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Jeppesen A, Eyers R, Evans D, Ward MP, Quain A. Comparison of Reported Fatalities, Falls and Injuries in Thoroughbred Horse Jumps and Flat Races in the 2022 and 2023 Jumps Race Seasons in Victoria, Australia. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:804. [PMID: 38473189 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Jumps racing is a form of Thoroughbred horse racing that involves hurdles and steeples and typically longer distances, and heavier weights compared with flat racing, which does not incorporate obstacles. In Australia, jumps racing is carried out only in Victoria, one of eight states and territories. The continuation of jumps racing is contentious due to the higher risk of fatalities, falls and injuries for horses, compared with flat racing. While measures have been introduced by the industry to improve the safety of riders and horses, the rates of fatalities, falls and injuries in horses participating in jumps races have not been collectively reported in Australia since the 2012 to 2014 race seasons. Although information on individual horse fatalities, falls and injuries is published by Racing Victoria in Stewards' Reports, the data are not aggregated, and so cannot readily be used to assess trends or evaluate the efficacy of safety measures introduced by the industry. The aim of this study was to determine the fatality, fall and injury rates for horses participating in hurdle and steeplechase races in Victoria in the 2022 and 2023 Thoroughbred horse jumps racing seasons compared with horses participating in flat races at the same race meets. Data on horse fatalities, falls and injuries were extracted from the published Racing Victoria race results and Stewards' Reports for the jumps races (n = 150) and corresponding flat races (n = 157) held at the 38 jumps race meets in Victoria in 2022 and 2023. Overall, horse fatalities, falls and injuries occurred at higher rates in jumps races compared with flat races during the study period. The rate of horse fatalities in jumps races was 3.3 per 1000 starts, with no fatalities in flat races. The rate of horse falls in hurdle races was 24 per 1000 starts and 41.6 per 1000 starts in steeplechase races, comparable with rates previously reported in the 2012 to 2014 seasons. There were no falls in flat races. Horse injuries occurred at a rate of 68.9 per 1000 starts in jumps races compared with 18.8 per 1000 starts in flat races. In hurdle and steeplechase races, veterinary clearance being required following horse injury was 5.4 times (OR 5.4, 95% CI 2.8-10.2) and 7.2 times (OR 7.2, 95% CI 3.3-15.6) more likely, respectively, compared with flat races. The risk of trauma was 4 times more likely in hurdle and steeplechase races (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.7-13.3 and OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.2-13.4, respectively) and the risk of lameness was increased by 2.5 times in hurdles (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2-5.2) and 5.1 times in steeplechase races (OR 5.1, 95% CI 2.3-11.5), compared with flat races. These findings support concerns about the welfare of horses involved in jumps racing and of the need for further safety measures to reduce these risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Jeppesen
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | | | - Di Evans
- RSPCA Australia, Deakin, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Michael P Ward
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Anne Quain
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
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Gibson MJ, Legg KA, Gee EK, Rogers CW. Risk Factors for Horse Fatality in Thoroughbred Jumps Racing in New Zealand. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 129:104897. [PMID: 37544490 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the race-, horse- and jockey-level risk factors for race day fatality in New Zealand Thoroughbred jumps racing using retrospective race day data from the 2011/12 to 2021/22 seasons (n = 8,970 starts). There were 51 race day fatalities resulting in an incidence rate of 5.7 per 1,000 starts (95% C.I. 4.3-7.5). The majority of fatalities were the result of fractures (44/51, 4.9 per 1,000 starts, 95% C.I. 3.7-6.6). Steeplechase and hurdle races had the same incidence of fatal fractures of 4.9 per 1,000 starts (95% C.I. 3.7-6.6, P > .05). Most (70.5%) of the fatal fractures were due to a horse falling during the race. In steeplechase races, horses running in races over 4,201 m were 5.0 times (95% C.I. 1.2-33.0) more likely to sustain a fatal fracture than horses in racing over shorter distances. In hurdle races, horses racing during spring were 2.2 times (95% C.I. 1.0-4.8) more likely to sustain a fatal fracture compared to winter. Due to the low number of suspected cardiac failures and fatal soft tissue injuries, risk factors for these fatalities could not be identified. These data provide a baseline to enable evidence-based regulatory changes and prospectively monitor the effectiveness of changes made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela J Gibson
- School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
| | - Kylie A Legg
- School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Erica K Gee
- School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Chris W Rogers
