8% after age 22.

The stallions were 4 times more likely to produce a Listed race winner at age 4-9 than at age 22+ (1.8%).

Stallion age at conception

THE EFFECT OF STALLION AGE ON THE PROPORTION OF GROUP RACE-WINNING PROGENY PRODUCED BY ALL STALLIONS Overall Group race-winning progeny

Progeny success in Group races Younger stallions produced the highest proportion of Group race-placed progeny, with 9.9% at age 4-9. This decreased by half (5.8%) after age 16 and again by half (2.4%) at age 22-plus.

The overall proportion of Group race winners produced decreased progressively as the stallions increased in age. The stallions produced the highest mean

Stallion age at conception

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INDUSTRY

DATA COLLECTION Stallion selection The stallions were selected without bias by screening through ‘new to stud’ lists from 1985-1997 until 20 stallions who met the criteria were found. The selection process resulted in 11 USAbased stallions and nine stallions based in Europe (GB and IRE).

Stud fees The stud fees for each stallion used in the study were recorded for every year the stallion was active. This data was collected from the Racing Post database and by contacting the studs at which the stallions stood for the duration of their careers. All stud fees were converted to euro based on what the currency conversion rate was for each year using an online historic currency conversion calculator, confirmed by figures from the Central Bank of Ireland.

Progeny performance data All progeny racing performance data was recorded from the Equineline database using ‘Sire Crop Analysis Reports,’ which includes every foal born and all progeny raced in every country.

Due to the fact that Equineline is an American database, all earnings were automatically converted to US dollars, regardless of the country in which the earnings were won.

Statistical analysis All data was coded and transferred to the IBM SPSS Statistics 22.0 software for statistical analysis. Various tests were carried out using this software to determine if the changes in the progeny racing performance were scientifically significant.

16

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percentage of Group race winners at the ages of 4-9 (6.4%). This decreased to 4.9% after age 10 and 3.6% after age 16. The stallions were overall five times more likely to produce a Group race winner at ages 4-9 than at 22+ (1.4%).

When the progeny from each stud fee category was analysed individually, it was found that all three stallion bands produced significantly less Group racewinning progeny after age 16 and again at age 22-plus. Even the high-priced, 125,000plus stallions were five times more likely to produce a Group winner at age 4-9 (8.3%) than at 22-plus (1.9%). This decrease in the 125,000-plus category occurred after age 16 (4.9%) and again after age 22-plus despite the fact that a high stud fee, foal crop size, and proportion of starters was maintained.

As a high stud fee is associated with a higher quality of broodmare, it is possible to suggest that a good quality mare was also being bred.

Group 2- and 3-winning progeny The levels of Group racing were examined in closer detail and it was found that the lowest stud fee category of 30,000-85,000 was 6.5 times more likely to produce a Group 3 winner at age 4-9 (3.9%) than at 22-plus (0.6%). The 85,000-125,000

“

Even in the highest stud fee category of €125,000plus, the stallions produced a significantly smaller proportion of Group 1 winners after age 16 (1.9%)

”

stallions followed the same pattern and were four times more likely to produce a Group 3 winner at age 4-9 (3.7%) than at 22-plus (0.9%). Even in the most expensive stud fee category, the proportion of Group 3 winners produced decreased significantly after age 10 (4%) and were 5.5 times more likely to produce a Group 3 winner at age 4-9 (5.5%) than at 22-plus (1%).

While the proportion of Group 2 winners produced by the two lower stud fee categories was consistently low throughout, stallions priced 125,000-plus produced the most Group 2 winners at the ages of 4-9 (3.7%) and 10-15 (3.1%). The high-priced stallions were 2 times less likely to produce a Group 2 winner after age 16 (1.8%) and 5 times less likely to produce a Group 2 winner at age 22-plus (0.8%) despite the high stud fee being maintained.

Group 1-winning progeny Group 1 races are the pinnacle of racing and the ultimate goal for breeders. When the Group 1-winning progeny were examined among the different stud fee categories, it was found that the lower stud fee category of 30,000-85,000 did not show a significant decrease due to the low proportions of Group 1 winners produced throughout their entire careers.

In the 85,000-125,000 category, the stallions were three times more likely to produce a Group 1 winner at age 4-9 (2%) than after age 16 (0.7%), and they were 20 times more likely to produce a Group 1 winner at age 4-9 than at 22-plus (0.1%).

Even in the highest stud fee category of 125,000-plus, the stallions produced a significantly smaller proportion of Group 1 winners after age 16 (1.9%) and they were 25 times more likely to produce a Group 1 winner at age 4-9 (3.2%) that at 22-plus (0.1%). This decrease occurred despite the stud fee, foal crop size, and proportion of starters being maintained after the age of 16 and 22-plus. As a higher stud fee is

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22/12/2016 10:36

INDUSTRY

THE EFFECT OF PATERNAL AGE ON GROUP 1-WINNING PROGENY PRODUCED BY STALLIONS IN EACH STUD FEE CATEGORY Group 1-winning progeny

“ Stallion age at conception

THE EFFECT OF STALLION AGE ON OVERALL MEAN ANNUAL PROGENY EARNINGS Overall mean annual progeny earnings

Champions, or horses that have won multiple Group 1 races, were usually sired by stallions in the top price range

”

annual progeny earnings still decreased from $113,623 at age 4-9 to $75,672 at age 16, and fell to just $34,860 when produced at age 22-plus.

Conclusions

Stallion age at conception

associated with a higher quality mare, the progeny performance decreased after age 16 and worsened after age 22 despite a higher quality of broodmare.

Champions, or horses that have won multiple Group 1 races, were usually sired by stallions in the top price range.

When the proportion of multiple Group 1-winning progeny was examined, it was found that the highest mean proportion of multiple Group 1 winners were produced by the stallions at age 4-9 (1.3%). This fell to 0% produced by stallions at age 22-plus.

Earnings Overall, the mean annual earnings won by 18

progeny were the highest when produced at the age of 4-9 ($87,251) and 10-15 ($74,567).

When produced after the age of 16, the mean annual progeny earnings decreased to $58,549. The progeny produced by stallions at age 22-plus ($32,166) earned 3 times less than progeny produced at age 4-15.

When the stud fee categories were analysed separately, it was found that in each category the progeny produced by stallions at age 22-plus earned three times less than progeny produced at age 4-9. Even in the highest stud fee group of 125,000plus--where the foal crop size, proportion of starters, high stud fee, and presumably mare quality was maintained--the mean

This study is the first reported finding of an effect of stallion age on progeny racing performance in thoroughbreds.

The relevance of stallion age as a factor affecting progeny performance is supported by the decreases in Listed raceplaced progeny, Listed race winners, Group race-placed progeny, Group race winners, and progeny earnings.

The most notable decreases in progeny performance occurred at the age of 1621 and again at age 22-plus. Both of these age groups produced significantly less successful progeny in all variables of racing performance when compared with progeny produced at age 4-9.

The study found that even in the highest stud fee category of 125,000-plus, where mare quality, stud fee, foal crop size, and proportion of starters were maintained, progeny performance decreased significantly after age 16 and worsened after age 22-plus. These stallions were 25 times more likely to produce a Group 1 winner at age 4-9 (3.2%) than at 22 (0.1%).

While the mechanism behind the effects of advanced paternal age on progeny performance is not clear, this may be an interesting area for future research.

The findings of this study may suggest that breeders may benefit from breeding to younger stallions due to a simultaneous decrease across all levels of progeny racing performance and rise in stud fees. ■

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RACING

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ST MORITZ

WHITE TURF

What it takes to race on the snow in St Moritz

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eSTLeD away in the landscape of the Upper engadine Valley more than 1800m above sea level is the unique racing circuit of St Moritz – a frozen lake that hosts three meetings a year each February. “It’s a tremendous spectacle, the town is beautiful, the skiing is fantastic, and the après-race is great fun,” comments Mark Johnston, one of Britain’s leading trainers. Johnston has made a visit to the Swiss track in all bar one of the last 16 years.

It’s a spectacle that has been promoted as the ‘White Turf’ since the early 1990s, but competition has taken place here for over a century. In 1928, St Moritz hosted the second-ever Winter Olympic Games, but decades before that, horses had galloped across the frozen lake in a “skijoring” race (horses towing riders on skis) from St Moritz to Chamfer and back – a near 10km journey.

Not long after the inception of this race, the venue was playing host to a full six-race card of skijoring and trotting events, and in 1911 the first Flat races were added to the programme.

Nowadays, the cards are dominated

by Flat races, but for many of the 35,000 or so visitors that are attracted to this luxury alpine resort for the racing, the skijoring events will still be anticipated

22

RACING

In the lineup of great racing nations, Switzerland would be well down the pecking order, but on a list of great racing sights, the action on the “White Turf” of St Moritz would be vying for a position close to the top.

WORDS: CHRIS DIXON PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK, CAROLINE NORRIS

the most. The majority of jump jockeys, past and present, can probably be classed as adrenaline junkies on some level, so when one of the best of his generation – Jamie Osborne, now a successful trainer who sends runners to St Moritz – labels it as “lunacy” and “absolutely crazy,” it’s clear that they must be exciting races. Johnston once went close to training the winner of one of the skijoring events with his useful middle-distance performer Luberon, and he describes them as “undoubtedly the highlight of the action.”

That action takes place not only in breathtaking surroundings, but also on an unusual surface for racing horses – pressed snow that is 50cm deep around an 1800 metre-long circuit that stretches to a width of 35 metres. To some, galloping horses at high speed on snow may sound dangerous,

but Johnston observes, “There is nothing wrong with the principle of running on snow and you don’t see the horses slipping and sliding around,” before adding, “They used to run in very heavy shoes with large toe and heel grabs, but now most wear standard American toe grab shoes that are much lighter and perfectly adequate.”

Despite being compressed, the surface is not a fast one. Leading British-based rider Luke Morris, who has taken time out of his seemingly non-stop schedule of banging in winners on the sand-based surfaces of the UK all-weather tracks during the winter months to try his hand on the snow, describes it as “quite testing,” but the track is “nice and level with few excuses.”

For all that excuses may be thin on the ground, the same can be said of the ice at times, so be prepared for a changing surface – and potentially changing race distances – if heading to St Moritz. Recent years have seen some instances of warmerthan-average temperatures affecting the track and making parts of the circuit unfit for racing, resulting in race distances having been slashed at some meetings.

It’s proved a source of frustration for some trainers, with both Osborne and Johnston expressing dissatisfaction with conditions on occasions in recent years. Johnston in particular has questioned whether the

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ST MORITZ

Trainers Mark Johnston and Christian von der Recke have both sent horses to St Moritz

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RACING

management of the track is as good as it once was, commenting, “The condition of the track has been appalling at times.”

With horses travelling from around europe to race there, doubts about the suitability of the track and conditions are sure to be a worry for some. Leading German trainer Christian von der Recke has been sending horses to the meetings on the ‘White Turf’ for 20 years and admits that “the surface is changing all the time, and you never know what to expect, it can be deep, firm, or loose.” But rather than focusing on the obstacles that may pose, he focuses on the positives: “If the horse gets beat, then as a trainer you can blame the surface and as an owner you will leave with the same horse and have had a great time,” he notes – hinting at what for many is the real attraction of taking in the racing at St Moritz.

Forming part of the ‘Top events of Switzerland’ and described on its own website (www.whiteturf.ch) as offering “a unique, exclusive, top-class event with exciting horseracing, gourmet catering, lively music and inspiring art exhibitions,” clearly St Moritz has plenty to offer. So much so that for some who have tasted its delights in recent times, the draw to go back has resulted in a somewhat expensive sales season in the UK. Ian Barratt runs the Melbourne 10 syndicate who have horses in training with Jamie Osborne, and having gone very close with Boomerang Bob last season, had his appetite for winners on the snow whetted to the extent that he was busy buying at Newmarket in October with St Moritz in February in mind. His aim is to win the feature Longines Grosser Prix Von St Moritz, but with five new purchases added to some already suitable types, he 24

has assembled a strong team of horses to compete in the races on the supporting card as well. Barratt has had runners around europe, including a winner on the beach at Laytown, and his enthusiasm for the racing at St Moritz is palpable as he advises “If you want a good fun experience as an owner then it’s the place to go.”

Like any track or surface, not all horses will act on the snow at St Moritz and a certain type of horse is required for the test, so it’s to be hoped that when selecting his horses at the sales Barratt was listening to his trainer as Osborne’s view that “the track has lots of kickback and they probably go too quick early, so you need a horse that has the pace to hold a position but also stays well and is very tough” is one echoed by other top handlers as well. Von der Recke has won all the major races staged on the frozen lake in recent years and says, “You need a horse that can race handy, and they must be a fighter to go through the kickback,” while Mark Johnston notes, “They need to stay the trip well and be able to face or stay out of the kickback, which can be extreme.” Luke Morris believes that “a horse who can travel and has a good cruising speed” is important and advises trainers to have their horses “very fit” in readiness for a race on the snow. Osborne

“

You need a horse that has the pace to hold a position but also stays well and is very tough

Jamie Osborne

”

also noted high fitness levels being required for races he describes as “attritional and a real test.”

Armed with the right horses, Osborne, Barratt, and his fellow members of the Melbourne 10 will hopefully taste success on the track to supplement the expense of their entertainment off it. With in excess of 280,000 Swiss Francs (£225,000) in prize money up for grabs across the 12 thoroughbred Flat races that take place across the three meetings, the funds are certainly there to be won. The feature race, the Longines Grosser Preis Von St. Moritz, over 10f, offers a prize fund of 110,000 Swiss Francs (£88,000), with 46,000 Swiss Francs going to the winner. However, with competitive levels of money on offer for the class of race, the events are becoming more hotly contested and tougher to win. Morris notes, “The quality of racing is improving every year with decent horses going over from the UK and Germany.”

