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Astaxanthin due to its strong antioxidant activity is believed to reduce oxidative stress and therefore is considered as feed additive in pathological conditions and also for the athletes. It is promoted by several equine web portals, however, data supporting that concept in horses is limited. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of astaxanthin supplementation on the parameters of oxidative status in 3 years old, racing Arabian horses during long term observation and the changes related to a single training session of high intensity. Six horses were supplemented with astaxanthin at a dose of 0.52–0.58 mg/kg BW and 7 received no supplementation. Astaxanthin supplementation resulted in the increase in total antioxidant status by 31.5%, accompanied by decreases in the amount of total thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances -TBARS and glutathione reductases - GR values by 34.5% and 45.4%, respectively, after 1 month and this effect persisted until the end of the observation. After individual training session the activities of glutathione peroxidases and GR were lower by 69% and 46%, respectively, and TBARS lower by 38% in supplemented horses. These results directly confirmed the beneficial effects of astaxanthin supplementation on the antioxidant status of race horses. Astaxanthin partially counterbalance the training-related oxidative stress, save the horse natural antioxidant defense, and shift the redox status towards a more reducing environment. At the same time, exercise-induced reactive oxygen species production at certain level was maintained and so that contributed to training progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Foot‐related lameness is common in Standardbred and Thoroughbred racehorses. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides information on both the soft tissue and osseous structures of the distal extremity. The aim of this study was to determine whether abnormalities identified on distal limb MRI differed between these two racehorse populations. Materials and Methods: The records of Standardbred and Thoroughbred racehorse distal extremity MRI examinations conducted at Camden Equine Centre and Ballarat Veterinary Practice between 2013 and 2023 were retrieved. Horses were included if pain causing lameness had been localised to the foot using perineural or intra‐articular analgesia. MRI abnormalities of the structures within the distal extremity were recorded and comparisons made between the two groups. Results: There was a significant difference in the rate of occurrence of certain MRI abnormalities between the Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorse populations, including distal phalangeal fractures, proximal phalangeal short tau inversion recovery (STIR) hyperintensity (distal aspect), the presence and severity of ungular cartilage ossification, abnormalities of the navicular bone distal border synovial invaginations/vascular channels and navicular bone distal border fragments. The presence of distal extremity STIR hyperintensity and fractures was significantly higher in Standardbred compared to Thoroughbred racehorses when these findings were grouped and considered in combination. Conclusion: There were many similarities in the distal extremity MRI abnormalities identified in lame Australian Standardbred and Thoroughbred racehorses. However, distal phalangeal fractures, ungular cartilage ossification and distal extremity STIR hyperintensity were identified in significantly more in Standardbred than Thoroughbred racehorses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The veterinary yearling pre-sale repository radiographs have the potential to impact both vendor and prospective purchaser. The primary aim of this study was to determine inter-observer agreement for orthopaedic lesions identified in thoroughbred yearling repository radiographs. A secondary goal was to determine agreement when using a pre-defined risk rating classification. Methods: Three experienced specialist equine surgeons (2 ACVS & 1 FANZCVS) interpreted thirty repository radiographs once each for radiographic abnormalities. Each radiographic abnormality was given an associated risk assessment for future racing performance. Results: The use of a pre-defined risk rating grading scale resulted in good to excellent agreement as observers reached a consensus on risk ratings for lesions 97.1% of the time. The highest agreement was for the proximal interphalangeal joint and distal interphalangeal joint, with 99.9 and 98.2% agreement, respectively. The tarsal region was the joint with the highest disagreement with respect to pathology, with observers disagreeing 5.2% of the time. Discussion: This study found that experienced veterinary surgeons reliably agreed on the absence of lesions but showed disagreement on the specific risk rating of common lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Melbourne Cup is Australia's pinnacle horse racing event, attracting more than 80,000 physical attendees each year (pre-COVID-19), as well as numerous others watching via live broadcasts around the country and overseas. In recent times, however, there have been growing calls to boycott the event, following concerns over the treatment of horses. New hashtag movements lobbying against horse racing have also emerged, aided by the affordances of social media. However, very little attention has been paid to these digital movements in the animal-based leisure and recreation literature. In this study, we investigate one such growing movement, namely, #Nuptothecup. We explore how horse racing is framed by digital activists, revealing their moral, socio-cultural, and political objections. Our findings suggest a societal shift towards a strong animal ethics sentiment combined with a more generalised disdain towards the racing industry and its wider societal ramifications. We argue that if #Nuptothecup and related activisms continue to gain momentum, the Cup may eventually lose its social licence to operate. Further, we consider potential opportunities for managers to reinvent horse racing's image and practices, if it is to secure its survival as