- School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand; School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Lucas D, Stokes K, McGuigan P, Hill J, Cazzola D. Consensus on a jockey's injury prevention framework for video analysis: a modified Delphi study. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2022; 8:e001441. [PMID: 36530598 PMCID: PMC9756174 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2022-001441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Professional horse racing is a high-risk and dangerous sport with a high incidence of falls and injuries. While falls in horse racing are considered somewhat inevitable and carry an inherent occupational risk, little is known about the actual mechanisms of jockey injuries. Establishing injury aetiology and mechanism is a fundamental step in informing the design and implementation of future injury prevention strategies. Despite the availability of horse racing video footage, the use of video analysis to examine injury mechanisms is an underused practice. Using an expert consensus-based approach, an industry expert steering committee was assembled to develop a framework for video analysis research in horse racing. The aim of the framework is to encourage and facilitate the use of video analysis in the sport and to ensure consistency and quality of future application. To achieve consensus, a systematic review and modified Delphi method study design was used. Responses of the steering committee to two open-ended questions regarding the risk factors of falls and injury were collated and combined with findings from a literature search strategy. Appropriate descriptors and definitions were then formulated that defined and described key features of a jockey fall in horse racing and grouped into six discrete phases of an inciting event. Each member of the steering committee then examined the framework of proposed descriptors and definitions and rated their level of agreement on the 5-point Likert scale. A consensus was achieved on a total of 73 horse racing-specific descriptors and 268 associated definitions. The framework outlined in this study provides a valuable starting point for further research and practice within this area, while the recommendations and implications documented aim to facilitate the practical application of video analysis in horse racing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daloni Lucas
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK,Centre for Health and Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport (CHi2PS), University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Keith Stokes
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK,Centre for Health and Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport (CHi2PS), University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Polly McGuigan
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK,Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research & Applications (CAMERA), University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Jerry Hill
- Medical Department, British Horseracing Authority, London, UK
| | - Dario Cazzola
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK,Centre for Health and Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport (CHi2PS), University of Bath, Bath, UK,Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research & Applications (CAMERA), University of Bath, Bath, UK
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Davies E, Steel L. The psychological responses of British amateur point-to-point jockeys to personal injury. COMPARATIVE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3920/cep220028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Previous research has reported significant psychological consequences of injury on rehabilitation success, performance, and wellbeing in athletes, although little is known within horse-based sports. There is a high prevalence of injury reported in point-to-point (P2P) jockeys, but despite this, comparatively little research exists examining the psychological implications resulting from physical trauma within horseracing. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychological responses to personal injury in British amateur P2P jockeys. Five amateur P2P jockeys (two male, three female, x- age 25 years old) were interviewed about their experiences post an injury sustained during racing in the preceding 12 months. Interview questions explored their pre-injury career, the rehabilitation phase, pre-return to racing phase issues and coping strategies used by jockeys. Thematic analysis revealed three higher order themes: emotional responses, coping strategies, and factors affecting recovery. Subjects universally cited negative emotional responses following injury, including grief, a sense of loss, and frustration, and all experienced denial at the onset of injury. Typical coping strategies included strong support networks of family, friends and racing staff, and goal setting. Fear of reinjury was identified by all athletes, particularly on return to the saddle, and the attitudes towards injury management, such as denial, seen in this study may provide opportunities to develop targeted education campaigns for P2P jockeys on injury services. Targeted marketing for P2P jockeys on available injury support is recommended, such as seen for professional jockeys, as well as the creation of career development resources to offer alternative routes for P2P jockeys following injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Davies
- Hartpury University, Hartpury House, Hartpury, Gloucestershire, GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
| | - L. Steel
- Hartpury University, Hartpury House, Hartpury, Gloucestershire, GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