Competitive racing, good prize money, a unique sight in a beautiful setting, and masses of fun to be enjoyed alongside the action on the track makes St Moritz a tempting place to visit for racing fans and owners alike, and though doubts about conditions may leave some trainers with reservations, it’s an experience that comes highly recommended from those who have been there. Johnston will think long and hard before sending over runners in the next few years but would “recommend to anyone to go as a spectator,” and he will at least be there in that capacity himself, while von der Recke is sure to be present, as he labels it “a great place to have runners.” This is something that many previous trainers, riders, and racegoers who have travelled to St Moritz in February clearly believe! ■

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NUTRITION

26

TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM ISSUE 56

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TESTOSTERONE

Treve wins the 2014 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp

TESTOSTERONE More than just about muscles

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NUTRITION

KEEN TO OWN A DERBYWINNER? Testosterone is a hormone that has received a lot of attention in the media, mostly in a negative context due to its historical use in doping in humans and animals. When we think about testosterone we associate it with muscle building and aggression. There is, however, so much more to testosterone, which I have uncovered in recent weeks.

WORDS: DR. CATHERINE DUNNETT BSC, PHD, R.NUTR PHOTO: HORSEPHOTOS, CAROlINE NORRIS, SHUTTERSTOCk

T

ESTOSTERONE is a hormone that is produced naturally by colts, fillies, and geldings in varying amounts. Colts show a naturally higher circulating level of testosterone than geldings and fillies. Testosterone is classified as a steroid hormone and it has a characteristic ring-like structure, being ultimately derived from cholesterol (see Figure 1). It is produced primarily in the testes in colts, but perhaps surprisingly also in ovaries and adrenal glands, which explains the natural levels found in fillies and geldings.

Testosterone is responsible for the development of primary sexual characteristics in males and also drives muscle development. However, it is also converted to dihydrotestosterone and estradiol, both of which have inter-related functions. Estradiol has a major role to play

28

in the brain, and in maintaining cartilage integrity and bone density. Interestingly, neither synthetic testosterone nor dihydrotestosterone can be converted to estradiol and so this is likely to have negative connotations for bone when the muscular strength is affected through synthetic testosterone administration.

Testosterone also has an effect on blood by stimulating the production of red blood cells. It is reputed to have a psychological impact, beyond the well-recognised effects on sexual drive and aggression. In people, testosterone is reported to boost confidence and positivity in some circumstances, as well as dominance and competitive success.

Testosterone synthesis is not straightforward, and it forms part of a complex series of pathways where cholesterol can be converted to one of many possible steroidal substances. How much testosterone is produced is controlled by

a series of hormones and various feedback mechanisms. Stimulation of testosterone syntheses would be difficult to achieve non-medically yet has been a target of supplement manufacturers in humans and horses over many years. Ingredients such as gamma oryzinol, fenugreek, ginseng, velvet antler, horny goat weed, and others have been offered as having a positive effect on testosterone synthesis.

Most of these ingredients would have little in the way of science to support this, and even where some published studies exist -- for example for extracts of fenugreek -- there is significant controversy over the validity of the results. Additionally, one can never be sure that a positive result in one species will deliver the same in another species due to differences in digestion and absorptive capacity as well as physiological differences. As far as I am aware there are no ingredients or products that have been unequivocally shown to boost circulating testosterone in horses.

One of the above ingredients, gamma oryzanol, is a nutritionally important constituent of rice bran oil, and it’s normally present at a level of about 1-2%.

Gamma oryzanol is sometimes marketed as a ‘natural steroid’ because it has the ability to increase circulating testosterone naturally. Gamma oryzanol is, in fact, not

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N-

THE SCANDINAVIAN CHALLENGE £ 790,000 The Swedish Derby and Oaks Series 2018 To close on March 13th The Swedish Racing Authority has created an exciting ten-race series for three-year-olds to be run in 2018. All races will be run on all-weather surface (dirt) at Jagersro Racecourse in Malmo.

Prize money for the series, which runs from mid-June to mid-August on three individual racedays, will top more than £ 790,000 with the value of the featured Swedish Derby almost doubled to 3 million SEK (£ 257,437 / Eur 306,345).

Horses can be entered by mail – sport@svenskgalopp.se For further information please contact Dennis Madsen, dennis.madsen@svenskgalopp.se or +46-8 799 28 00 and we will send the complete raceconditions.

The Voter The Swedish Derby The Hurricane The Swedish Oaks

Total prize fund 1 000 000 SEK 3 000 000 SEK 1 000 000 SEK 1 400 000 SEK

Distance 1730 m 2400 m 2650 m 2400 m

Raceday Medio June Medio July Medio August Hurricane Day

Supporting: The Derby Trial 300 000 SEK, 2400 m, Voter Day June • The Sofiero 500 000 SEK, 1730 m, Derby Day July, The Derby D Sprint 500 000 SEK, 1200 m, Derby Day July • Derby Consolation 300 000 SEK, 2400 m, Derby Day July The Altamira (F) 300 000 SEK, 1730 m, Oaks Day August

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TESTOSTERONE

a single compound but a mixture of ferulic acid esters of triterpene alcohols and plant sterols.

Gamma oryzanol has been used in both human and equine athletes in the belief that it elicits anabolic effects, ranging from increased testosterone production and release to stimulating growth hormone release. In man, firstly it is debatable as to how bioavailable these phytosterols are, with figures of only 5% absorption from the digestive tract being quoted in the literature.

There is no available data for comparison in horses. Additionally, intravenous or subcutaneous administration of these compounds in rats has been reported to suppress luteinising hormone and growth hormone synthesis and release, as well as increasing the release of adrenalin, dopamine, and noradrenalin.

This hormonal milieu may in fact decrease endogenous testosterone production.

Research in human subjects fed 500mg/ day of gamma oryzanol failed to demonstrate any change in performance in weighttrained subjects, or indeed any change in the circulating level of testosterone, cortisol, estradiol, growth hormone, insulin, or beta endorphin following nine weeks of supplementation. In horses, oral administration of 2g of gamma oryzanol 30

showed no effect on testosterone in either urine or blood. Gamma oryzanol may have other beneficial effects related to its function as an antioxidant or its ability to maintain appetite, but it is very unlikely to have any positive effect on testosterone in horses.

The vitamin K connection While there the effect of secretion in similarities

is very little information on a racing diet on testosterone horses, there may be some with other species. Most

nutrients that are important for normal testosterone synthesis are involved in some way, either directly or indirectly, in the synthetic pathway. The B vitamins folic acid and vitamin B6 are both reported to have an effect on circulating levels of testosterone.

B vitamins are synthesised by the resident bacteria in the hindgut in horses, but may also be provided in a proprietary racing concentrate.

However, B vitamin status can be compromised with hindgut acidosis, which can result from feeding a very high starch-

NUTRIENTS AND MICRONUTRIENTS REPORTED TO INFLUENCE TESTOSTERONE STATUS IN OTHER SPECIES Nutrients Vitamin B6 Folic Acid

Vitamin K Vitamin E L-Carnitine Magnesium Zinc

Action with respect to testosterone Deficiency reduces circulating testosterone Vitamin B6 reduces level of prolactin, which stimulates hypothalamus to increase testosterone; B6 is also a cofactor for dopamine synthesis, which influences testosterone levels A deficiency reduces testosterone, as the rate-limiting enzyme for testosterone synthesis is vitamin K dependent Long term over supplementation with some forms may reduce testosterone May have a positive effect via dopamine synthesis Increases sensitivity of cells to testosterone Deficiency lowers testosterone, acts via prolactin

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NUTRITION Gamma oryzanol is a nutritionally important constituent of rice bran oil, and is sometimes marketed as a natural steroid

containing diet, particularly where meal size is large or uncooked cereals other than oats are fed. The fat-soluble vitamins D, E, and K are also reported to have an effect on testosterone synthesis. Racing diets contain variable amounts of vitamins D and E, but may be lacking in an appropriate form of vitamin K needed to affect testosterone synthesis, as this would normally be acquired via quality fresh green pasture, although stabilised synthetic forms of vitamin K1 are now available due to its relevance for bone strength (see North American Trainer, issue 19: ‘Vitamin K – the forgotten vitamin’ and issue 30: Vitamins as easy as... ABC”).

The mineral magnesium has an effect on sensitivity of cells to testosterone, and zinc is reputed to support the stimulatory hormone prolactin. Finally, L-Carnitine, which is an amino acid derivative, may influence testosterone synthesis via an effect on dopamine production, which can prevent the decline in testosterone characteristically observed following a period of intense physical stress.

Many of the effects of these different micronutrients have been observed in other species while in a deficiency state and the aim therefore in the equine diet should be to provide a normal adequate intake,

“

Racing diets contain variable amounts of vitamins D and E, but may be lacking in an appropriate form of vitamin K needed to affect testosterone synthesis

”

and super-supplementation is not being advocated.

Cryptorchids are male horses whose testicles haven’t descended, and so physically they may look like geldings and may not behave like stallions; however, they are likely to show a higher concentration of circulating testosterone compared to true geldings. Equally, it is possible for an abnormally high level of circulating testosterone to occur in a filly or mare, as the result of an XY chromosome genetic anomaly.

This was highlighted in a recent case where the particular horse raced successfully as a filly, but after an abnormally high postrace urine test for testosterone she was investigated. This horse did not show any

POST-RACE THRESHOLD FOR TESTOSTERONE Sex Geldings Fillies and mares Colts

32

Plasma / Serum 100 picograms/ml No threshold set No threshold set

Urine 20 nano grams / ml 55 nano grams / ml No threshold set

aggressive behaviour, nor was there any external evidence for abnormal genitalia and the testosterone was confirmed by hair analysis to be natural in origin. However, following genetic analysis the mare was revealed to be an XY variant as opposed to the normal XX. This phenomenon has also caused controversy in the world of human athletics where some women have shown testosterone levels outside what is considered normal, albeit much lower than the lower end of the normal range for men.

While I don’t want to delve into the rules of racing and medication violations and doping in this article, it is interesting that the Australian Racing Board modified their rules with respect to testosterone specifically in geldings in 2011. The new rulings allowed the stewards to further investigate the cause of a positive urine test for testosterone in geldings if warranted rather than applying a prima facie breach of the prohibited substance rules.

This rule change followed a widespread study of pre-race and post-race testosterone concentration in the urine of 200 geldings.

The study found a number of potential causes of elevated pre- or post-race testosterone other than the administration of testosterone or its related precursors.

These factors included excitement, dehydration, and genetic predisposition towards high adrenal output, as well as some dietary micronutrients, although these were not specifically stated.

However, the stewards were mindful that pharmaceutical testosterone is a potent anabolic agent with the potential to boost performance. ■

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TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM ISSUE 56

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VETERINARY

CONDYLAR FRACTURES

How early detection can reduce raceday breakdowns

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CONDYLAR FRACTURES

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VETERINARY

While the thoroughbred racehorse is the perfect example of athletic form and function, due to the biomechanical forces involved at full gallop musculoskeletal failure has the potential to be life-threatening. Aside from the welfare considerations and the loss suffered by connections, catastrophic injuries at the racetrack are highly public events and can be the yardstick by which many judge our sport and industry.

WORDS: PETE RAMZAN BVSc(SyDNEy), MRcVS PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOcK, PROFESSOR cELIA MARR

Positioning for (above) ‘flexed dorsopalmar’ (forelimb), and (below) ‘flexed plantarodorsal’ (hindlimb) radiographic projection

I

N laboratories around the world much research effort is being directed at finding the causes of bone failure in racehorses, and the imperative to reduce injury rates has driven the USA’s recent exploration of artificial surfaces. Despite this, scientific solutions – whether in the form of lowinjury training programmes, low-risk track surfaces, or easily applicable screening tests – remain over the horizon. However, the key to reducing injury rates could actually be in our grasp already, and could simply involve the application of some ‘front-line’ veterinary common sense.

The most common cause of raceday fatalities worldwide is fetlock breakdown, with condylar fracture (involving the lower end of the cannon bone at the level of the fetlock) being the most important injury at this site. Although ‘broken’ legs arising from condylar fractures are acute events occurring at high speed, we know that actually in most cases they are the end result of a process that develops over the preceding weeks and sometimes months.

Condylar fractures typically start as small fissures at the lower end of the cannon bone, and if trained on undetected these short cracks will ultimately propagate to true fracture when the leg is subjected to the huge loads associated with galloping.

While this has been common knowledge in the veterinary world for some time, very little hard data that might assist vets with early diagnosis and better management have actually been collated on the clinical features associated with these condylar fissures.

In order to address this need, we gathered together all case details of condylar ‘fissure’ fractures occurring in Newmarket racehorses under the care of Rossdales racing vets over the course of eight years.

Forty-five cases were identified, and results of the study have been published this year in the Equine Veterinary Journal. Greater awareness by racing vets of these early condylar fractures will lead to many of these horses getting screened out in future, before injuries have the opportunity to progress to complete fracture. Several key findings of importance to both racing vets and trainers were documented in the study.

Lameness is low grade and limbs are clean The first of these was that at the time of diagnosis condylar ‘fissure’ fractures are usually associated with only milder grades of lameness. The typical presentation is of a horse in full work displaying a low-grade lameness on one limb, slowly getting worse over the course of a few days or weeks.

Sometimes the lameness might initially only be evident under tack, with the horse 36

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CONDYLAR FRACTURES trotting up satisfactorily in hand. This kind of lameness is quite distinct from that seen with the other important fetlock condition encountered regularly in racehorses, palmar/plantar osteochondral disease (also variously termed ‘POD,’ ‘bone bruising,’ or ‘condylar concussion’). POD tends to be associated with horses that are ‘scratchy’ on more than one leg, and as a general rule these horses can safely carry on training indefinitely.

Another important finding of the Rossdales study was that fetlock joints affected by these early condylar ‘fissure’ fractures are normal on palpation. Contrary to popular belief, the most ‘dangerous’ fetlock joints in the racehorse (those in which a developing condylar fracture is quietly edging closer to serious injury) are not those that carry heat or are swollen or sore-to-flex; the ‘fissure’ fetlocks are almost invariably cold and tight, with nothing to give away clinically (other than lameness) that an injury is present.

‘Angry’ fetlock joints are more typically associated with pathologies such as chip fractures or soft tissue injuries, which can present their own problems but generally speaking do not progress to serious/lifethreatening injury. This lack of clear clinical pointers in condylar ‘fissure’ horses usually means that nerve blocking may be required to localise the lameness to the fetlock region.

Obtaining the right radiographic projection is critical When presented with a lame horse that has clean-handling limbs, the veterinarian must utilise some form of diagnostic imaging to determine whether a condylar fissure is present. The first port of call is usually an x-ray machine, and the Rossdales study showed that just over three-quarters of condylar fissures can be detected using conventional radiography. However the crucial point here is that there is only one specific radiological projection that serves to visualise the part of the cannon bone in which these injuries occur: the ‘flexed’ dorsopalmar (DP), or ‘flexed’ plantarodorsal for hind fetlocks, view.