an Australian recreational institution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endurance and flat race are entirely different efforts and thus require completely different organism adaptations to achieve the performance. This study aimed to examine the difference in basal lipid metabolism in Arabian horses undergoing different training regimens for endurance and race and possible gender differences. The study enrolled sixty male and female' Arabian horses; thirty were trained for race, and thirty were trained for 80 km endurance races. The analyses included body condition score, body weight, body mass index, % body fat, and blood collected to determine triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density proteins, high-density proteins, and non-esterified fatty acids. Ultrasonography was used to measure the thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer in the longissimus dorsi muscle, as well as the thickness of the rump fat and the cross-section of the gluteus medius muscle. This study showed that lipid profile is more influenced by type of exercise than by gender, being more efficient on endurance horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat, and pet-associated strains may pose a risk to human health. Equine veterinarians are at high risk of carrying methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS), but specific risk factors remain elusive, and few data are available for other personnel involved in the horse industry. The prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors for nasal carriage of MRS in horses and their caregivers were studied in northwestern Italy. Nasal swabs from 110 asymptomatic horses housed at 21 barns and 34 human caregivers were collected. Data on barns, horses, and personnel were acquired through questionnaires. The samples were incubated in selective media, and the bacterial isolates were identified by mass spectrometry. Risk factors were investigated by Poisson regression. MRS were isolated from 33 horses (30%), 11 humans (32.4%) and 3 environmental samples (14.2%). Most isolates were multidrug resistant (MDRS). The prevalence of MRS and MDRS was greater in racehorses and their personnel than in pleasurable and jumping/dressing horses. MRS carriage in caregivers was associated with an increased prevalence of MRS carriage in horses. The frequency of antimicrobial treatments administered in the barn during the last 12 months was a risk factor for MRS carriage in horses [prevalence ratio (PR) 3.97, 95% CI 1.11, 14.13] and caregivers (PR 2.00, 95% CI 1.05, 3.82), whereas a good ventilation index of the horse tabling environment was a protective factor (PR 0.43, 95% CI 0.20, 0.92). Our data reveal relevant interactions occurring between bacterial communities of horses and humans that share the same environment, suggesting that One Health surveillance programs should be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Palatal dysfunction (PD), which encompasses palatal instability (PI) and intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate, is the most common performance‐limiting upper respiratory tract obstruction in young Thoroughbred racehorses. Soft palate thermocautery (SPT) performed under general anaesthesia is a routinely performed procedure for PD in some countries, but the procedure for and outcome of SPT performed under standing sedation has not been published. Objectives: (1) To describe a technique for SPT performed under standing sedation; and (2) to assess post‐operative performance in horses compared to controls using the Racing Post rating (RPR), British Horseracing Authority official rating (OR), Performance Index and Earnings. Study design: Retrospective case series. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for all horses that had SPT performed under standing sedation following topical and local infusion of lidocaine hydrochloride into the rostral soft palate, and that were identified to have PI by overground endoscopy. Two matched controls were identified for each case. The median RPR, OR, Performance Index and Earnings for the three pre‐operative and three post‐operative races were compared. Results: No significant differences were identified between the SPT (n = 23) and Control groups (n = 46) for baseline characteristics or outcomes. Main limitations: Retrospective study design, small sample size. Conclusions: No significant differences in racing performance were identified between horses that had SPT performed under standing sedation and controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Adopting contemporary animal welfare and wellbeing assessment methods requires making inferences about psychological experiences, a process at risk of anthropomorphic bias. Respondents to an online survey were asked for their opinions on how anthropomorphism could relate to horse wellbeing. The results suggest that experienced horse sector participants were aware of the effects of anthropomorphism, including its potential beneficial and detrimental impacts on horse welfare and wellbeing. This included the beneficial effect of motivating individuals to care for horses and the detrimental effect of misinterpreting horse behaviors. The authors propose that anthropomorphism has a place in horse wellbeing when used critically and with caution. Horse-related organizations should actively manage anthropomorphism in policies and practices to avoid compromising animal welfare and wellbeing practices. Anthropomorphizing can misinform the making of inferences about animal mental experiences. This is a consideration when implementing the Five Domains Model for animal welfare assessment. An online survey run in 2021 captured horse sector participants' perspectives about anthropomorphism and wellbeing in relation to horses. Most respondents, 82.9% (n = 431/520), believed that anthropomorphism could influence horse welfare and wellbeing. These respondents were then asked how, in their opinion, anthropomorphism might relate to horse welfare. A thematic analysis identified two themes: (1) 'Anthropomorphism can influence how people relate to horses' and (2) 'Anthropomorphism can have consequences for horse welfare and wellbeing'. The results