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Factors associated with failure of Thoroughbred horses to train and race
Author(s) -
Wilsher S.,
Allen W. R.,
Wood J. L. N.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
equine veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 2042-3306
pISSN - 0425-1644
DOI - 10.2746/042516406776563305
Subject(s) - medicine , incidence (geometry) , cohort , demography , pediatrics , physics , sociology , optics
Summary Reasons for performing study : The low productivity associated with training and racing of young Thoroughbreds (TBs) in the UK due to athletic inability, injury and disease requires further study. Objectives : To identify the time points and causes of losses during growth and training phases of a cohort of 1022 TB foals born in 1999 up to the end of their third year. Methods : Movement and fate of 1022 Thoroughbred foals conceived in 1998 and born live in 1999 were monitored from birth to age 3 years. Those (n = 562) that entered training age 2 and/or 3 years with one of 161 registered trainers in Britain or Ireland in 2001/2 were analysed as to their subsequent performance and the incidence of 9 common injuries or infective or metabolic illnesses. Results : Of the 1022 foals identified, 537 (52%) entered training at age 2 years, 289 (28%) were exported, 60 (6%) were kept as 'stores' for National Hunt (NH) racing, 58 (6%) died or were destroyed, 25 (2%) were waiting to enter training at age 3 years, 17 (2%) were never intended for racing and 36 (4%) were untraceable. Race records showed that 327 (61%) of the 2‐year‐olds in training competed one or more times, 95 (18%) won and 165 (31%) were placed. Only 28 (5%) earned enough prize money to cover their training fees. Sore shins and inflammatory airway disease (IAD) were the 2 ailments most commonly encountered. In 2002, 431 (80%) of the previous year's 2‐year‐olds remained in training aged 3 years and 25 entered training having not raced previously. Of the 456 3‐year‐olds in training, 347 (76%) raced one or more times 138 (30%) won, 218 (48%) were placed and 78 (17%) recouped their training fees. Joint problems and sore shins were the ailments most commonly suffered and, with the exception of rhabdomyolysis (‘tying up’), colts and geldings suffered a higher rate of muscloskeletal injuries than fillies. Conclusion : Previous reports of high nonrun and nonplaced rates, high incidence of injury and cost‐ineffectiveness of 2‐year‐olds in flat‐race training were confirmed. Potential relevance : This study lays the basis for further studies of the facets involved in wastage.