None of the other ‘standard’ projections of the fetlock joint are of any use in the diagnosis of condylar fissures. In addition, it is of considerable importance that good quality positioning and exposure factors are used, because the bone changes associated with condylar fissures seen on an x-ray can be very subtle; it is often the case that several radiographs at slightly varying angles need to be taken to confirm the presence of an injury.

While this ‘flexed DP’ projection is easy to do and has been in use for decades now, it has only been relatively recently (since the Hong Kong Jockey Club included it in their obligatory pre-import radiography schedule in 2013) that many veterinary practices have started to use it routinely.

It can easily be argued that the ‘flexed DP’

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a)

b)

Example of importance of obtaining several ‘flexed DP’ projections; fissure in this case not visible on (a), but appears in (b), taken at slightly different angle. This horse was subsequently confirmed with MRI as having marked pathology at the site and was high risk for serious injury

projection is the single most important radiographic view that can be taken in a racehorse, and it is long overdue that racing vets become competent in both its acquisition and interpretation.

MRI is the gold standard While radiography picks up most condylar fissures, some of these injuries are very subtle or even ‘silent’ on x-ray (at least initially), and in a proportion of cases MRI is the logical next step to prove or disprove the presence of a developing fracture.

Standing low-field MRI is geographically and economically within reach of many trainers now (in Newmarket the cost of MRI is around £600), and with expert interpretation of images it is widely recognised as the gold standard for fetlock fracture risk assessment in racehorses.

Does scintigraphy have a role?

While bone scan is invaluable for wholebody screening for other stress injuries

“

While radiography picks up most condylar fissures, some of these injuries are very subtle or even ‘silent’ on x-ray (at least initially) and in a proportion of cases MRI is the logical next step

”

(such as those occurring in the tibia or pelvis), it lacks the technical resolution to differentiate condylar fissure fractures from other, less serious conditions such as palmar osteochondral disease (‘bone bruising’). For example, a horse with a condylar fissure can have a relatively normal fetlock on bone scan, while a horse with ‘bone bruising’ can have an intense ‘hot-spot.’ For this reason, a lameness already isolated to the fetlock region is best investigated with radiography and/or MRI, rather than bone scan.

Outcome in the Rossdales study The Rossdales study provided useful information on outcome and rehabilitation of condylar fissure fractures. A very high proportion (93%) of injured horses that were not retired for other reasons successfully returned to the racetrack. Rehabilitation usually involves simply removing the horse from ridden exercise (typically for 4-8 weeks, depending on individual progress); because the injury has been caught at an early stage there is no need for supportive bandages or lengthy box rest.

However, the study also documented that a proportion of cases (17%) suffered re-injury of the same site at some point (sometimes many months) after returning to full work. Early indications are that this re-injury risk is mitigated by the surgical placement of a single screw in the lower cannon. The mechanism for the success of this intervention remains a source of debate among vets because it is generally not technically possible or desirable to have the screw very close to the fracture site (due to its proximity to the joint surface), ISSUE 56 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

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VETERINARY a)

b)

Examples of condylar fissures; radiographic evidence can range from subtle (a) through to clear ‘fracture’-type linear defects (d, e) d)

they remain undetected: two horses with fissures that had been undetected on initial radiographs continued in training, aided by joint medication; both subsequently sustained catastrophic condylar fractures and were euthanased. Current thinking is that these condylar fissures will inevitably progress to full fracture if the horse continues in full work, although predicting how many gallops or races away this might be in any individual is not possible.

What practical steps can trainers and vets take to prevent condylar fractures?

The most important lesson for trainers in this study is that they should recognise that there is a window of opportunity when early cracks can be detected before the cannon actually breaks. Detection relies on being alert to the warning signs of impending condylar injury, and these signs are often quite subtle. Clearly, the use of non-targeted joint injections or training on systemic anti-inflammatories (such as bute) will mask low-grade lameness, and thereby hamper opportunities to pick these horses out of the string.

Intra-articular medication is an essential component of good racehorse sports medicine but if used without due caution it simply allows horses with condylar injuries to be trained closer to catastrophe.

Regardless of any great leaps forward in the science of fracture prevention that might emerge in coming years, it is a fair bet that racetrack breakdown rates will not diminish substantially until attitudes to anti-inflammatory use change.

e)

Does early intervention mean bigger vet bills?

however it does appear to work; none of the seven horses that underwent surgery subsequently sustained a re-injury.

The Rossdales data also highlighted the danger that these condylar fissures pose if 38

Absolutely not. None of the imaging needed to detect early cracks is expensive or particularly technical, and a veterinary culture of observing and getting to know individual horses well is often much more economical than one of indiscriminate use of medication (or indeed imaging).

Early condylar injuries generally only propagate to full fracture at fast speed, so

c)

there is often some leeway for the trainer to continue to monitor a new lameness over a period of time to determine whether the lameness is persisting or getting worse. This is much preferable to administering antiinflammatories and carrying on blindly.

Does every lame horse need to be radiographed?

Not at all, but when under pressure from an approaching race target or if time constraints preclude a ‘wait and see’ approach, the priority should always be to rule the fetlock out through imaging or blocking to give a measure of comfort that the horse is not nursing a potentially serious injury. Too many high-profile breakdowns in the past have occurred in horses with a lameness (frequently attributed to a ‘bruised foot’) leading into the race; there is really no excuse for this in these days of mobile digital radiography, where obtaining good quality x-rays of a fetlock without sedation is commonplace.

So here we have it: the most important racehorse fracture worldwide can in many cases be detected before serious injury occurs, simply by using tools already at our disposal and with greater vigilance and smarter interventions by the trainervet team. Of course, there will always be some condylar fractures that do not give any warning and likewise we have not yet found the key to preventing serious fetlock fractures associated with pastern or sesamoid injuries.

But we now know enough about condylar injuries to say that there should be greater critique of statements in the press in the wake of serious condylar breakdowns that refer to horses ‘taking a bad step’ or suffering a ‘terrible accident’: terrible, yes, but in many cases accident, no. While it is possible that we may never be in a position to actually prevent these early cracks from developing in the first instance, it is certainly within our power to stop many condylar fissures from progressing to serious condylar breakdowns on the racetrack. n

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Breathe For the welfare of the horse

TA R I S

2016 $200,000 La Canada Stks. (GII) 2015 $300,000 Go For Wand Hcp. (GIII) Trainer: Simon Callaghan Owners: Michael B. Tabor, Derrick Smith & John Magnier PHOTO: BENOIT

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INDUSTRY

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OWNERS SURVEY

OWNERS SURVEY What do owners want?

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INDUSTRY

What do Owners want from Trainers? Some may feel there is an obvious answer to this question, but major surveys of past and present British and Irish owners last year revealed that the ownertrainer relationship is not solely founded on getting owners into the winner’s enclosure. The population of owners in Britain dropped by 15% between 2006 and 2015 to 7,892 registered active owners, prompting the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) to find out how owners rate the ownership experience.

WORDS: ROA, BHA, HRI PHOTOS: YORK RACECOURSE, ROA, BHA

T

What are the findings that relate to trainers?

HE National Racehorse Owners Survey was jointly commissioned by the ROA and BHA last year, coinciding with two online surveys issued by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), who also recognised the importance of understanding owners’ needs.

The HRI survey was part of a wider initiative that began to blossom by the end of 2016, as evidenced by a 9.5% increase in the number of owners in the 12 months through 16 December. The fact that HRI has invested 690,000 in its ownership arm to build on this growth is a measure of how seriously the industry wants to develop its ownership base.

The basic objectives for both the British and Irish surveys were to distinguish the aspects of racehorse ownership liked and disliked by past and present owners, and how the survey findings can be used in future strategies to retain current owners and attract new owners.

So what did the owners have to say?

The cost of owning a racehorse and the level of prize money are the principal reasons for owners lapsing in both Britain and Ireland. 56% of lapsed Irish owners reported they were no longer owners due to financial considerations, while horse injury was the second most common reason.

However, the majority of lapsed Irish owners (68%) said they would definitely or probably be interested in racehorse ownership in the future, subject to their financial situation allowing it, which closely aligned in term of views and proportion (73%) of lapsed British owners.

Around 25% of the British owners have or had taken a break from ownership, due mainly to financial constraints and horse injury. 44% named facilities and treatment at racecourses as a main factor.

As with the British responders, a common theme for Ireland’s owners was negative experience at the racecourse.

Racecourses have developed their owner facilities and benefits in recent years, but the specific issue concerning racecourses for many of the 1,008 Irish owners are raceday ticketing arrangements.

42

“

The importance of communication, information over costs and approachability have each been identified as very important factors

Charlie Liverton

”

Of the 2,200 responses to the British survey, the two crucial findings were that trainers need to offer greater transparency on costs and need to communicate more regularly with owners.

According to 29% of British owners who had lapsed or taken a break from ownership in the past, the main reason was ‘not a good trainer experience.’ The Irish survey noted that while responders rated the importance of the overall racehorse ownership experience, that experience often starts with the owner’s relationship with the trainer.

So the relationship between trainer and owner is vital to the owner’s ongoing participation in racing, perhaps more so for some owners than actual racecourse results.

When asked for their thoughts about winning races, current Irish owners (60% of whom had been owners for more than 10 years) tended to agree more strongly with the statement that ‘winning is important, but there are other factors,’ closely followed by ‘I love to race and if I win it is a welcomed bonus.’

On the question of what is the biggest influence on becoming involved in ownership, 53% of British respondents pinpointed speaking to a trainer and/or visiting a training yard. Other reasons included speaking to other owners, carrying out research online, responding to an advertisement, and attending a nonracecourse event.

These findings validate the commonly held view of many trainers that ‘word of mouth’ still plays a role in promoting their

Owners’ thOughts On... more information from trainers l More

information re: selecting the right trainer for our group and for the horse fees of different trainers being more in the public domain l A list of trainers who purposely want to engage with new owners and encourage participation in racing l More information covering potential income/expenditure, prize-money distribution and potential insurance costs l Clear cost models for all potential expenses relating to having a horse in full training and racing l It is important all potential owners clearly understand the financial impact of owning racehorses. Many people don’t fully understand what they are getting into l Training

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OWNERS SURVEY business, but that owners and prospective owners also decide on which trainers to use based on their own research, using print and digital media.

What was clear from the survey was that trainers ‘sell’ racehorse ownership, and yard visits and interaction with trainers are very important in persuading interested people to become racehorse owners.

Rupert Arnold, chief executive of the National Trainers Federation, said, “The National Racehorse Owners Survey contains some fascinating findings, we were particularly interested to note the conclusion that trainers are the principal sales force attracting owners to the sport.”

Charlie Liverton, chief executive of the ROA, agrees. “Trainers are the ‘sales force’ for ownership and we will be working closely with them to attract more owners and consequently grow their businesses, which will ultimately be positive news for racing.”

Perhaps because trainers are regarded by owners as the sales team, they want more information from them. Forty-four percent of respondents said that not enough information was available to assist them in making a decision to become owners; they wanted more information on finances and about trainers.

Once interested individuals become owners, does the flow of information from trainers improve?

Trainers and racing managers were rated in the National Racehorse Owners Survey by current owners. Eighty-five percent of owners deal directly with their trainer

“

It is clear from the survey results that there is much work to be done

Richard Wayman

”

Owners’ thOughts On... the most enjoyable aspects of racing l Seeing

my colours and being proud of the condition of my horse due to excellent trainer and staff l The planning with the trainer and then that plan coming together and resulting in that all-important winner l Discussing riding tactics with my trainer and jockey pre-race then watching them being followed during the race l Visiting the yard to be able to spend time with my horse, the trainer and stable staff l We are lucky in that we have a trainer who shares in our pleasure in planning a race or a campaign l Close relationship with trainer and horse. Watching that horse grow and mature

Owners’ thOughts On... what would enhance the ownership experience l With

the advent of advanced media it is now possible for trainers to give you a glimpse of your horse working without you having to be there at the crack of sparrow.

Those trainers who embrace the new methods will involve their clients more and improve relationships l More transparency in the sport and trainers who don’t lie to line their own pockets l Make me feel comfortable asking rookie questions. Make me feel like they want me at the yard l Trainers being more informative and upfront when problems arise l Some provide videos and pictures through their website...that’s a great benefit and one we should see more

and 15% are dealt with by an intermediary (syndicate manager or racing manager).

Those trainers and managers who scored highly were (1) approachable – friendly and easy to talk to; (2) communicative – stayed in regular touch and were proactive in offering updates with photographs and videos; and (3) informative – giving accurate and detailed information including day-to-day training and race plans.

On (1) trainers scored an average 9.1 approval rating out of 10; on (2) it was 8; and on (3) it was 8.3. Managers scored 8.8, 8.5, and 8.2 respectively.

Charlie Liverton, chief executive of the ROA, said: “The importance of communication, information over costs and approachability have each been identified as very important factors indeed in recruiting owners and keeping them satisfied with their ownership experience.”

HRI also recognise the important role that trainers play in bringing in new owners to the sport, having assisted with Trainer Open Mornings with trainers such as Tracey Collins, and also the Punchestown Trainers Forum during the Festival last spring.

HRI identified the need from their surveys to keep owners as well informed as possible.

By spring 2017, HRI will launch a new dedicated owner website that will serve all the needs for potential owners as well as provide a valuable point of information for existing owners.

The various costs of ownership, details for each racecourse, and an explanation of the ways in which to become an owner (shares in racehorses, claiming race information, leasing options, etc.) will all be covered on the website. HRI will also contact lapsed owners who have expressed an interest to become an owner again.

The website content is clearly influenced by the findings that ownership experience is heavily influenced by money, whether in terms of ownership costs and/or prize money levels. However, it is interesting to note that the level of service provided by trainers is a major factor for British and Irish owners these days, who value both the personal touch and a flow of information via various media, which for some owners is more important than the results achieved on the racecourse.

While the findings may prompt trainers to reevaluate the way in which they communicate and relate with their owners, the industry as a whole needs to address an issue that has far-reaching consequences, as acknowledged by the British Horseracing Authority’s chief operating officer, Richard Wayman: “It is clear from the survey results that there is much work to be done, but basing the industry’s approach on this extensive customer feedback provides us with an opportunity to deliver significant improvements in the ownership experience.” n ISSUE 56 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Reducing the risk of Gastric Ulcers

Clare Barfoot (RNutr), SPILLERS® tells us the importance of alfalfa within the diet and how to help prevent gastric ulceration.