suggested that experienced respondents were aware of the complexities surrounding anthropomorphic attitudes and that anthropomorphism can have beneficial and detrimental consequences on horse welfare and wellbeing. Benefits include a sense of relatedness to a horse, while detriments include the potential to misinterpret horse behaviors. The authors propose that anthropomorphism has a place in horse welfare and wellbeing when used critically and with caution. This study recommends that there is a need to actively manage anthropomorphism when organizations update policies and practices and implement the Five Domains Model. More research is required to understand the effects of anthropomorphism on horse-related practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Horses exercised 'onto the bit' with periods of induced poll flexion can demonstrate a unique array of upper respiratory tract (URT) disorders. Objectives: To describe a previously unreported exercise‐related disorder of the epiglottis associated with poll flexion in harness racehorses. Study design: Retrospective observational study. Methods: Medical records of all harness racehorses that presented for exercising URT endoscopy between 2005 and 2022 were reviewed. These horses were exercised on a high‐speed treadmill using a previously standardised protocol with alternating 1‐min phases of free head carriage (no rein tension on the bit) and poll flexion (driven onto the bit with long reins) until they could no longer maintain the trotting gait. Results: Seven Standardbreds and 11 Norwegian‐Swedish Coldblooded trotters were diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral compression of the epiglottis during exercise in poll flexion. These horses demonstrated progression of this disorder during the phases of induced poll flexion and showed no signs of epiglottic compression during phases exercised with free head carriage. Main limitations: Retrospective nature of study and limited sample size due to low prevalence. Conclusions: Exercise‐related compression of the base of the epiglottis is a URT disorder only evident videoendoscopically when horses are driven onto the bit leading to poll flexion. It is most often seen in association with dynamic laryngeal collapse but can also be witnessed as a solitary disorder. Videoendoscopically, it appears that the compression is initiated by the rostral advancement of the larynx and hyoid apparatus within a progressively narrowing intermandibular space during poll flexion. Visually, this leads to local inward compression of the lateral nasopharyngeal walls and base of the epiglottis. Further studies are ongoing to confirm this hypothesis and to objectively quantify the degree of URT obstruction caused by this conformational narrowing of the epiglottis during poll flexion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the role of raceday veterinarians in the racing industry, particularly in horse racing. The Racing Integrity Board (RIB) contracts about 40 veterinarians to provide raceday services, ensuring compliance with animal welfare standards. Raceday vets are responsible for examining horses, identifying abnormalities or injuries, providing first aid, and taking blood samples for testing. They also work with stewards, investigators, and club officials to prioritize the welfare of racehorses. The article highlights initiatives such as equine ambulances, a dedicated app for recording findings, and a limb retrieval scheme to improve horse welfare and reduce injuries. The importance of raceday veterinarians in ensuring animal welfare and safety is emphasized, and the industry is encouraged to continue progressing towards higher standards. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract Astaxanthin due to its strong antioxidant activity is believed to reduce oxidative stress and therefore is considered as feed additive in pathological conditions and also for the athletes. It is promoted by several equine web portals, however, data supporting that concept in horses is limited. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of astaxanthin supplementation on the parameters of oxidative status in 3 years old, racing Arabian horses during long term observation and the changes related to a single training session of high intensity. Six horses were supplemented with astaxanthin at a dose of 0.52–0.58 mg/kg BW and 7 received no supplementation. Astaxanthin supplementation resulted in the increase in total antioxidant status by 31.5%, accompanied by decreases in the amount of total thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances -TBARS and glutathione reductases - GR values by 34.5% and 45.4%, respectively, after 1 month and this effect persisted until the end of the observation. After individual training session the activities of glutathione peroxidases and GR were lower by 69% and 46%, respectively, and TBARS lower by 38% in supplemented horses. These results directly confirmed the beneficial effects of astaxanthin supplementation on the antioxidant status of race horses. Astaxanthin partially counterbalance the training-related oxidative stress, save the horse natural antioxidant defense, and shift the redox status towards a more reducing environment. At the same time, exercise-induced reactive oxygen species production at certain level was maintained and so that contributed to training progress.