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Legg KA, Bolwell CF, Gee EK, Gibson MJ, Rogers CW. Risk factors for horse falls in New Zealand Thoroughbred jumps racing. Vet J 2022; 289:105915. [PMID: 36243304 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2022.105915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the incidence of, and risk factors for race-day horse falls in Thoroughbred jumps (hurdle and steeplechase) racing in New Zealand. Incidence rates for race-day horse falls in jumps races from 2005/6 - 2018/19 racing seasons (n = 13,648 race day starts) were calculated per 1000 starts. Univariable and multivariable analyses of race-, horse- and jockey-level risk factors for horse falls were conducted using Poisson regression in a generalised linear mixed model. The incidence rate of horse falls in jumps races was 42 (95 % confidence intervals [CI], 39 - 45) per 1000 starts. Horse falls in steeplechase races were 1.6 (95 % CI, 1.4 - 1.9) times more likely than hurdle races. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) for horses falling at the last three jumps in comparison with the first three jumps was 3.1 (95 % CI, 2.8 - 3.5) for hurdle and 4.4 (95 % CI, 3.9 - 5.0) for steeplechase races. Greater jockey (age, P = 0.02) and horse experience (P = 0.001) were associated with a lower IRR of falls (P = 0.05). Longer races (P = 0.02) and those held in autumn compared to winter (IRR 1.4; 95 % CI, 1.0 - 1.8; P = 0.05) were associated with a higher rate of falling in steeplechase races. A regulatory change enhancing discretionary ability of jockeys to pull up 'in-race' was associated with reduced horse falls (IRR 0.65; 95 % CI, 0.51 - 0.82; P = 0.001). Pragmatic rule changes within the industry can have a positive effect on reducing risk and improving equine welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Legg
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
| | - C F Bolwell
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - E K Gee
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - M J Gibson
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - C W Rogers
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
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Mata F, Bannister-Bell A, Young T. Risk factors associated with horse fall severity whilst racing over Grand National fences pre- and post-changes to their structure. COMPARATIVE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3920/cep210047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated whether the modifications made to Grand National (GN) fences at Aintree, Liverpool, UK in 2012 following the Review of Safety and Welfare commissioned by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), reduced the number and severity of ridden horse falls. The study also investigated whether the number of fences in a race and the total starters were positively linked to falls, and whether horse and jockey experience had any bearing. Videos of 36 races run between 2008 and 2016 recording all horse falls were retrospectively reviewed. Eighteen of the races were run prior to the 2012 changes made to the fences and 18 after the modifications. Falls were graded using a pre-determined severity scale, and previous experience of jumping GN fences. The severity scale was developed by the authors based on the literature and their perception of the degree of injury caused to the rider. The number of falls pre- and post-GN fence modification were adjusted to generalised linear models using the number of falls and severity of falls as dependent variables. A significant decrease in fallers was seen (P<0.001) after changes were made to the GN fences, together with a reduction in the probability of all levels of severity of fall. The severity scores decreased with increasing number of fences (P<0.001). When there were more starters in a race, a greater probability of horse falls was observed (P<0.001). No positive association between horse’s experience of jumping GN fences and horse falls, or jockey licence and horse falls was found (P>0.05). This study revealed that by implementing the changes recommended by the BHA, which included modifying the GN fences, the number and severity of ridden horse falls decreased. Horse and rider welfare was improved, contributing positively to the debate and public perception of the horseracing industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Mata
- Centre for Research and Development in Agri-food Systems and Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial Nun’Álvares 34, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
| | - A.J. Bannister-Bell
- School of Social and Life Sciences, Wrexham Glyndŵr University, Northop Campus, Holywell Road, Northop, Mold, Flintshire, CH7 6AA, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - T.J. Young
- School of Social and Life Sciences, Wrexham Glyndŵr University, Northop Campus, Holywell Road, Northop, Mold, Flintshire, CH7 6AA, Wales, United Kingdom
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Marlin D, Williams J. Faults in international showjumping are not random. COMPARATIVE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.3920/cep190069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Performance analysis (PA) involves the systematic observation and analysis of factors identified to enhance performance to improve athlete decision-making in a specific sport. PA is commonplace in human sports, yet despite potential advantages, its application remains limited in equestrianism. This study aimed to evaluate if factors anecdotally associated with performance in elite showjumping influenced competitive success. 250 combinations attempting 3,052 jumping-efforts across 2nd round European Fédération Equestre Internationale Nations Cup 2017 competition were analysed. Types of fault (e.g. pole down, refusal, etc.) were recorded as well as characteristics of the jump (e.g. jump type, approach angle). Combinations jumped clear at the majority of attempts (93.6; n=2,857) with faults only occurring at 6.4% of jumps (n=195). The most common faults were knock-downs (5.5%), time penalties (0.8%), faults at water jumps (0.3%) and refusal (0.2%). Faults were distributed across all fence types, however, were more common at upright fences (49%) and within combination fences (41%). A linear relationship was found between jumping-effort number and number of fences knocked-down (r=0.7; P<0.001). There were 2.8 times more knock-downs for the second half of the course (efforts 9-15) compared with jumping-efforts 1-7 (P<0.05). Faults were 4 times more likely at jumping-efforts 3, 4, 5 and 8 in the first half of the course (P<0.03) which increased to being 9 times more likely in the 2nd half of the courses (jumping-efforts 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14; P<0.006). A straight approach to a jumping-effort reduced the chance of faults by 48% (P<0.0001) compared to a non-straight approach. These preliminary results suggest faults are not randomly distributed in elite showjumping and that patterns exist within fault accumulation demonstrating that the application of PA techniques in equestrian sport could lead to a performance advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Marlin