E

very trainer knows that producing a successful racehorse is all about maximising potential. This means attention to every detail from the right training regime and the best veterinary care to good farriery and nutrition.

Keeping a horse at the peak of fitness is not without its challenges such as maintaining gastric and digestive health.

This often rests on a knife edge to the point that up to 90% of racehorses in full training can have gastric ulceration. Science has shown that although the cause can be multi-factorial, nutrition can play a significant role its development and it can have an impact on performance.

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Follow our ten practical feeding tips so that you can help prevent gastric ulceration being a problem on your yard:

● Avoid very stalky sharp chopped fibre, which can increase the risk of damage to the stomach wall

● Feed as much fibre/forage as possible at a minimum of 1.251.5% of bodyweight (dry matter) per day and avoid prolonged periods without forage, especially when travelling and at race meetings when stress levels may be higher ● Look for feeds that have restricted starch and sugar levels and added oil rather than cereals

● Aim to feed < 1g/kg bodyweight of non-structural carbohydrate (NSC: starch plus water soluble carbohydrate) per meal and preferably <2g NSC/kg bodyweight per day ● Spread meals across the day- multiple small meals are better than one or two large ones ● Add chopped fibre to every meal - especially alfalfa, which has been shown to help buffer gastric acid

● Provide a small chopped, fibre-based meal or access to forage before exercise to reduce gastric acid splashing up onto the sensitive unprotected upper non-glandular part of the stomach ● Turn out to pasture as much as possible ● Provide access to water at all times ● Avoid using electrolyte pastes

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SPILLERS® Alfalfa-Pro is a low sugar and starch fibre and oil blend that can be fed alongside a traditional racing feeds.

It can help build condition and slow eating time to support gastric and digestive health.

The fibres in SPILLERS® Alfalfa-Pro are of a softer texture than many other alfalfa based feeds, without sharp stalks that may damage the stomach. They have been specifically blended for slow, moderate and rapid fermentation, which, when combined with the buffering properties of alfalfa and extended eating time, help to maintain complete digestive health. With high levels of bio-available calcium and potassium, SPILLERS® Alfalfa-Pro also helps maintain electrolyte status and support bone and muscle health. n

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VETERINARY

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GAIT ANALYSIS Dr Daniel Shaw performing a lameness examination

LAMENESS THE SINGAPORE WAY Monitoring gait

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VETERINARY

The Singapore Turf Club

Although one of the most common issues affecting racehorses, lameness is also one of the hardest to quantify. A two-year study in Singapore aims to find out whether regular measurement of a horse’s gait can be used to predict musculoskeletal injury.

WORDS: MaRia FeRnanDa SepulveDa CavieDeS pHOTOS: MaRia FeRnanDa SepulveDa CavieDeS, SHuTTeRSTOCK

B

ECAUSE I was born under a lucky star, I was offered the sensational opportunity to conduct a two-year long study in the beautiful, hyperefficient, and very hot island of Singapore. The study ‘Early detection of musculoskeletal injury in the Thoroughbred through monitoring of movement symmetry’ started in November 2014 and is funded by the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB), and it was designed by Dr Thilo Pfau together with Professors Renate Weller and Kristien Verheyen from the Royal Veterinary College in London.

Traditional veterinary evaluation of lameness is subjective. Objective tools to document and measure specific forms of lameness and changes in gait are needed and will allow horses to be evaluated more consistently over time, looking for patterns of lameness developing during training.

It may also be possible to predict specific sites of injury or pain based on the patterns observed with gait analysis.

The idea behind this HBLB project was simple: follow as many thoroughbreds in training as possible on a monthly basis for a year and a half, tracking their soundness

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with a sensor-based gait assessment device at the Singapore Turf Club (STC), then correlate their medical history and their soundness/lameness in an attempt to determine which of the many gait parameters that are measured by the gait analysis system could be used to detect musculoskeletal injuries, ideally before they become clinically apparent.

The venue The Singapore Turf Club is a modern racetrack with an all-weather surface and

“

A couple of systems that detect very slight/ intermittent lameness have been developed and validated that can help vets to detect gait abnormalities

”

a turf track. The horses that regularly race there are stabled around it by the different trainers in similar stable blocks and are treated by the same vets at the STC veterinary clinic. Horses coming in and leaving the STC undergo stringent quarantine and veterinary checkups. Most HBLB-funded research is conducted in the UK, but for this study Singapore was chosen because it was an environment with convenient logistics allowing to test a large number of horses in training, while at the same time reducing as much as possible the variables that may influence soundness and performance (i.e. track surface, veterinary treatments, weather, etc). Very importantly, the setup allows the testing to be carried out in a real life situation and not in a lab.

The gait analysis device Everybody who deals with horses knows that lameness is one of the main problems that affects racehorses, shortening their racing careers and causing the industry to lose a lot of money. Some lamenesses may be tricky to pinpoint and even the most experienced vet could have trouble localising lameness. As an answer to this, a couple of systems that detect very slight/ intermittent lameness have been developed and validated, and these can help vets use a more objective approach to detection and grading of lameness.

The machine used in the project uses inertial sensors, containing miniaturised accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers and aided by a GPS device.

These sensors can track movement in three dimensions and calculate the speed of the horse. These are readily utilised in the missile and drone industry … so we are talking about technology that is state-of-the-art. The system is capable of detecting differences in gait symmetry (i.e. between the stance

22/12/2016 10:27

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GAIT ANALYSIS Figure 2

Figure 3

a) Sound horse in front. There is symmetrical weight bearing on both fore feet

a) Lame horse on the left fore. There isn’t symmetrical weight bearing or both fore feet. The difference is of a few millimetres Figure 2: Output graph that shows a) a sound horsea; and b) a horse with a slight asymmetry in gait on the left fore. The dark blue line is the average for each stride, and the grey area is the time that the foot is in contact with the floor, bearing weight. The scale on the left is in metres Figure 3: The gait analysis sensors are the size of a matchstick box.

phases of right fore and left forelimb) in the order of millimetres, and is more sensitive than the human eye in picking up these small asymmetries (Figure 2).

The sensors are the size of a matchstick box (Figure 3) and are stuck to the horse simply using double-sided tape, or they can be placed in a Velcro pouch and attached to the tack, usually the surcingle and the headband on the bridle. For this study, the sensors were placed: one on the poll, one on the withers, another on the sacrum (tuber sacrale, or midline on the highest point of the croup), and one on each point of the hip (left and right tuber coxae) (Figure 4).

The sensors were wired to a transmitter on a surcingle, which could then send all the data directly and instantaneously to a laptop via Bluetooth (Figure 5). The practically feasible range between horse and computer is around 50m, so it is easy to record standing at one end of a trot-up while the horse handler (or “syce” as they are called in Singapore) trots a horse in hand.

art medical diagnostic equipment, and its vets are highly trained and extremely experienced.

The horses included in the study ranged in age and experience. Some were sound throughout while others became lame during the study, but all were in Flat race training at recruitment.

The Singapore Gait Analysis Study At the beginning of this project, it was necessary to establish the repeatability of the gait measurement. Once we were sure that horses could be followed with the

Figure 5 Figure 5: Gait analysis data is sent directly and instantaneously to a laptop via Bluetooth

The trainers, vets and horses Sixteen trainers were recruited into the study on a voluntary basis and graciously allowed some or all of their horses to undergo gait analysis once a month. The vets of the STC veterinary clinic were closely involved in the project, especially Dr Bronte Forbes, who helped coordinate many of the aspects of the data collection and treatments of the participating horses.

The veterinary clinic is supervised by Dr Koos van der Berg and has state-of-theFigure 4: Sensors are attached at the poll, withers, croup and hips

50

Figure 4

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51 08/12/2016 09:36

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VETERINARY Figure 6

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

The set up in Singapore allowed us to conduct a number of sub-projects.

We have compared the gait parameters generated for sound and lame horses over different surfaces

â&#x20AC;?

Figure 6: Dr Daniel Shaw performing a lameness examination Figure 7

necessary repeatability, the study was fully underway. Monthly data collection sessions were arranged. Trainers were contacted a week before and coordinated my visit with them. In the sweltering heat, the horses and their syces would be waiting for me in the shade. Then over an hour or two, the manic sequence of placing the machine on the horse, trotting it, taking the machine off, and checking the data kept going without stopping. Parallel to this, medical data for each horse was compiled. Data collection is now complete and the research team are currently correlating the gait measurements to the diagnosed lamenesses.

In addition to the main study, the set up in Singapore allowed us to conduct a number of sub-projects. We have compared the gait parameters generated for sound and lame horses over different surfaces.

Data analysis is still under way and will ultimately help determine which surfaces aggravate or reduce a lameness. This could be helpful for vets to prescribe exercise on different surfaces during the rehabilitation process and also to choose the surface best suited for accentuating mild asymmetries in order to detect them during gait analysis (Figure 6 and Figure 7).

We also compared the output of the machine with the subjective visual lameness grading by the experienced racing vets. Once data analysis is finished, the aim is to relate the gait parameters recorded by the machine to the grades of the most commonly used lameness grading systems in thoroughbreds. This will help making the gait analysis results more readily interpretable by racing vets.

Future goals The final analysis of the data generated during those 18 months is ongoing.

However, this project has demonstrated that it is feasible to perform regular gait analysis sessions in a training yard environment.

This study is the first step towards future work evaluating links between specific objective changes in gait symmetry and injury to be able to prevent serious injuries in thoroughbreds in training or while racing. n Figure 7: Dr Bronte Forbes trotting a horse over different track surfaces 52

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RACING

THE NEW WEIGHT-FORAGE SCALE Revising the level playing ямБeld 54

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WEIGHT-FOR-AGE

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RACING

Phil Smith, the BHA’s Head of Handicapping, analysed data extensively with the BHA’s racing department and found evidence that three-year-olds are improving at a faster rate than the current Weight-For-Age scale anticipates

In September 2016 the European Pattern Committee (EPC) announced a new weight-for-age scale, which will be implemented across Europe from 2017.

This comes as a result of the long-held argument that three-year-olds enjoy greater success than older horses over longer distances from July onwards, when the current weight-for-age scale appears to give them a significant advantage.

WORDS: LISSA OLIVER PHOTOS: CAROLINE NORRIS, BHA

W

HAT the EPC describes as “robust statistical analysis,” using data gathered over a period of six years, backs up that theory and has led to amendments in the weight-for-age scale over 10 furlongs and above from the second half of June, to reduce the advantage received by three-year-olds in these races. The changes have been made in the interests of fairness and competitiveness and were agreed by all nations who form the EPC. The purpose of the weight-for-age scale is to give an allowance to younger horses to enable them to compete equally with their older counterparts, allowing for a broadly equivalent strike rate when all ages are competing together.

The thorough analysis of European race results has shown that three-year-olds have a higher strike rate than older horses, particularly noticeable from July onwards, and over longer distances. The analysis also 56

demonstrated that as distance increases, so does the strike rate and average winning distance of three-year-olds, providing them with an unintended and unfair advantage over older horses.

Following extensive consultation with stakeholders throughout Europe, adjustments have therefore been made to the weight-for-age scale with effect from

“

To achieve support for the adjustments to the Scale across all of Europe is a testament to the rigour of the analytical process

”

Brian Kavanagh

2017, ranging from a minor reduction of 1lb (½ kilo) at 10, 11, and 12 furlongs (2000m, 2200m, and 2400m) to a maximum reduction of 3lb (1½ kilos) over longer distances, where the advantage afforded to three-year-olds was found to be the most acute.

The first change coming into effect with the new weight-for-age allowance for threeyear-olds will be from the first half of June over 14 and 15 furlongs (2800m and 3000m).

Remaining changes will be introduced from the first half of July over 10 furlongs (2000m) and above.

In addition, changes to the four-year-old allowance between January and July, which naturally flow from the adjustments to the three-year-old allowance, will not come into effect until January 2018, when the same pool of three-year-olds in 2017 ultimately turn four.

“When we embarked upon this project we had two clear objectives in mind – to ensure that the weight-for-age scale was meeting its core objective of providing a level playing field for all runners, and to ensure that the scale remained consistent across all of Europe. We believe that both of those objectives are achieved by the modifications,” states Brian Kavanagh, chairman of the EPC. “Implementing change to something as complex and integral as the weight-for-age scale could not be done on a whim, and nor could it be carried out without the buy-in of all the nations who are being asked to

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WEIGHT-FOR-AGE

“

Comparisons between three- and four-year-olds Strike Rates and Distance Strike rates and distance 20.00% 18.00% 16.00% 14.00% 12.00% 10.00%

3yo 4yo+ Variance

8.00% 6.00%

Phil Smith

4.00% 2.00% 0.00% 5f

6f

7f

8f

9f

10f

11f

12f

13f

14f

-2.00%

Strike Rates Strike rates 14.0%

12.0%

10.0%

8.0% 3yo 4yo+ Variance

6.0%

4.0%

2.0%

0.0% 2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Winning Margin Winning margin 3

2.5

2

3yo 4yo+

1.5

1

0.5

0 5f

6f

7f

8f

9f

implement it. To achieve support for the adjustments to the scale across all of Europe is a testament to the rigour of the analytical process, the clear evidence it produced, and also to the progressive attitude of European racing nations,” concludes Kavanagh.

As part of the research by the EPC, 58

The key findings of the data were that threeyear-olds have a higher strike rate than older horses, which is particularly noticeable from July onwards

10f

11f

12f

13f

14f

British Horseracing Authority (BHA)’s head of handicapping Phil Smith, working with the BHA’s Racing Department, carried out an extensive data analysis, comparing the strike rate for three-year-olds against older horses over a period of six years. It looked at the differences between each year,

”

month, and by distance across a sample of 89,385 runners in 8,000 handicaps and 5,136 runners in 600 weight-for-age races, comparing finishing position, rivals beaten, and average winning distance, among the many other points examined. Races were only selected if they were open to three-year-olds and upwards and had both generations participating in them. Similar detailed research by other European nations corroborated the BHA’s findings.