The classic framework of Anscombe and Aumann (Ann Math Stat 34:199–205, 1963) for decision-making under uncertainty postulates both a primary source of uncertainty (the "horse race") and an auxiliary randomization device (the "roulette wheel"). It also imposes a specific timing of resolution of uncertainty as the horse race takes place before the roulette is played. While this timing is without loss of generality for Subjective Expected Utility, it forbids plausible choice patterns of ambiguity aversion. In this paper, we reverse this timing by assuming that the roulette is played prior to the horse race and we obtain an axiomatic characterization of Choquet Expected Utility that is dual to that of Schmeidler (Econometrica 57(3):571–587, 1989). In this representation, ambiguity aversion is characterized by an aversion to conditioning roulette acts on horse events which, as we argue, is more plausible. Moreover, it can be larger than in Schmeidler's model. Finally, our reversed timing yields incentive compatibility of the random incentive mechanisms, frequently used in experiments for eliciting ambiguity attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background Objectives Study design Methods Results Main limitations Conclusion Short incomplete parasagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx are common injuries described in racehorses and also horses not used for racing. Computed tomographic (CT) features have been described in horses not used for racing, but not in a racehorse population.To describe CT features of short incomplete parasagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx in a group of Thoroughbred racehorses.Retrospective observational study.CT images of 59 Thoroughbred racehorses diagnosed with 60 short incomplete parasagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx examined between January 2014 and February 2023 were reviewed retrospectively. Horse signalment and clinical features were retrieved from hospital records.50/60 fractures were dorsally biased unicortical fractures. Mean proximodistal fracture extension in forelimbs (13.6 mm ± 3.4) was less than in hindlimbs (17.4 mm ± 4.4) (p = 0.0019). There was no difference in fracture extension in the proximodistal direction according to age or gender. Fractures in 2‐year‐olds were shorter in dorsopalmar/−plantar direction (17.4 mm ± 6.3) than in 3‐year‐olds and older horses (21.7 mm ± 7.4) (p = 0.015). Periosteal new bone was present in 91.2% of fractures and endosteal new bone in 75%.Conclusions from this study can only confidently be applied to similar populations of racing Thoroughbred horses.Short incomplete parasagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx in Thoroughbred racehorses most commonly involve only the dorsal cortex and adjacent subchondral and cancellous bone. The distribution of fracture configurations differs from that described in horses not used for racing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Increased radiopharmaceutical uptake (IRU) in skeletal muscle in horses has been previously reported but only a few authors describe its location in detail. Objectives: To describe and document the distribution of IRU in skeletal muscle in a population of flat racing and endurance horses. Study design: Retrospective descriptive study. Methods: Bone phase nuclear skeletal scintigraphy studies of 17 endurance and 9 racehorses with IRU in skeletal muscle were reviewed. The affected muscles were described and differences between endurance and flat racing horses were analysed. Ultrasonographic appearance of the muscles with IRU was also described when available. Results: A total of 22 hindlimb scans (14 endurance horses, 8 racehorses) and 7 forelimbs scans (5 endurance horses, 2 racehorses) were analysed. In the hindlimbs, IRU was most frequently observed in the semitendinosus muscle in endurance horses (7/14, 50%) and in the gluteus medius muscle in racehorses (4/8, 50%). Bilateral IRU in the same muscle was often observed (11/22, 50%) in the hindlimbs. In 87.5% of the studies with IRU in the biceps femoris (7/8) or the semitendinosus muscles (7/8), the IRU was bilateral. In the forelimbs, IRU was most frequently observed in the triceps brachii (2/5, 40%) and latissimus dorsi (2/5, 40%) muscles in endurance horses and in the brachiocephalicus muscle in racehorses (2/2, 100%). The distribution of the skeletal muscles with IRU was more varied in endurance than in flat racehorses. No statistically significant difference was found in the distribution of the skeletal muscles with IRU between endurance and racehorses. Conclusions: Even though no statistical differences between groups could be demonstrated, this study describes the frequent location of IRU in muscle in the semitendinosus of endurance horses and in the gluteus medius of flat racehorses included in this study. The distribution of muscles with IRU was more variable in endurance horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the oral supplementation of astaxanthin (ATX) on inflammatory markers in 3-year-old Arabian racehorses. Despite the recognized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of ATX observed in vitro in rodent models and in human athletes, the effects in equine subjects remain unknown. This study involved a controlled trial with 14 horses receiving either ATX (six horses) or a placebo (eight horses), monitored over four months of race training. Inflammatory cytokines: TNFα, IFNγ, IL-6, IL-10, and prostaglandin E (PGE), were measured monthly to assess the impact of ATX on the inflammatory response. The results indicated no significant differences in measured parameters between the ATX and the control group during the study. However, a significant time-dependent decrease in TNFα and IFNγ levels (p = 0.001) was observed in both groups, suggesting that regular training naturally modulates inflammatory responses. Moreover, positive correlations were noted between TNFα and IFNγ (p < 0.001) in the early phase of the study and between IL-6 and IL-10 (p = 0.008) in the later phase. Hematological parameters remained stable and within reference ranges, indicating no adverse effects of ATX supplementation. Performance metrics, including the number of races completed and wins, showed no significant differences between groups, suggesting that ATX did not enhance athletic performance under the study conditions. Overall, while ATX supplementation affected neither cytokine levels nor performance in Arabian racehorses, the natural anti-inflammatory effects of regular training were evident. Further research is needed to explore potential benefits of ATX supplementation under different conditions, such as in horses with subclinical inflammation or varying training regimens, to fully clarify its role and applications in equine sports medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 1–2 per 100,000 young athletes die from sudden cardiac death (SCD) and extreme exercise may be associated with myocardial scar and arrhythmias. Racehorses have a high prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and SCD but the presence of myocardial scar and inflammation has not been evaluated. Cardiac tissues from the left (LAA) and right (RAA) atrial appendages, left ventricular anterior (LVAPM) and posterior (LVPPM) papillary muscles, and right side of the interventricular septum (IVS-R) were harvested from racehorses with sudden cardiac death (SCD, n = 16) or other fatal injuries (OFI, n = 17), constituting the athletic group (ATH, n = 33), and compared to sedentary horses (SED, n = 10). Horses in the ATH group had myocyte hypertrophy at all sites; increased fibrosis at all sites other than the LAA; increased fibroblast infiltration but a reduction in the overall extracellular matrix (ECM) volume in the RAA, LVAPM, and IVS-R compared to SED horses. In this horse model, athletic conditioning was associated with myocyte hypertrophy and a reduction in ECM. There was an excess of fibrocyte infiltration and focal fibrosis that was not present in non-athletic horses, raising the possibility of an exercise-induced pro-fibrotic substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High intensive intermittent exercise (HIIE) is used to condition horses for racing. A study was done to examine the effect of short duration HIIE on the maximal speed (Speedmax) and v4 of 6 Thoroughbred race horses (v4: speed at which under defined conditions the blood lactate concentration [LA] reaches 4mmol/l). Horses were exercised during 8 weeks with one HIIE session per week on a dirt track. A HIIE session consisted of two runs of 100m each at near maximal speed separated by 10 minutes walking. After every second week during the conditioning period (CP) the number of runs was increased by one finishing with 5 runs per HIIE session in the last two weeks of CP. Prior to the CP, horses performed a submaximal standardized exercise test (SETsubmaximal) and a maximal speed test (SETspeedmax) to determine their v4 and Speedmax respectively. SETsubmaximal was conducted every 2 weeks until the end of CP and SETspeedmax after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of CP. The v4 of horses declined during the first 4 weeks of CP (p < 0.05), but returned to initial levels thereafter. Speedmax remained equal over time. The results indicate that further studies need to be done to find optimal combinations of exercises to simultaneously increase Speedmax and v4 of horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The risk of carpal injury in racehorses may be related to the morphology, yet whether carpal morphologies are set from birth or change through growth remains unclear. Objective: To quantify carpal bone changes through growth. Method: Twenty privately owned Thoroughbred foals born between January 2022 and May 2023 were radiographed bimonthly from birth to 10 months of age. Imprint training was used to take radiographs safely without chemical restraints. Fifteen individual and 11 relative angular carpal parameters were measured using ImageJ on dorsopalmar radiographs of the carpus at zero degrees of vertical and horizontal rotation. Associations with age (growth), sex and the differences between left and right limbs were analysed separately using a linear mixed effects model. Results: Six individual carpal parameters changed with age (radial carpal joint [RCJ], Prx.dor. radial carpal [Cr], Prx.Cu, Dis.dor. third carpal [C3], Dis.pal.C3 and Dis.pal. intermediate carpal), and one was influenced by side, that is higher in the left carpus (Dis.pal.Cr). Seven relative parameters changed with age, and one relative parameter was influenced by side, that is higher in the left (Ra.met‐RCJ). The proximo‐dorsal bone surface angle of Cr and disto‐dorsal bone surface angle of C3 became flatter over time, which may be associated with the re‐direction of the load towards the sagittal carpal plane. Sex did not influence any of the carpal parameters, nor did the combined effect of age, side of the limb and sex. Conclusion: Specific individual and relative angular carpal parameters changed significantly over time and some differed between the left and right limb, whereas other parameters did not change. The steeper carpal bone angles achieved proximally with the parameters that did change may improve stability by redirecting the load more medially through the carpus and the proximal and distal bones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From summer 2018 to summer 2019, several Thoroughbred racehorses held at the Miho Training Centre of the Japan Racing Association inadvertently ingested excessive amounts of sodium selenite, resulting in typical chronic selenium (Se) poisoning – the so-called alkali disease. The typical abnormality was a hoof wall disorder with a circumferentially deep ring and/or transverse hoof wall cracks parallel to the coronet on all feet and appearing after excessive ingestion. One affected Thoroughbred male was unique in that all the hooves had a rough surface with a very fragile hoof wall, but no wall rings or transverse cracking. This horse was euthanized because of dysstasia due to the permanent foot pain associated with hoof wall deformities in the front feet. To detect Se deposition in the hooves, we used energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis to measure the Se signal intensity of each lesion. Characteristic Se-kα signals were emitted from the areas of histologically damaged hoof wall at 33.76 ± 11.78 (mean ± SD) counts per second (cps)/mm2. In contrast, the signal from the uninjured proximal hoof wall was 1.43 ± 0.14 cps/mm2 and that from the uninjured distal hoof wall was 1.51 ± 0.23 cps/mm2. The much greater Se deposition in the injured hoof walls suggests that their disintegration was caused by alkali disease. These results indicate that atypical hoof wall abnormalities due to alkali disease can be diagnosed by EDXRF analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although belief systems have been shaped by various factors throughout history, it is observed that certain concepts have persisted. In this context, the term "Oboo" refers to a mound where sacrifices and offerings were made to the deity in pre-Islamic periods in Central Asia. It is known that the