- DM Consulting, CB2 1LA, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - J. Williams
- Hartpury University, Department of Animal Science, Gl19 3BE, Hartpury, United Kingdom
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Smith L, Tabor G, Williams J. A retrospective case-control study to investigate horse and jockey level risk factors associated with horse falls in Irish Point-to-Point races. COMPARATIVE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.3920/cep190054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Horse racing as a high-risk sport can pose a significant risk to equine welfare. There have been limited epidemiological reviews of fall risk specific to point-to-point racing. This study aimed to identify horse and jockey level risk factors associated with horse falls and compare these to published findings for Hurdle and Steeplechase racing. The study used a retrospective matched case-control design. Relevant variables were identified, and information was collated for all races in the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 seasons. Cases and controls were matched with a 1:3 ratio. Controls (n=2,547) were selected at random from all horses that completed in the same race (n=849). Horse and jockey level variables were analysed through univariable analysis to inform multivariable model building. A final matched case-control multivariable logistic regression model was refined, using fall/no fall as the dependent variable, through a backward stepwise process. Horse age was associated with an increased risk of horse falls. For every 1 unit increase in age there was a 1.2 times increased fall risk. The number of races ran within 12 months was associated with a decreased risk of falling. The jockeys previous seasons percentage wins was associated with the risk of horse falls. Jockeys who had 0-4% wins and 5-9% wins had an increase in risk compared to those who had over 20% wins/runs. The jockeys previous seasons percentage of falls (F) or unseating of the rider (UR) was associated with the risk of horse falls with jockeys who had over 20% F/UR having a 50% increased chance of falling compared to those who had 0-4% F/UR. Retrospective analysis of horse and jockey falls has exposed risk factors that have been previously identified in hurdle and steeplechase racing. Identification of risk factors is essential when considering future research and interventions aimed at improving horse and jockey safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- L.J. Smith
- CAFRE, 2 Levaghy, Co. Fermanagh, BT74 4GF Enniskillen, United Kingdom
| | - G. Tabor
- Hartpury University and Hartpury College, Hartpury, Gloucester GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
| | - J. Williams
- Hartpury University and Hartpury College, Hartpury, Gloucester GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
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Smith L, Tabor G, Williams J. A retrospective case control study to investigate race level risk factors associated with horse falls in Irish point-to-point races. COMPARATIVE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.3920/cep170034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Horseracing as a high-risk sport can pose a significant risk to equine welfare. To date no epidemiological reviews of fall risk in horseracing have investigated the risks specific to point-to-point (PTP) racing. This study aimed to identify the main race level risk factors associated with horse falls in Irish PTP and to compare these to published findings for hurdle and steeplechase racing. The study used a retrospective case-control design. Relevant variables were identified and information was collated for all PTP races in the 2013/14 and 2014/15 seasons. Race-level variables were analysed through univariable analysis to inform multivariable model building. A final multivariable logistic regression model was refined, using fall/no fall as the dependent variable, through a backward stepwise process with variables retained if likelihood ratio test P-values were <0.05. During the study period 1,358 PTP races were recorded, 727 races (54%) included at least one horse fall. The fall frequency noted during the current study was 88/1000 starts. Race category impacted the odds of a fall occurring with all categories of maiden races having increased odds of falls compared to open races. Maiden races for 6 year olds and 6 and 7 year olds had the greatest chance of falling with 6.9 times increased odds. The chance of a race containing a fall increased 38% for each additional runner and was reduced by 25% for every horse that pulled up during the race. Using a larger data set could enable further sub-models to be developed. In the current study some of the variables had a low number of cases and/or controls which limited the analysis. Retrospective analysis of fall risk exposed some risk factors that have been previously identified in hurdle and steeplechase racing. The variables identified could inform future research and interventions aimed at improving horse and jockey safety whilst racing.