Smith reveals, “When we started the process of reviewing the weight-for-age data well over a year ago, I suspected that the statistics might show a bias towards three-year-olds over longer distances in the second half of the season. The data has borne that out.

“The key findings of the data were that three-year-olds have a higher strike rate than older horses, which is particularly noticeable from July onwards, and that as distance increases, so does the strike rate of three-year-olds and their average winning margin. This is because three-year-olds are on average improving at a faster rate than the weight-for-age scale currently dictates.

“The alterations made to the scale should help to create a more level playing field for older horses competing against three-yearolds across Europe. At first the alterations will be seen as a trial and all the data will be kept under review for a number of years, to ensure that the alterations are having the desired, and necessary, effect.”

As well as collating data, lengthy ongoing consultations with all stakeholders throughout Europe has helped to compile a uniform scale that will hopefully have no future bias for any one group of horses.

Ruth Quinn, director of international racing and racing development for the BHA, explains, “In the light of the stakeholder feedback, achieving a uniform scale throughout Europe has been a key priority for all involved. As such, we are delighted that the EPC and its member countries have formally endorsed the proposal.

“The scale is obviously designed to compensate younger horses for their lack of physical maturity. It was never designed to provide an advantage to one particular age group at the expense of another. There is

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RACING

the new weiGht-for-aGe sCale

The New Scale

Dist

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

(fur)

Age

1-15

16-31

1-14

15-28

1-15

16-31

1-15

16-30

1-15

16-31

1-15

16-30

1-15

5

2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 3 4 3 4 3 4 3 4 3 4 3 4 3 4 3 4 3 4 3 4

0 15 0 16 0 18 0 20 22 1 23 1 24 2 25 3 26 3 27 4 28 4 29 5 31 5 33 6

0 15 0 16 0 18 0 20 22 1 23 1 24 2 25 3 26 3 27 4 28 4 29 5 31 5 33 6

0 14 0 15 0 17 0 19 21 0 22 0 23 1 24 2 25 2 26 3 27 3 28 4 30 4 32 5

0 14 0 15 0 17 0 19 21 0 22 0 23 1 24 2 25 2 26 3 27 3 28 4 30 4 32 5

0 13 0 14 0 16 0 18 20 0 21 0 22 0 23 1 24 1 25 2 26 2 27 3 29 3 31 4

47 12 0 13 0 15 0 17 19 0 20 0 21 0 22 1 23 1 24 2 25 2 26 3 28 3 30 4

44 11 0 12 0 14 0 15 17 0 19 0 20 0 21 0 22 0 23 1 24 1 25 2 27 2 29 3

41 10 0 11 0 13 0 14 15 0 17 0 19 0 20 0 21 0 22 1 23 1 24 2 26 2 28 3

38 9 44 10 0 12 0 13 14 0 15 0 17 0 19 0 20 0 21 0 22 0 23 1 25 1 27 2

36 8 41 9 0 11 0 12 13 0 14 0 15 0 17 0 19 0 20 0 21 0 22 1 24 1 26 2

34 7 38 8 0 10 0 11 12 0 13 0 14 0 15 0 17 0 18 0 19 0 21 0 23 0 25 1

32 6 36 7 0 9 0 10 11 0 12 0 13 0 14 0 15 0 16 0 17 0 19 0 21 0 23 1

30 5 33 6 38 8 0 9 10 0 10 0 11 0 12 0 13 0 14 0 15 0 17 0 19 0 21 0

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 20

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

16-31

1-15

16-31

1-15

16-30

1-15

16-31

1-15

16-30

1-15

16-31

28 4 31 5 35 7 0 8 9 0 9 0 10 0 11 0 11 0 12 0 13 0 15 0 17 0 19 0

26 3 28 4 32 6 37 7 8 0 8 0 9 0 10 0 10 0 11 0 12 0 13 0 15 0 17 0

24 2 26 3 30 5 34 6 7 0 7 0 8 0 9 0 9 0 10 0 11 0 12 0 13 0 15 0

22 1 24 2 27 4 31 5 6 0 6 0 7 0 8 0 8 0 9 0 10 0 11 0 12 0 13 0

20 1 22 2 25 3 28 4 5 0 5 0 6 0 7 0 7 0 8 0 9 0 10 0 11 0 12 0

19 0 21 1 23 2 26 3 4 0 4 0 5 0 6 0 6 0 7 0 8 0 9 0 10 0 11 0

18 0 20 1 22 2 24 3 4 0 4 0 5 0 6 0 6 0 7 0 7 0 8 0 9 0 10 0

17 0 19 0 21 1 23 2 3 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 6 0 6 0 7 0 8 0 9 0

17 0 18 0 20 1 22 2 3 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 6 0 6 0 7 0 7 0 8 0

16 0 17 0 19 0 21 1 2 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 6 0 6 0 7 0

16 0 17 0 19 0 20 1 2 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 6 0 6 0 7 0

Changes shown in orange will be introduced for 2017. Changes in blue affect the four-year-old allowance and will not be introduced until January 2018

extensive evidence to indicate that the scale needs amending to more accurately reflect the physical development rate of today’s average racehorse.

“It was the firm belief of the EPC that no horse should be knowingly advantaged by a concept which was originally designed to provide a level playing field. We have a collective responsibility to ensure that the environment within which horses compete is as equitable as possible.”

Obviously, the weight-for-age scale has apparently stood the test of time for many years and there were always going to be those who were anxious about any changes made. While research may have shown the current flaws, which Quinn and Smith attribute to changes in levels of maturity in the modern racehorse, we will have to wait a number of years to ensure the amendments made have achieved their purpose.

The scale is based on a theory of how

60

“

We have a collective responsibility to ensure that the environment within which horses compete is as equitable as possible

Ruth Quinn

”

the average horse is generally thought to develop, making the assumption that the longer the race, the more weight allowance a younger horse needs to compete equally.

The allowance reduces as the year progresses and it is linear, based on the

assumption that the average horse develops at the same rate every half-month. It is accepted that different horses develop at different rates and therefore some will be ahead of the scale, whilst others are behind it.

Rupert Arnold, chief executive of the National Trainers Federation (NTF), admits, “Our Flat Committee was at first sceptical of the argument that a change was needed to the weight-for-age scale, which in their opinion had stood the test of time. All credit to the BHA Racing Department for the depth of evidential data they produced to demonstrate that in the current era, the scale marginally favours three-year-olds at certain times of year over longer distances.

The NTF endorsed the changes subject to them being applied throughout Europe, so we are pleased that the other European Pattern Committee members have come on board.” ■

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TRAINING

STAFF FOCUS

Regulations on working hours

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STAFF WORKING HOURS

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TRAINING

The demand for increased fixtures may be healthy for the industry and attract more horses in training, but the extra hours they entail pose a headache for trainers and staff, as strict regulations on the arrangement of working hours must be adhered to. It is now more important than ever to keep stringent records of every employee’s working hours, including breaks, and ensure maximum hours are not exceeded.

WORDS: LISSA OLIVER PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK, CAROLINE NORRIS

S

ENIOR staff members may also have children or other family commitments, such as elderly dependents, requiring more attention than in the past.

School performances, sports activities, parent-teacher afternoons, and unexpected emergencies could lead to requests for time off.

It is no longer enough to ensure adequate pay and working conditions; planning for the rotation of staff and allowing workers a reasonable amount of time off must also be considered. It is of help, therefore, to know the legal requirements and rights of employees working within the EU.

been worked, including the first break. All employees also have a right to 11 hours daily rest per 24-hour period. This means that a 10pm finish cannot be followed by a 6am start, for example. For those starting their morning at 7am, they should not finish later than 8pm the preceding night. In addition, employees must have one 24-hour rest period (preceded by an 11-hour rest) in every week. Exemptions can be sought with regard to seasonal, shift work, and exceptional or unforeseen circumstances, but the equivalent compensatory rest must be taken within a ‘reasonable period’ of time.

Rest breaks

The Working Time Directive, or Working Time Regulations, states that an employee cannot work more than 48 hours a week on average, usually averaged over a 17week period. Different laws apply to staff

Every employee has a right to a rest break of 15 minutes when more than four-anda-half hours have been worked, and 30 minutes when more than six hours have

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EU arrangement of working hours

under the age of 18, who cannot work more than eight hours a day or 40 hours a week.

Remember that working hours include time spent travelling, if employees travel as part of their job.

The Organisation of Working Time Act allows for the maximum weekly working hours to generally be averaged over four months, but where work is seasonal or there is a foreseeable surge in activity this can be extended to six months. As an example, an employee must not under any circumstances have exceeded 1,152 hours at the end of a six-month period, even if this results in full pay for time off to achieve this.

A Collective Agreement between all employees and the employer, to average weekly hours over a 12-month period, can be sought and must be approved by the Labour Court.

Flexible hours Having a flexible start and finish time may often be of help to employee and employer, particularly those employees who are parents or carers. All employees have the legal right to request flexible working, which is known as ‘making a statutory application,’ but they must have worked for the same employer for at least 26 weeks to be eligible. The employer is not obliged to agree to flexible hours but must deal

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STAFF WORKING HOURS with requests in a ‘reasonable manner’ by assessing the advantages and disadvantages of the application, holding a meeting to discuss the request with the employee, and offering an appeal process should they decide against the request. Bear in mind that if an employer doesn’t handle a request in a reasonable manner, the employee can take them to an employment tribunal.

Annualised hours can be offered as an alternative to flexible hours, whereby the employee has to work a certain number of hours over the year, but may have some flexibility about when they work. There are particular ‘core hours’ which the employee regularly works each week, and the remainder of their hours are flexible or called for when there is extra demand at work. Compressed hours offer a further option, working the agreed weekly hours over fewer days.

Opting out It is possible for an employee over the age of 18, to opt out of the legal maximum hours and choose to work more than 48 hours a week on average. An employer can ask a member of staff to opt out, but that employee cannot be sacked or treated unfairly for refusing to do so. Opting out can be for a certain period or indefinitely, but it must be voluntary and in writing.

The opt-out agreement can be cancelled by

“

All employees also have a right to 11 hours daily rest per 24-hour period. This means that a 10pm finish cannot be followed by a 6am start, for example

”

an employee at any time, even if it’s part of the employment contract, but the employer must be given a minimum seven-day notice.

The employer, however, cannot force a staff member to cancel the opt-out agreement.

Family emergencies and compassionate leave Employees are allowed a ‘reasonable amount of time’ off to deal with an emergency involving a dependant.

This could be a spouse, partner, child, grandchild, parent, or someone who is dependent on the employee for care, but cannot involve anything other than unforeseeable emergencies. A pre-arranged hospital appointment, for example, would

not qualify. An employee may be asked to take annual leave or Parental Leave if they need to look after the dependent for longer, but there are no limits as to how often time off may be sought. The employer is under no obligation to pay their employee for the time off, which may be taken as unpaid leave.

Parental leave Eligible employees (employed for more than one year and not a foster parent) can also take unpaid Parental Leave to look after their child’s welfare, which may simply be to spend more time with their children, to look at new schools, to settle a child into new childcare arrangements, or to spend more time with family, such as visiting relations. All employment rights, like the right to pay, holidays, and returning to a job, are protected during Parental Leave.

An employee is entitled to a total of 18 weeks’ unpaid leave for each child and adopted child under 18, but the limit on how much Parental Leave each parent can take in a single year is four weeks for each child, unless the employer agrees otherwise. Leave taken with a previous employer is therefore deducted from the leave available, until over a number of years the 18 weeks may have been used. Parental Leave must be taken as a whole week, rather than individual days. n

Further information can be found at www.gov.org.uk (UK), www.citizensinformation.ie (Ireland), www.conciliateurs.fr (France), www.clcv.org (France), https://allesrechtens.de/rbs/oera-oeffentlicherechtsauskunft-und-vergleichsstelle/ (Germany), www.forsakringskassan.se (Sweden).

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VETERINARY

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RACEHORSE BEHAVIOUR

AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’

C

The psychology behind starting gate jitters

ONSIDERING the pressure that athletes put on themselves – plus pressure from their fans – it shouldn’t be a stretch to consider that thoroughbreds also suffer starting gate jitters that manifest in various ways.

From swaying, weaving, and flexing and extending distal limbs to sizing up the competition, many horses in the starting gate behave like the competitors lining up for the ever-popular men’s 100m race in the Olympic Games. Take a look at the video coverage of this year’s running of the prestigious American race, the Travers… while eventual winner Arrogate and Laoban both appeared cool as cucumbers, Governor Malibu was antsy, rocking from side to side, and many spectators witnessed overt head shaking by Forever d’Oro when the gate opened.

What do these pre-race behaviours signify? Do they represent a welfare issue like stereotypies? In this article, both pre-race behaviour and stereotypies are described with contributions from Sid Gustafson, DVM, a practicing veterinarian and novelist from Montana. Gustafson, author of Equine Behavior: The Nature of Horses, also teaches equine behaviour at Equine Guelph, University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada.

Pre-competition rituals can be witnessed in even the most seasoned competitor in almost every sport. From slapping their sticks and fussing with seemingly every single piece of equipment protecting their bodies before the puck drops, hockey goalies take the term “pre-game jitters” to a whole new level. Not to be bested, baseball players have their share of eccentricities while approaching and entering the batter’s box, and don’t even get me started on pro ping pong!

WORDS: Stacey Oke DVM, MSc PHOtOS: caROLINe NORRIS

Pre-race behaviours – stress or signs of success?

In the late 1990s, Geoffrey Hutson, a Melbourne, Australia, native and equine behaviourist, co-authored a study titled “Pre-race behaviour of horses as a predictor of race finishing order” that was published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science. The authors assessed the behaviour and appearance of 867 horses in 67 races at two of Melbourne’s thoroughbred tracks.

Factors taken into consideration when assessing behaviour included head, ear, and tail position. In the latter category, the authors looked at whether the tail was relaxed, stiff, or swishing/flicking. In total, 29 variables were assessed, including ISSUE 56 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

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19 behaviour/appearance variables, with the remainder being traditional race-book information (e.g., weight carried, starting price).

Key findings of the study were that: l Traditionally held views, such as winners tended to be fitter and more relaxed whereas losers were more aroused and required great control, held true in this study. l Simple observations of the behaviour and appearance of the horses prior to a race cannot predict winners. l Elevations of the head, neck, and tail were associated with increased arousal. l Tail elevation, neck angle with the jockey up, and resistance to the bit were all significantly related to finishing order, with a less relaxed tail associated with losing.