Mongols performed the ritual of offering sacrifices to Oboo since pre-Islamic times. Oboo is considered a shrine and is also known to have the function of a guide/marker. Oboo are generally accepted as guides, and it is observed that travelers make offerings to them. Although Oboo are sometimes associated with graves, it is generally believed that these structures mark a specific place. Located especially in mountain passes, Oboo are believed to bring peace and tranquility. Sacrificial rituals are performed at Oboo in summer and autumn, followed by activities such as horse racing, wrestling, and archery. These features of Oboo have ensured their cultural and religious significance, making them popular even today in Mongolia and its surroundings. In this context, the continuity of Oboo in cultural and religious rituals has left deep traces on the social structures in Central Asia and Anatolia, and it is observed that these structures have played a significant role in shaping the collective identity and belief systems of the peoples in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sesamoiditis causes intermittent lameness in horses and is characterized by the enlargement of vascular channels, local osteolysis, osteophyte and enthesophyte formation on radiography. This study aimed to report the relationship between the clinical and radiological findings of racehorses diagnosed with sesamoiditis, the treatment applied and long-term results. Methods: The study included a total of 30 Arabian and Thoroughbred racehorses aged 2-7 years diagnosed with sesamoditis based on clinical and radiological examinations. These horses were treated and followed for nine months. Result: Radiographic examination revealed different numbers of enlarged vascular channels in the proximal sesamoid bones in all the cases and osteophytosis (n=3), enthesophytosis (n=9), osteolysis (n=3) and fractures (n=6) in some cases. In addition, low heels were important in 27 cases. The body conformation and low-heeled hoof structure play a role in the development of sesamoiditis in horses and should be considered. As a result, body structure and low heel structure play a role in the development of sesamoiditis in horses and should be considered. This situation should be tried to be corrected by farriers during the foaling period. Sesamoiditis can have a positive prognosis with appropriate treatment and adequate rest, for this reason, treatment should be started in the early period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Horse Racing the Chicago Way: Gambling, Politics and Organized Crime, 1837-1911" reviews Steven A. Riess's book on the history of horse racing in Chicago. Riess delves into the intertwining of gambling, politics, and corruption in the horse racing industry, highlighting the social and economic significance of the sport. The author also explores the opposition to horse racing, particularly from evangelical Christians, and the eventual shutdown of racing tracks in the early 1900s. Overall, the book provides a comprehensive and insightful look into the complex history of horse racing in Chicago. [Extracted from the article]

Context: Racing structure and focus for racehorses differs across jurisdictions and is poorly described. In New Zealand and Australia, jumps racing accounts for a small proportion of total Thoroughbred races each year, as opposed to the larger jumps-racing (National Hunt) industry with purpose-bred horses found in the UK and Ireland. Aims: This study aimed to describe the career profile and pattern of racing for Thoroughbred jumps-racing horses in New Zealand. Methods: Metrics from every horse with a full jumps-racing career (n = 1276, 89% geldings) between the 2005/06 and 2021/22 racing seasons (n = 40,302 starts) were examined. Descriptive statistics, box plots and heat maps were used to describe the data, by using horse age as a proxy for career progression. Key results: Jumps-racing horses had a median of 17 flat starts (IQR 9–30) before their first jumps-racing start. The median career of a jumps-racing horse was 3.7 years (IQR 2.3–5.2) and 29 starts (IQR 16–44). Older horses had a decreasing number of flat-racing starts and an increasing proportion of steeplechase-racing starts. However, the majority of horses still had at least one flat-race start per calendar year, often prior to the first jumps race. Most horses had one spell each season (length 194 days, IQR 124–259), and a condensed preparation length over the winter months, with a median of 14 days (IQR 10–21) between starts. Conclusion: The career pattern for jumps-racing horses in New Zealand reflects the industry retention of horses with a prior career in flat racing into a secondary jumps-racing career. Successful horses have increased focus on preparation for the winter jumps-racing season. Implications: Jumps racing provides a secondary racing career for some flat-racing horses, particularly geldings. This strategy reduces wastage of horses from the industry. Jumps racing in the southern hemisphere is unique and poorly described. This study aimed to describe the career profile and pattern of racing for jumps-racing horses in New Zealand by using industry race data. All jumps-racing horses in New Zealand had a primary career in flat racing, before repurposing in a jumps-racing career for a further 2 years, increasing specialisation as the horse aged. This strategy results in a decrease in wastage from the racing industry. This article belongs to the Collection Equine Science Part II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) is one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders in racehorses. Many EIPH risk factors such as breed, age, high or low environmental temperature, and distance of the race have been studied in racehorses. Aim: The aim of this study was to study the relationship between EIPH and the presence of jugular vein thrombose in racehorses. Methods: Forty-eight thoroughbred racehorses randomly selected from animals with exercise intolerance due to respiratory disorders were enrolled in the present study. Clinical and tracheobronchoscopy examinations were done for EIPH grading. In addition, both jugular veins were examined using