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Affiliation(s)
- L.J. Smith
- CAFRE, Equine Lecturer, 2 Levaghy, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh BT74 4GF, United Kingdom
| | - G. Tabor
- Hartpury College, Hartpury House, Hartpury, Gloucester GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
| | - J. Williams
- Hartpury College, Hartpury House, Hartpury, Gloucester GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
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Jump Horse Safety: Reconciling Public Debate and Australian Thoroughbred Jump Racing Data, 2012-2014. Animals (Basel) 2015; 5:1072-91. [PMID: 26506396 PMCID: PMC4693203 DOI: 10.3390/ani5040399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Revised: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This paper documents the dynamics of Australian thoroughbred jump racing in the 2012, 2013, and 2014 seasons with the aim of informing debate about risks to horses and the future of this activity. We conclude that the safety of Australian jump racing has improved in recent years but that steeplechases are considerably riskier for horses than hurdle races. Abstract Thoroughbred jump racing sits in the spotlight of contemporary welfare and ethical debates about horse racing. In Australia, jump racing comprises hurdle and steeplechase races and has ceased in all but two states, Victoria and South Australia. This paper documents the size, geography, composition, and dynamics of Australian jump racing for the 2012, 2013, and 2014 seasons with a focus on debate about risks to horses. We found that the majority of Australian jump racing is regional, based in Victoria, and involves a small group of experienced trainers and jockeys. Australian jump horses are on average 6.4 years of age. The jump career of the majority of horses involves participating in three or less hurdle races and over one season. Almost one quarter of Australian jump horses race only once. There were ten horse fatalities in races over the study period, with an overall fatality rate of 5.1 fatalities per 1000 horses starting in a jump race (0.51%). There was significant disparity between the fatality rate for hurdles, 0.75 fatalities per 1000 starts (0.075%) and steeplechases, 14 fatalities per 1000 starts (1.4%). Safety initiatives introduced by regulators in 2010 appear to have significantly decreased risks to horses in hurdles but have had little or no effect in steeplechases. Our discussion considers these data in light of public controversy, political debate, and industry regulation related to jump horse safety.
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Williams J, Marlin D, Langley N, Parkin T, Randle H. The Grand National: a review of factors associated with non-completion and horse-falls, 1990 to 2012. COMPARATIVE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 2013. [DOI: 10.3920/cep13013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The Grand National (GN) attracts high profile press and subsequent public attention. This study aimed to establish if factors influential to non-completion, horse-falls and specific fence risk in the GN supported the measures implemented by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) to improve equine welfare in the GN. Horse, jockey, trainer and race related factors associated with non-completion, horse-falls and horse-falls at specific fences of the GN were collated over a 22 year period from 1990 to 2012. Descriptive analysis calculated non-completion rates per year, according to age and reason for non-completion. The distribution of fallers during the race in relation to fence number, design and key feature fences were also determined. Univariable analysis informed multivariable model building to identify factors associated with non-completion (n=840) and horse-falls (n=514) in the GN. Two final logistic regression models were refined through a backward stepwise process with variables retained if likelihood ratio test P-values were <0.05. Chi-square goodness of fit analyses evaluated fall risk at fence level. During the period investigated 347 horses completed the GN; the probability of a horse falling in the race was 0.24. The first fence, Becher's brook and drop fences increased the risk of falling compared to plain fences. Good-soft going increased the number of horses that completed the race and reduced the number of fallers suggesting this is the optimal ground condition for the race. GNs run at a faster than average speed increased the risk of horses not completing and falling. Inexperienced horses and jockeys show a greater risk of not completing and falling. Our work supports BHA measures implemented to improve safety in the GN; controlling speed, modifying fence design, promoting race experience and ground maintenance to produce good-soft going can increase completions and reduce falls, therefore enhancing equine welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- J.M. Williams
- Centre for Performance in Equestrian Sports, UWE Hartpury, Gloucester, GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
| | - D.M. Marlin
- David Marlin Consulting Ltd., P.O. Box 187, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 1BA, United Kingdom
| | - N. Langley
- Centre for Performance in Equestrian Sports, UWE Hartpury, Gloucester, GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
| | - T.D. Parkin
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Wolfson Medical School Building, University Avenue, G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - H. Randle
- Duchy College, Stoke Climsland, Cornwall PL17 8PB, United Kingdom
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