The “power” of these variables, however, was poor compared to traditional variables mentioned above. l Although a single behavioural variable could not reliably predict outcome, a combination of behaviour and appearance variables, including tail carriage, was capable of identifying horses that were more likely to be losers 67.4% of the time. lPre-race behaviour and appearance of horses is a valuable aid in predicting losing horses, not winners.

In conclusion, Hutson and co-author Marie Haskell wrote, “…objective analysis of racehorse appearance and behaviour is both fascinating and a legitimate application of animal behaviour science in 68

one of the most popular worldwide animal industries. This area offers many intriguing research opportunities.”

Indeed, Hutson went on to write two books using pre-race behaviour to predict outcome, starting with, Watching Racehorses: A Guide to Betting On Behaviour, and he is now a full-time punter.

According to Hutson, who, recall, is an expert equine behaviourist, one of the greatest challenges with assessing behaviour in this subset of athletes is timing.

Hutson and Haskell estimated they had approximately 38 seconds to assess the condition, appearance, and behaviour of each horse in each race.

“With 19 variables per horse we found that in some races we were working under considerable time pressure, with only two or three seconds to score each variable. In addition, many trainers try to hold their horses back in the stable area until the last minute, to minimise their exposure to the pre-race atmosphere and tension. Often we had to run to keep up with the late horses on their way to the mounting yard,” wrote the authors

Starting gate and racing behaviour: focus on tail swishing The study by Hutson and Haskell clearly suggested that high tail carriage has a negative impact on racing performance.

In addition to carriage of the tail, tail swishing is a relatively commonly observed

behaviour trait once horses are loaded into the starting gate.

“I have been the gate veterinarian for thousands of horseraces. Tail swishing in the gate is often the horse communicating that s/he is uncomfortable or unsettled. All other kinetic empathy is often taken away when horses are in the gate. The assistant starter often has a hold of the head, the horse is confined in the gate, and the only method left to communicate is the tail,” explains Gustafson, adding, “In addition to communication, horses use their tails for balance, locomotion, teaching, expressing emotion, and more.”

For example, horses use their tails to dissuade insects from feeding while they are grazing. The equine tail could also be viewed as a built-in fan to help thermoregulate. Recall from “name of article” in the Summer 2012 issue of European Trainer that horses dissipate heat from their skin. Thus, increasing airflow across the skin can help horses stay cool.

In other equine disciplines, tail swishing during competition is considered a “conflict behaviour.” According to a 2015 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, conflict behaviours (CBs) such as excessive tail swishing and mouth gaping are “indicative to some kind of discomfort confusion, and resistance or hyperactivity to riders’ aids.” In addition, the study authors wrote, “CB is a response exhibited by animals that experience difficulty coping with mental or physical discomfort,

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VETERINARY their preparedness for competition. Tail swishing is not considered an abnormal or stereotypic behaviour.

Stereotypies are defined as repetitive, relatively invariant, and apparently functionless behaviours. Examples of stereotypic behaviours include cribbing, wind-sucking, stall-walking, weaving, pawing, among a slew of others.

Professor Paul McGreevy, BVSc, PhD, MRCVS, MACVS (Animal Welfare), Cert CABC, Grad Cert Higher Ed and Sub Dean Animal Welfare at the University of Sydney, Australia (formerly from the Department of Animal Health and Husbandry, School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, UK), reported data regarding the occurrence of stereotypies in thoroughbreds. Based on his own experience, McGreevy estimated that the prevalence of stall-walking, wind-sucking/ crib-biting, and weaving in the UK’s thoroughbred population was 1.7, 4.0, and 4.0%, respectively. In Italy, those rates seem to be slightly lower at 2.5, 2.4, and 2.5%, respectively.

“

Some horses have nervous tails, and some tail actions are rewarded and become taught, not always on purpose

Sid Gustafson

most often demonstrated as some form of resistance to handling or training cues and/ or equipment.”

In that study, the authors concluded that the occurrence of CBs such as tail swishing during elite level competitions suggests that horses participating in competition may not be sufficiently prepared for competition.

Although still pictures of thoroughbreds during a race shows their tails flying behind them, much like a superhero’s cape without much swishing or movement at all, Gustafson says that tail swishing during a race is relatively common.

“Every week, as a regulatory veterinarian, I would see tail swishing during a race. Of course, that brought veterinary scrutiny to the horse, wherein causative factors 70

were often observed, such as cinch sore, a pinching bridle, lots of tack troubles and human oversights, blinkers, and other sensory deprivation devices such as shadow and cheek rolls, ear plugs, nasal menthols, etc.

“Some horses have nervous tails, and some tail actions are rewarded and become taught, not always on purpose. Certain horses regularly flash their tail during racing events, some perhaps in joy,” he adds.

Stereotypic behaviours in thoroughbreds Based on Hutson’s, Gustafson’s, and other equine behaviourists’ views, tail position and swishing appear to serve as a window into a horse’s mental state and possibly also

”

Of concern, however, is that McGreevy reports that the combined prevalence of all abnormal behaviours in thoroughbreds is estimated to be as high as 26%, which equates to an alarming one-quarter of the thoroughbred population. Further, Daniel Mills from the Animal Behaviour Cognition and Welfare Group at the University of Lincoln in Lincolnshire, UK, suggests that this data underreports the true prevalence of the condition and that stereotypies occur much more frequently.

Specific to thoroughbreds racehorse, Tamara Tadich, MSc. et al. reported in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science that of the 743 evaluated horses at two separate facilities, the overall prevalence of abnormal behaviours was 11.03%. Of those, only 6.32% of horses were classified as having actual stereotypies. Behaviours viewed as stereotypies went beyond the classics and also included nodding, stall kicking, pawing, wood chewing, coprophagia (ingestion of faeces), licking, and bed eating.

Similar results were subsequently reported by Lisandro Muñoz from the Universidad de Concepción, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias in Chile, and his colleagues in 2014. This latter group found that 13.2% of 341 thoroughbred racehorses

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RACEHORSE BEHAVIOUR had stereotypies, but they looked only at the occurrence of cribbing, weaving, and stall-walking. In other words, the overall occurrence of stereotypies was likely much higher.

Stereotypic implications of stereotypies and what to do Why do we care about whether a horse bobs his head or sucks on her stall door? Other than damage caused by some stereotypies to the stall and potential injury to the horse, the real issue is one of welfare. According to a 2013 article by Amir Sarrafchi and Harry Blockhauis from Linköping University in Sweden published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, stereotypies are widely believed to be linked to poor welfare and are more frequently observed in suboptimal environments.

While several studies have attempted to identify factors associated with the occurrence of stereotypies--such as diet composition, visual access to conspecifics, amount of turnout, and number of feedings per day--no consensus has been reached. In Gustafson’s opinion, lack of movement is a major contributor.

“Stereotypies are a result of deprivation of friends, forage, and locomotion by their caretakers. Stalled horses require miles and miles of daily walking to maintain pulmonary, digestive, musculoskeletal, and behavioural health. Horses require near-constant 24/7 friends, forage, and

“

Not all tail swishing is problematic, nor is all tail swishing reflective of discontentment or pain

Sid Gustafson

”

locomotion to maintain behavioural health and contentment,” says Gustafson.

A broad discussion of treatment is not possible here, but in a nutshell, the prevailing thought is that once a stereotypie develops it is extremely difficult to curtail the cribbing and other unwanted behaviours. Owners/trainers frequently turn to physically deter horses from performing the behaviour (e.g., using cribbing collars). Alternate techniques suggested by Mills include the following: l Reduced stable time and increased exercise; l Stable toys; l Additional social contact; l Alternating the horse’s stall, increasing the stall size, and providing a more varied view from the stable; l Using a chain instead of a door on the stall.

Interestingly, during a presentation for the Havemeyer Foundation, Mills compared

what we classify as equine stereotypies to human obsessive-compulsive behaviours rather than actual stereotypic behaviours.

He said, “It may be that this distinction needs to be made when considering apparently stereotypic behaviours in the horse, since they may share more with the latter (obsessive-compulsive behaviours) than the former (stereotypies).”

Concluding thoughts In sum, it is reasonable to suggest that although thoroughbreds do suffer from stereotypies like other horses when housed indoors or in heavily managed situations, their behaviours and tail swishing in the starting gate seems more comparable to the excitement of competition that is observed in human athletes.

“Not all tail swishing is problematic, nor is all tail swishing reflective of discontentment or pain. Some horses have nervous tails, and some horses are simply communicating something to others. What the ‘something’ is, however, is not always evident,” added Gustafson.

That said, it behooves the equine racing community to ensure that the horses are not swishing their tails due to discomfort from avoidable causes, such as tack issues. Further, taking proactive steps to abrogate the development or worsening of stereotypies that are fairly common in heavily managed horses is also encouraged. n

Order your copy today!

Call 041 971 2000 (IRE) or +44 (0)1380 816777 (UK) or order online at trainermagazine.com/book Also available Biomechanics and Physical Training of the Horse Hardback | 192 pages | ISBN: 9781840761924 | £29.99

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INDUSTRY

MATCH-FIXING How horseracing can help and what it needs

Some 10 years ago, officials at the Jockey Club of Greece (JCG) noticed a rash of recent transfers of horses, all entered up for a forthcoming meeting, either out of the care of a certain trainer or out of the ownership of a couple of individuals.

In Greece there are rules on the maximum number of horses in a race that any given person may train (3) or own (2), and it was concluded that these ‘transfers’ were in fact a ruse to circumvent these rules, leaving the previous connections with effective control over the whole field. The JCG decided to abandon the race, at considerable cost.

WORDS: DR Paull Khan, SecRetaRy-GeneRal, euROPean anD MeDiteRRanean hORSeRacinG FeDeRatiOn (eMhF) PhOtOS: eMhF

N

OT long after, in 2008 – a period now considered the ‘dark days’ of racing in Greece – the four outsiders in an eightrunner field filled the first four places, resulting in a bumper Quadcast dividend. The rides given to the first four in the betting – the last four home – were spectacularly eye-catching.

At the subsequent enquiry, one of the fouAt the subsequent enquiry, one of the four riders admitted he had ridden to the owner’s instructions that he should finish no better than fifth. The betting operator was contacted, betting patterns across the country were analysed, and the trail led to one particular betting shop, where one of the owners was found to have picked up a substantial payout. The two owners involved received life bans and the rider a twelvemonth suspension. Cases involving doping or corruption are, in Greece, invariably referred by the racing authorities to the public prosecutor’s office, and the resultant trial led not only to hefty fines but also suspended prison sentences of two years for the owners and one year for the jockey.

Eight years on, the case is still rumbling through the legal system: appeals have been turned down, but the JCG still faces a counter-suit, to be heard later this month, which claims the case was wrongly filed.

These cases (and one could turn, of course, to any number of countries other than Greece for examples) show that racefixing can take many forms, and the high degree of vigilance and commitment which racing authorities must apply.

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Several issues could be put forward as the most pressing to face modern-day sport. The fight against drug abuse would certainly be one; promotion of good governance, in the wake of the FIFA scandals, another.

But a third, high on any list, would be match-fixing. Evidence of how seriously this subject is treated in political circles can be found in the EU’s stated priorities.

The European Council, in its current Work Plan for Sport, lists ‘Integrity of Sport, in particular…the fight against match-fixing’ as its top priority. And it is putting money where its mouth is: the Erasmus+ scheme provides “funding for projects focusing on the prevention of match-fixing through the education and information of relevant stakeholders.”

Match-fixing need not necessarily be linked to betting, but there can be little doubt that making an illicit killing on a wager is the primary impetus. And it is because of this that horseracing, of all sports, can be said to be best placed to lead efforts to combat the scourge. Not because racing is more prone to such abuse (‘race-fixing,’ rather than ‘match-fixing,’ in our world) than other sports – far from it. Rather, because of the uniquely close association our sport has had, for pretty much its entire history, with betting. The European Commission recognises this: in its 2011 Green Paper on online gambling, it noted that the “specificity of horseracing compared to other sports is … its primary attraction is for gamblers.” Every year, €35 billion is wagered on over 28,000 thoroughbred horseraces which take place across the European Continent alone.

It has long been recognised that the racing and betting industries are not only symbiotically related, but both have an interest in ensuring clean competition.

Both have been quick to embrace the new opportunities that modern technology now offer to detect and counter corruption.

Tote operators claim that the parimutuel system is the form of betting least susceptible to corruption, pointing out that they, unlike bookmakers, have no financial interest in the result and, unlike exchanges, do not take bets to lose. Nonetheless, the European Pari-Mutuel Association (EPMA) says that “Tote operators have all put in place a specific department as well as relevant tools for supervision and report regularly to regulators and enforcement authorities on such methods of control, improvements made every year, and suspicious cases.” These tools include risks mapping to detect atypical behaviour or unusual concentrations of bets on certain combinations, with automated ‘intelligent’ alerts.

“Pari-Mutuel operators have correspondents in each Racing Authority,” the EPMA goes on. “These correspondents can ask for information before or after the races, and they are informed if any unusual or particular stakes are detected before a race.”

These initiatives essentially take two forms: monitoring, whereby the Racing Authorities’ own resources dovetail with those of their betting operators, and education.

Many European racing authorities are taking increasing steps to educate the 155,000 people directly involved or employed in the horseracing sector (including jockeys, trainers, and stable staff) of the risks and consequences of undermining the integrity of horseracing, either deliberately or inadvertently. The aim of these projects is to ensure that participants are aware of the rules which are in place and of the ways in which they can (safely and anonymously) contact racing authorities regarding any approaches they receive to engage in corrupt activity.

In Ireland, for example, all jockeys in the early stages of their careers are given lectures, as part of their training academy programmes, on the risks and consequences

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EMHF

The BHA’s dedicated Integrity and Regulatory Operations department number 102 raceday and non-raceday staff

of undermining the integrity of racing.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA), too, has recently placed a greater emphasis on education of participants around integrity matters – to highlight the pitfalls of becoming involved in corrupt practices.

A video been produced featuring Fergal Lynch, a jockey who was banned in 2009 for engaging in corrupt activity, which is shown to all aspiring jockeys as part of their Integrity modules on the BHA’s approved training courses.

The BHA runs a dedicated phone line and website – Racestraight – to which anyone can anonymously report details of wrongdoing they may have seen or heard at or away from the racecourse.