ultrasonography for vein thrombosis. Results: It was noted during endoscopy that many cases suffered from laryngeal paralysis, and we were not able to assess the degree of laryngeal paralysis under sedation. About 40% of horses with exercise intolerance suffered from EIPH of varying degrees. Most cases of jugular vein thrombosis were of the chronic type, as local heat and pain were not observed. About 42% of the exercise-intolerant horses had jugular vein thrombose with most jugular vein thrombosis on the left side. Combined jugular veins thrombose and EIPH were found in about 25% of exercise intolerance horses, while 17% showed jugular vein thrombose without EIPH, and 41% showed no EIPH with the absence of jugular vein thrombose. Conclusion: The present study revealed that jugular vein thrombosis may cause disorders-associated damage to the vessels and anatomical structures close to it, such as the trachea causing EIPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, we investigate the horse racing game, a two-player game with six strategies. Our objective is to develop a theoretical framework for the game by employing the process of quantization. The Nash equilibrium (NE) of the quantum horse racing game is analyzed through an examination of the payoff matrix, and the results are compared to those of the classical horse racing game. Our findings demonstrate that the quantum horse racing game features both pure and mixed strategy NE, whereas the classical horse racing game possesses only mixed strategy NE. Additionally, our results indicate that the quantum horse racing game can mitigate the risks associated with the zero-sum game while outperforming the classical game. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Data collected from training sessions has the potential to better understand how well racehorses will perform on race-days. To date, no research has explored whether speed during and heart rate recovery after fast exercise could predict a horse winning a race. This theory was tested by analysing information from fitness trackers worn by 485 racehorses during training sessions in Australia by looking at factors like the horse's speed and heart rate recovery after exercise. The study found that certain factors, like being a colt or a 'stayer', were good indicators of future success on the racetrack. However, heart rate recovery and speed at the start or throughout the final 600 m during training were not as powerful as race predictors. Nevertheless, combining physiological data with other less tangible factors will help professionals identify which horses are more likely to perform at their best in races, aiding decision-making and potentially reducing race-day poor performance. Ultimately, this could lead to more successful outcomes for the horses, trainers and owners. In-training racehorse physiological data can be leveraged to further explore race-day performance prediction. To date, no large retrospective, observational study has analysed whether in-training speed and heart rate recovery can predict racehorse success. Speed (categorised as 'slow' to 'fast' according to the time taken to cover the last 600 m from a virtual finish line) and heart rate recovery (from gallop to 1 min after exercise) of flat racehorses (n = 485) of varying age, sex and type according to distance (e.g., sprinter, miler and stayer) were obtained using a fitness tracker from a single racing yard in Australia. Race-pace training sessions on turf comprised 'fast gallop' (n = 3418 sessions) or 'jumpout' (n = 1419). A posteriori racing information (n = 3810 races) for all 485 racehorses was extracted and combined with training data. Race performance was categorised as win/not-win or podium or not, each analysed by logistic regression. Colts (p < 0.001), stayers (p < 0.001) and being relatively fast over the last 600 m of a benchmark test in training (p < 0.008) were all predictive of race performance. Heart rate recovery after exercise (p = 0.21) and speed recorded at 600 m of a 1 km benchmark test in training (p = 0.94) were not predictive. In-training physiological data analytics used along with subjective experience may help trainers identify promising horses and improve decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Clark Family has played a significant role in American history, with George Rogers Clark and William Clark being iconic figures. George Rogers Clark's military victories during the American Revolution were crucial in the United States' acquisition of the Northwest Territory, while William Clark was part of the Lewis and Clark expedition that explored the Louisiana Purchase and strengthened the US claim to the Oregon Country. William's grandson, Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., founded Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby, which have become iconic in American sports history. The text discusses the family's interest in horses and horse racing, specifically focusing on Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. and the development of Churchill Downs. It also mentions the family's involvement in the Confederate army during the Civil War and provides additional information about the history and contributions of various individuals to the development of the venue. [Extracted from the article]