However, extensive and successful the educative process, the need for monitoring remains. The structure in place in France, free of proven race-fixing incidents for the past 40 years or so, was prompted by a traumatic event back in the 1980s.

An infamous running of the Prix BrideAbattue, a Tierce race, led to no fewer than 14 jockeys finding themselves up before a judge on race-fixing charges. Today, exjockey Laurent Gerard is France Galop’s

head of integrity, notably providing the interface between the PMU and both the raceday and central stewards. Any unusual betting patterns are relayed to him by the principal betting operator, PMU, and, through him, to the stewards so that, if considered necessary, the connections may be interviewed before the race about riding instructions, etc.

Vigilance is not confined to the larger racing nations. In Holland, for example, the gaming authority, de Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), is responsible for the control of all betting and gambling operations in the Netherlands. De KSA has a special division which is responsible for the monitoring of racing in the Netherlands and works closely with its racing authority (NDR) and Tote-operator (Runnerz). In Cyprus, it is the Nicosia Race Club, in charge of the island’s sole racecourse, which monitors all betting activity on horseracing and highlights any suspicious patterns, taking action against the betting agent from whom this suspicious behaviour occurred or informing the police for further investigation.

But, it is in those countries with the most pluralistic betting regimes – Britain and

Ireland – where, perhaps for the reasons advanced by EPMA, the greatest efforts are made to keep things clean.

The BHA has a dedicated integrity and regulatory operations department numbering 102 raceday and non-raceday staff. The BHA’s Ross Hamilton explains: “Over 10,000 races are run in Great Britain each year and, for every one of these races, the BHA’s team of betting analysts monitors betting markets for any signs of unusual betting activity (working with individual betting operators where appropriate).

Evidence of any suspicious betting patterns will be cross-referenced with the BHA’s Intelligence Database (similar to those used by law enforcement agencies) and information garnered from social media and networking sites. If appropriate, evidence of these suspicious betting patterns is shared with the Gambling Commission.”

“Every race run in Great Britain is studied by the BHA’s analysts, working closely with the Handicapping team, to assess whether every horse participating is being run on its merits.”

Hamilton continues, “The integrity team, based in London, works closely with ISSUE 56 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

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INDUSTRY the BHA’s raceday team at every fixture – updating stewards at any meeting of unusual activity to watch out for based on emerging intelligence. This can include requesting that stewards hold an enquiry before a race takes place, in order to ask connections of a horse about the planned riding instructions. If corrupt activity was being planned, such enquiries can act as a significant deterrent.

“If a full investigation is warranted after a suspicious event, the BHA’s team of investigating officers based around the country holds interviews with individuals involved and requests telephone records and betting account histories. All BHA licensed individuals – over 550 trainers and 450 staff – are required to co-operate with such requests as a condition of their licence.

“All of the information gathered before, during and after a suspicious event is then pieced together by the BHA investigatory team to provide a full picture of what has taken place. If this provides appropriate grounds for a case, it will then be progressed to a formal hearing of the BHA’s Disciplinary Panel, where those

“

It has long been recognised that the racing and betting industries are not only symbiotically related, but both have an interest in ensuring clean competition

”

found guilty of corrupt activity can be disqualified from any involvement in the sport,” concludes Hamilton.

In Ireland, a similar set of challenges faces the Turf Club, which has responsibility to manage betting corruption. Its head of security, Chris Gordon, identifies a number of areas where improvements could be made. “The entire concept of sport,” he notes, “is based upon fair competition taking place under established rules. It is, therefore, fundamental that those

participating in any sport are genuinely trying to win. Betting-related corruption compromises this imperative. If sports governing bodies are not prepared and ready to react to an incident of corrupt betting then the damage to the reputation of their sport can be severe. Bettingrelated corruption is as big a threat to the reputation of sport as doping and is aggravated by the fact that it can involve participants deliberately trying not to win. It is essential that governments and regulators have a greater understanding of the issues involved.”

The Turf Club has memoranda of understanding with the principal betting operators. There is also an online betmonitoring tool which allows the Turf Club betting analyst to examine all bets as they are struck on the Betfair betting exchange.

Indeed, it was a tip-off from Betfair that led, three years later, to the banning from the sport of an Irish jockey (for four years), an owner, and two other individuals (all for 10 years). It was established that the jockey and the owner had conspired to prevent the horse from running on its merits to profit from bets that the horse would not win a

Direktorium hosts EMHF handicapping seminar HANDICAPPERS and administrators from no fewer than 12 countries descended on the Direktorium’s offices in Koln for the latest EMHF seminar to learn the finer points of handicapping from senior British Horseracing Authority handicapper Phil Smith. Aside from Britain and host country Germany, representatives were present from Austria, Channel Islands, Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Morocco, Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, and Turkey.

Smith brought to life the handicapper’s art – including the crucial element of

selecting one’s ‘marker’ or ‘zero’ horse – with the aid of video replays of a number of races, after which delegates were invited to rate a selection of races themselves, from modest handicaps to Frankel’s imperious win in the Juddmonte International.

Delegates received guidance on such matters as the importance of reviewing race ratings retrospectively and to counter the perennial threat of ‘uppage’ or ratings creep – a particular danger in countries with small horse populations. In Smith’s view, “50%-60% of races need, in retrospect, to be dropped.” This struck a chord with

Phil Smith pointing to the screen, race-reading with the delegates

74

Channel Islands handicapper Gareth Colley, who explained: “I found extremely useful the idea of re-reviewing ratings through the middle part of the season. As Jersey has a small horse pond (compared to other countries) this may prove decisive next year in bridging the gap between local runners and UK horses (uppage is often an issue in the final few meetings of the season).”

The system of handicapping so familiar to those in the major European Pattern countries is by no means universally adopted. In Morocco, for example, there are currently no handicaps. Aissame Zarrari, technical racing manager at the Moroccan racing authority SOREC, explained that it is their intention to start rating horses this year and to introduce handicaps into their race programme in 2018.

Even where handicaps do exist, there is plenty of variation in their formulation.

Ratings may not be the currency – some handicapping systems are based on prize money. And where ratings are used, their application is often formulaic, where rises and falls are governed by set rules, rather than the opinion of the handicapper. This is even the case in Germany, for its domestic races. Greece, a country whose racing is undergoing some revival at present, are considering moving from mechanistic to opinion-based ratings calculation.

For some countries, handicapping is

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EMHF race at Downpatrick racecourse in 2011.

“However,” Gordon points out, “there is a fundamental weakness in that betting operators rarely notify the Turf Club of suspicious betting patterns that they discover themselves. If corruption in sport is to be tackled effectively it is essential that a legal requirement is placed on betting operators to notify sports governing bodies when such behaviour is identified and that the relevant data is passed on to investigators. Cheating in sport could be more effectively challenged if a European directive required national governments to make the provision of suspicious betting patterns mandatory for betting operators as a part of licensing.”

In Gordon’s view, international liaison could also be improved. “With the exception of the British Horseracing Authority, there is minimal contact between the Turf Club and other racing jurisdictions on matters involving betting corruption. It would be useful for the identification of best practice to have a bi-annual newsletter and/or an annual conference of racing jurisdictions in Europe devoted to this subject.”

“The investigation powers of SGBs in

essentially a domestic concern. In Turkey, for example, which sent one of the world’s few female handicappers, Cansu Gurbuz, the vast majority of races are closed to foreign-trained competition, and those races that are open are invariably nonhandicaps. But in others, races are generally open, and the challenge of rating raiders is a common one. For none is this more relevant than host nation Germany, whose qualification rules for handicaps are among the most liberal in the world.

Director of racing and EMHF vicechairman Rudiger Schmanns explains: “To run in a German handicap, a horse needs only to have a rating in its home country and to have won a race – whenever. We want to stimulate international competition in our races, to boost field sizes, and create more general and punter interest. But foreign trainers must ensure that the entry is received well in time before the closing stage (hopefully at least the day before) and the up-to-date performances must be sent at the same time. This is essential for the handicapper to calculate the rating which is not automatically the same as in the home country and will in most cases be different.”

Germany has led the way in the quest to spread knowledge of handicapping best practice. Not only was the last EMHF handicapping seminar, in 2011, staged in Baden-Baden, but there have also been interim teach-ins involving the Central European countries of Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, and Austria, which led last year to the publication of a Central European classification.

It is to be hoped that this initiative will

“

Every race run in Great Britain is studied by the BHA’s analysts, working closely with the Handicapping team, to assess whether every horse participating is being run on its merits

”

Ross Hamilton – BHA Ireland are limited and often militate against effective investigation of instances of suspected betting corruption. For example, the data protection commissioner has ruled that licensed individuals in horseracing do not have to provide their telephone records to investigators. This makes it extremely problematic to bring corrupt individuals to account. It appears that this stance is supported in the forthcoming

European Directive on Data Protection.

It is argued that the police should be asked to investigate these matters where telephone records are required. However, this is a simplistic approach as police do not have the available time and expertise or willingness to conduct investigations into sports betting corruption.

“A way forward could be established to provide the powers for SGBs to effectively tackle corruption through a European directive requiring national governments to implement sports legislation.”

Evidence that racing is doing much right is provided by the fact that other sports governing bodies have frequently sought the advice of the BHA, for example, when considering how best to structure their own defences against match-fixing. But we could do more, through placing concerted pressure on our legislators, in Brussels and nationally, to provide the legal framework within which we can carry out our selfpolicing role most effectively, and in spreading best-practice and an interchange of ideas and experience between all our racing authorities. The EMHF will certainly be playing its part in these endeavours.n

Phil Smith with from left, Lotfi Gaiz, Aissame Zarrari (both from Moroccan Racing Authority, SOREC), and Krzysztof Wolski of the Polish Jockey Club

A delegate’s working sheets

continue because, as Schmanns says: “The more countries use common methods to rate their horses, and the closer we can get to a parity in those ratings between countries, the more international competition will

be facilitated. It is also important for those countries with aspirations to have some of their races accepted for international black type, as Switzerland and Spain have done.”

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PRODUCT FOCUS

New £750,000 production system enhances quality and hygiene of BEDMAX Bedmax recently revealed a new improved and developed production system to enhance product quality across all three production plants. In the region of £750k has been invested in a new separator and dust extraction system at all three of their production plants. Whilst further improving the consistent quality of BEDMAX and LITTLEMAX Shavings, this investment also ensures that all potentially harmful airborne dust and spores, which are detrimental to the horse’s respiratory system, are removed from each bag.

A new cooling system has also been developed following the purification process. The shavings are heated to sterilising temperatures for hygiene purposes, and then cooled to a controlled moisture content, which prevents hooves drying out and increases longevity of the product.

Tim Smalley, Managing Director of BEDMAX Shavings, commented: “Since we first launched BEDMAX in 2000 it has been our aim to continue our research in order to develop and improve the products we offer. Bedding plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of stabled horses and this is our top priority.”

BEDMAX Shavings were first launched in response to the growing understanding that bedding was commonly the worst source of airborne dust and spores in the stable environment. Initially developed for the racing industry, the benefits soon became apparent throughout other areas of the equine industry. Made primarily with pine, it offers a natural antibacterial power, improves stable hygiene and reduces

ammonia which can cause damage to the hoof wall as well as the respiratory system.

On average, over 80% of horses spend more than 10 hours in the stable, which highlights the importance of bedding to their health and performance. Every bag of BEDMAX and LITTLEMAX Shavings are designed to combat the six major stable health hazards; dust and spores, hooves, hygiene, hocks and joints, ammonia and comfort and rest.

Whilst research at BEDMAX is ongoing, the recent investment in machinery and equipment has resulted in new developments and improvements to the overall quality of BEDMAX and LITTLEMAX Shavings, alongside the durability of the bags during transportation and handling.

For further information, please visit bedmaxshavings.com/racing

Performance and healing benefits New skin cleaner available with Equissage Pulse from Farm & Stable Equissage Pulse cyclotherapy offers a range of well documented health benefits for your horse to keep him feeling great and performing at his best.

Safe, easy to use, natural, nonaggressive and non-invasive, when used on a daily basis to give a deeply beneficial circulatory massage, the Equissage Pulse can enhance your horse’s performance; improve stride length and joint flexion, and relieve stress. In addition to massage therapies for enhanced performance and well being, Equissage Pulse can be used for regular strapping, to promote relaxation, and assist in the healing of muscular injuries.

For further information, please telephone 00 44 (0)800 066 9958 or visit www.niagaraequissage.com 76

Santil-Hexa Scrub can be used for a range of skin-related applications.

A Chlorhexidine Solution preoperative surgical skin cleaner, it provides fast-acting activity against a wide range of microorganisms, especially against those commonly found on the skin, such as bacteria, fungi, ringworm and yeast.

With a non-toxic, nonirritating formula, with 4% w/v Chlorhexidine Gluconate, SantilHexa Scrub is ideal for use on superficial cuts, abrasions, insect stings and more.

For further information, please call Farm & Stable Supplies LLP on 00 44 (0)1730 815800, or email via sales@farmstable.com

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Need help with your promotional campaign?

We can help you!

Print and digital campaign planning Advert design and advice Competitive print buying For a professional and cost-effective service, please contact us to discuss your requirements.

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PRODUCT FOCUS

Training a racehorse requires attention to every detail from designing the right training program through to feeding a balanced diet that provides fuel in the most appropriate way to optimise performance. Maintaining your horses in peak health and performance can be a challenging balancing act, but at SPILLERS® the aim is to take the worry out of feeding. Follow the tips below to help manage some key feeding challenges:

Maintaining digestive health The horse’s digestive system is delicate and whether a thoroughbred or a Shetland pony they have evolved to digest fibre. Straying too far from this natural diet can be a challenge for the digestive system. This is why good quality forage should form the foundation of every horse’s diet with at least 1.25% (dry matter) of the horse’s bodyweight provided as forage per day. This will help to not only keep the hindgut healthy but will extend foraging and eating time, helping to keep the stomach healthy and reduce the risk of ulcers.

Maintaining muscle health Challenges to muscle health are a concern for all trainers as muscles provide the power for movement and therefore speed and stamina. A well balanced diet providing vitamins, minerals and amino acids is key to building and maintaining healthy muscles. The diet can also play a key role in managing conditions such as tying up. Keeping the starch and sugar level controlled can help calm behaviour and keep the digestive system healthy, which in turn will help reduce the risk of tying up.

Optimum levels of antioxidants such

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Nutritional tips to optimise racehorse performance from SPILLERS® as vitamin E and selenium and adequate electrolytes can also support muscle health.

SPILLERS® HDF® Power Cubes have been precisely formulated to provide an optimum balance of energy sources to fuel performance whilst being gentle on the digestive system and supporting muscle health. Highly digestible fibre, controlled cereal starch, and oil combine to support the athletic performance of racehorses in heavy training.

SPILLERS® HDF® Power Cubes are lower in starch than traditional racehorse cubes, which helps to support optimum digestive and muscle health, but they also provide excellent sources of quality protein and amino acids to support muscle building and health.

High in vitamin E, the most important antioxidant to support the immune system and muscle health, SPILLERS® HDF® Power Cubes also contain a high level of added vitamin C for respiratory support, with added live yeast to support hindgut health and optimum digestion, plus biotin at 2mg/kg to support hoof health.

For further information, please ring the SPILLERS® Care-Line on 01908 226626 or visit www.spillers-feeds.com

22/12/2016 10:11

PRODUCT FOCUS

Racing FX joins forces with National Trainers Federation The newly-formed partnership between RacingFX and the National Trainers Federation (NTF) will focus on the benefits of the RacingFX online Cash Manager.

Cash Manager enables Racing FX users to hold balances in up to six currencies, pay and receive locally and internationally with free overseas payments as standard. Using the ‘Equine Network,’ users can also make payments to a standard list of industry services at

the click of a button, or add their own business to the list to receive customer payments quickly and securely.

In addition, NTF members will benefit from the unique ‘Minimum Rate Guarantee’ for all currency conversions and foreign payment, with plans to release an NTF branded payment card in 2017, with ‘Minimum Rate Guarantee’ benefits.

The NTF feel that the key benefits of the

merger for their members will be the easy management of international payments, which will aid transactions for overseas sales purchases, regular payments to suppliers and for those trainers who have international owners.

For further information, please contact Tom Jonason, Head of Business Development, RacingFX, via email tjonason@racingfx.co.uk or call +44 (0) 7786 634705

Bellota Razor Plus – a more durable rasp The new Bellota RAZOR Plus is replacing the previous RAZOR rasp. It is everything the RAZOR rasp was – and more!

After a great deal of time in development and testing, Bellota is now producing the RAZOR Plus. Using a higher grade material for the RAZOR Plus, it has proven in farrier testing to have a longer life. The rasp saves time, energy and performs better.

In addition, the tooth design is more aggressive and requires only a very light stroke in the early stages of using the rasp.

“I found the new Razor Plus rasp is very sharp and has very little grab when

Range of benefits for performance horses with TopSpec Racehorse Cubes TopSpec Racehorse Cubes are an energy dense, oat-based cube designed to be added to TopSpec Racing Feed Balancer.

They are designed for racehorses, trotters and breeze-up.

Nutritional benefits include high energy to support performance and condition as well as high quality protein, to support muscle development and post-exercise recovery.

The high digestible fibre helps to maintain hindgut health and added calcium and magnesium provides nutritional support for correct bone health, nerve and muscle function.

TopSpec Racehorse Cubes are high in oil to help promote stamina and improve coat condition. The inclusion of salt reduces or eliminates the need to add salt (compared to feeding straights).

For further information please call 00 44 (0)1845 565030 or visit www.topspec.com

new, so it’s very easy to use. The coarse side really moves a lot of hoof with very little effort, which makes trimming much easier.

“The smooth side works very well and after using a sanding block the hoof looks great. The Razor Plus is staying sharper and lasting longer than all the other rasps I’ve used. ” – Carl Bettison AWCF Hons, UK. “This is a pretty dang good rasp! I liked it very much. The file side is sharp and the rasp side is good, and didn’t scar the horses’ feet. It worked really well. When I used the second one, I found it to be just as good as the first.” – Eddie Williams, Kentucky, USA. For further information, please visit www.stromsholm.co.uk

Address your horse’s digestive issues with NAF’s GastriAid and GastriVet With an advanced formula containing a unique blend of key ingredients to maintain gastric health, GastriAid soothes the stomach wall and supports the balance of pH levels within the gut.

GastriVet is a totally natural, nutritional formula developed by world leading veterinary scientists and nutritionists, and recommended by vets. The clinically proven formula promotes a healthy gastric environment, supports the natural anti-inflammatory processes, soothes the stomach walls and balances the pH levels in the gut. Ideal for competition and performance horses, GastriVet can also support the benefits of veterinary treatment when used as part of an aftercare regime.

For further information, please call 00 44 (0)800 373 106 or visit www.naf-equine.eu/uk ISSUE 56 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

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STAKES SCHEDULES

RACES

STAKES SCHEDULES

Races are divided by distance and the relevant surface is indicated as follows: AWT - All Weather Track D - Dirt T - Turf.

Countries covered in this issue are: France, Great Britain, Norway, United Arab Emirates, USA.

CLOSING DATES

Closing dates for all Irish races are set for domestic entry dates. Please check International entry dates with the relevant issue of The Racing Calendar.

COPYRIGHT

Under Copyright law, no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means. This includes but not limited to; photocopying for commercial redistribution and or facsimile recording without the prior permission of the copyright holder, application for which should be addressed to the publisher.

DISCLAIMER

Whilst every effort has been made to publish correct information, the publishers will not be held liable for any omission, mistake or change to the races listed in all published indexes.

Call us on +44 (0)1380 816 777 to subscribe from £13 Country UAE UAE GB UAE

Track Meydan Jebel Ali Lingfield Park Meydan

Race Name & (Sponsor) Meydan Sprint Jebel Ali Sprint Hever Sprint Al Quoz Sprint

UAE UAE GB UAE UAE

Meydan Meydan Lingfield Park Meydan Meydan

Dubawi Stakes Al Shindagha Sprint Cleves St Mahab Al Shimaal Dubai Golden Shaheen

UAE UAE UAE GB GB

Meydan Abu Dhabi Meydan Lingfield Park Wolverhampton

Al Fahidi Fort HH The President Cup Meydan Classic Spring Cup (32Red) Lady Wulfruna

UAE UAE UAE UAE UAE UAE FR UAE FR UAE UAE

Meydan Jebel Ali Meydan Meydan Meydan Meydan Cagnes-Sur-Mer Meydan Cagnes-Sur-Mer Meydan Meydan

Maktoum Challenge R1 Jebel Ali Mile Cape Verdi UAE 1000 Guineas Firebreak St UAE 2000 Guineas Prix De La Californie Zabeel Mile Prix Saonois Burj Nahaar Godolphin Mile

USA

Oaklawn Park

Apple Blossom H

Grade Gr 3 L L Gr 1

Race Date 16-Feb-2017 17-Feb-2017 25-Feb-2017 25-Mar-2017

Value $175,000 AED 500,000 £45,000 $1,000,000

5f (1000m)

Age NH & SH 3YO+ NH & SH 3YO+ 4+ NH 3yo+ SH 3yo+

Surface T D AWT T

Metres 1000 1000 1000 1000

NH & SH 3YO+ NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+ 4+ NH 3yo+ SH 3yo+ NH 3yo+ SH 3yo+

D D AWT D D

1200 1200 1200 1200 1200

6f 6f 6f 6f 6f

NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+ NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+ NH 3yo+ SH 3yo+ 3 4+

T T T AWT AWT

1400 1400 1400 1400 1400

7f 7f 7f 7f 7f

$250,000 NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+ D AED 575,000 NH 4YO+ & SH 3YO+ D $200,000 NH F&M 4yo+ SH F&M 3yo+ T $250,000 NH 3YO F SH 3YO F D $200,000 NH 4YO + & SH 3YO+ D $250,000 NH 3yo SH 3yo D € 50,000 3 AWT $250,000 NH 3yo+ SH 3yo+ T € 52,000 4+ AWT $200,000 NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+ D $1,000,000 NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+ D

1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600

1m 1m 1m 1m 1m 1m 1m 1m 1m 1m 1m

Visit www.trainermagazine.com L Gr 3 L Gr 3 Gr 1

12-Jan-2017 2-Feb-2017 4-Feb-2017 4-Mar-2017 25-Mar-2017

6f (1200m)

$150,000 $200,000 £45000 $200,000 $2,000,000

Now available for iPhone/iPad via Appstore Gr 2 L L L L

19-Jan-2017 12-Feb-2017 23-Feb-2017 4-Mar-2017 11-Mar-2017

$250,000 AED 380,000 $125,000 £45,000 £50,000

5-Jan-2017 20-Jan-2017 26-Jan-2017 9-Feb-2017 11-Feb-2017 11-Feb-2017 12-Feb-2017 16-Feb-2017 28-Feb-2017 4-Mar-2017 25-Mar-2017 14-Apr-2017

Meydan Meydan Gulfstream Park Gulfstream Park Meydan Meydan Meydan Gulfstream Park Oaklawn Park

Singspiel Stakes Al Rashidiya Pegasus World Cup Gulfstream Park Turf H Balanchine Jebel Hatta Dubai Turf Florida Derby Arkansas Derby

UAE UAE UAE UAE UAE

Meydan Meydan Meydan Meydan Jebel Ali

Maktoum Challenge R2 Al Bastakiya UAE Oaks UAE Derby Jebel Ali Stakes

L Gr 2 Gr 1 Gr 1 Gr 2 Gr 1 Gr 1 Gr 1 Gr 1

5-Jan-2017 26-Jan-2017 28-Jan-2017 11-Feb-2017 16-Feb-2017 4-Mar-2017 25-Mar-2017 1-Apr-2017 15-Apr-2017

4+ F&M

D

2-Feb-2017 4-Mar-2017 23-Mar-2017 25-Mar-2017 17-Feb-2017

$175,000 NH 4YO + & SH 3YO+ T $200,000 NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+ T $12,000,000 3+ D $350,000 4+ T $200,000 NH F&M 4yo+ SH F&M 3yo+ T $300,000 NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+ T $6,000,000 NH 4YO+ & SH 3YO+ T $1,000,000 3 D $1,000,000 3 D $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $2,000,000 AED 500,000

1700 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800

Lingfield Park Cagnes-Sur-Mer Meydan Lingfield Park Meydan Meydan

Winter Derby Trial Grand Prix de la Riviera Côte dAzur Dubai Millennium Stakes Winter Derby (Coral) Maktoum Challenge R3 Dubai World Cup

UAE

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Championship

Gp 3 L Gr 3 Gp 3 Gr 1 Gr 1

4-Feb-2017 12-Feb-2017 18-Feb-2017 25-Feb-2017 4-Mar-2017 25-Mar-2017

D D D D D

1900 1900 1900 1900 1950

19-Mar-2017

£45,000 € 60,000 $200,000 £100,000 $400,000 $10,000,000 AED 400,000

4+ 4+ NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+ 4+ NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+ NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+

AWT AWT T AWT D D

2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000

NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+

T

2200

Meydan Meydan Ovrevoll

Dubai City of Gold Dubai Sheema Classic Scandic Norwegian Derby

Gr 2 Gr 1 L

FR

Cagnes-Sur-Mer

Grand Prix du Departement 06

UAE

Meydan

Nad Al Sheba Trophy

4-Mar-2017 $250,000 25-Mar-2017 $6,000,000 27-Aug-2017 NOK 1,200,000 25-Feb-2017

NH 4yo+ SH 4yo+ NH 4yo+ SH 4yo+ 3 CG + F

T T T

2400 2400 2400

4+

T

2500

23-Feb-2017

$200,000

NH 4YO+ & SH 3YO+

T

2800

80

Meydan

Dubai Gold Cup

Gr 2

25-Mar-2017

$1,000,000

30-Jan-2017 27-Feb-2017 20-Feb-2017 12-Jan-2017

1m 2f 1m 2f 1m 2f 1m 2f 1m 2f 1m 2f

30-Jan-2017 3-Feb-2017 13-Feb-2017 24-Jan-2017 27-Feb-2017 12-Jan-2017

1m 3f

T

3200

1m 4f 27-Feb-2017 1m 4f 12-Jan-2017 1m 4f 7-Mar-2017

NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+

1m 4½f 17-Feb-2017

1m 6f (2800m)

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1m 1½f 1m 1½f 1m 1½f 1m 1½f 1m 1½f

1m 4½f (2500m)

€ 75,000

Now available for iPhone/iPad via Appstore Gr 3

2-Jan-2017 23-Jan-2017 INV 29-Jan-2017 13-Feb-2017 27-Feb-2017 12-Jan-2017 19-Mar-2017

1m 4f (2400m)

Visit www.trainermagazine.com L

1m 1f 1m 1f 1m 1f 1m 1f 1m 1f 1m 1f 1m 1f 1m 1f 1m 1f

1m 3f (2200m)

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1m½f

1m 2f (2000m)

Now available for iPhone/iPad via Appstore Gr 3

23-Jan-2017 6-Feb-2017 6-Feb-2017 6-Feb-2017 3-Feb-2017 13-Feb-2017 10-Feb-2017 27-Feb-2017 12-Jan-2017

1m 1½f (1900m)

NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+ NH 3yo SH 3yo NH 3F SH 3F NH & SH 3YO+ NH 4YO+ & SH 3YO+

Visit www.trainermagazine.com GB FR UAE GB UAE UAE

2-Jan-2017

1m 1f (1800m)

Call us on +44 (0)1380 816 777 to subscribe from £13 Gr 2 L Gr 3 Gr 2 L

20-Feb-2017 27-Feb-2017 6-Mar-2017

1m ½f (1700m)

$600,000

Now available for iPhone/iPad via Appstore UAE UAE USA USA UAE UAE UAE USA USA

16-Jan-2017

1m (1600m)

Visit www.trainermagazine.com Gr 1

11-Jan-2017 30-Jan-2017 30-Jan-2017 27-Feb-2017 12-Jan-2017

7f (1400m)

Call us on +44 (0)1380 816 777 to subscribe from £13 Gr 2 Gr 3 Gr 2 L Gr 3 Gr 3 L Gr 2 L Gr 3 Gr 2

Furlongs Closing 5f 13-Feb-2017 5f 5f 20-Feb-2017 5f 12-Jan-2017

1m 6f 20-Feb-2017

2m (3200m) 2m

12-Jan-2017

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