In racehorses, the risk of musculoskeletal injury is linked to a decrease in speed and stride length (SL) over consecutive races prior to injury. Surface characteristics influence stride parameters. We hypothesized that large changes in stride parameters are found during galloping in response to dirt racetrack preparation. Harrowing of the back stretch of a half-mile dirt racetrack was altered in three individual lanes with decreasing depth from the inside to the outside. Track underlay compaction and water content were changed between days. Twelve horses (six on day 2) were sequentially galloped at a target speed of 16 ms−1 across the three lanes. Speed, stride frequency (SF), and SL were quantified with a GPS/GNSS logger. Mixed linear models with speed as covariate analyzed SF and SL, with track hardness and moisture content as fixed factors (p < 0.05). At the average speed of 16.48 ms−1, hardness (both p < 0.001) and moisture content (both p < 0.001) had significant effects on SF and SL. The largest difference in SL of 0.186 m between hardness and moisture conditions exceeded the 0.10 m longitudinal decrease over consecutive race starts previously identified as injury predictor. This suggests that detailed measurements of track conditions might be useful for refining injury prediction models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowing the behavioural responses of horses while planning the training processes is crucial in constituting the appropriate training program. The purpose of the study was to examine some behavioural and physiological responses of Arabian horses participating in flat races against the reactivity to human and fear tests. Within the scope of this study, 15 female Arabian horses aged between 2 and 8 years were subjected to reactivity to passive human test, reactivity to active human test, and handling tests from reactivity to human tests and the novel surface test, the static novel object test, and the startling novel object tests from fear tests. Significant relationships (P< .05) were detected between the agonistic behaviours of horses and maximum heart rate values in the passive human test, active human test, static novel object test, and startling novel object test. Active human test, it was determined that as the agonistic behaviours of horses increased, the distance to approach humans increased (P < .05). The novel surface test observed that as the horses' agonistic behaviours increased, the number of attempts to cross the surface successfully also increased (P < .01). In the handling test, increased agonistic behaviours caused the test time to prolong (P < .01). As a result, it was determined that various processes in training were prolonged in horses with high agonistic behaviours during the tests. It has also been determined that the trainability of horses may differ within the same breed and sex. For this reason, it is recommended to determine behavioural responses and to plan horse training individually. By understanding the trainability of horses, it is possible to achieve maximum efficiency for their benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Warm-up, a routine part of the physical preparation for exercise and competition, ensures the adaptation of body systems from rest to exercise with the dual aim of improving performance and reducing the risk of injury. Passive warm-up techniques (by external means) are not often implemented and very little studied in equestrianism. This scoping review aimed to summarize active warm-up strategies (by a gradual increase in exercise intensity) and effects on equine performance from peer-reviewed publications from 1996 to January 2024. An adequate warm-up generated, among others, an increase in body temperature and cardiorespiratory adaptations to exercise, such as higher heart rates, faster oxygen consumption by muscles, and less blood and muscle lactate accumulation. A low-intensity warm-up regimen induced identical beneficial effects as a high-intensity regimen. Different warm-up strategies were observed between dressage and show jumping horses, while few studies described warm-up strategies in eventing and racing horses. Dressage horses were warmed up longer than show jumping horses. Warm-up duration and intensity increased with an increasing competitive level in dressage and show jumping horses, without affecting the final score. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the low level of current evidence on the best warm-up strategies per equestrian discipline and level. Warm-up is a standard component of exercise preparation, intended to lower the risk of injury and improve performance. Comprehensive evidence-based guidelines per discipline are missing. This scoping review aimed to describe the physiological effects and strategies of active warm-up in horses according to different equestrian disciplines. The search strategies identified 479 papers for review. After application of selection criteria, 23 articles published from 1996 to January 2024 were included of which 12 discussed the effects of warm-up on physiological parameters and 11 discussed warm-up strategies in different disciplines. As shown in humans, warm-up enhanced aerobic capacity and increased blood and muscle temperatures, independently from its intensity. Riders emphasized the importance of warm-up to prepare horses for physical work and to increase their reactiveness to aids. A canter or trot was the preferred gait in elite or non-elite dressage horses, respectively, while the walk was in show jumping horses. Warm-up duration and intensity increased with increasing competitive level, but a longer and/or more intensive warm-up did not affect the final score. Dressage riders warmed up their horses for a longer time compared to show jumping riders. Future studies should objectively establish the most profitable warm-up strategies per equestrian discipline and level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of supplemental β-alanine feeding on the athletic performance of Yili horses involved in speed racing, focusing on alterations in plasma free amino acid patterns pre and post exercise. Additionally, the research aimed to evaluate the effects of carnosine on the plasma acid--base buffering capacity and antioxidant levels in these horses. Twelve Yili horse stallions, averaging 3 years in age and 346.50 ± 21.39 kg in weight, were chosen and randomly divided into two groups: a control group and a test group, each comprising six horses. The control group received a supplementation of 300 mg/kg BW/day of α-alanine, while the test group received 300 mg/kg BW/day of β-alanine. This supplementation regimen was maintained for a 30-day supplementation trial period, under identical feeding and management conditions. Throughout the trial, the horses participated in the 1,000 Speed Race, and three distinct blood samples were gathered for assessing plasma free amino acids, blood gases, biochemical parameters, and antioxidant parameters. The outcomes indicated a considerable enhancement in the 1,000 m exercise performance of the speed racing Yili horses in the test group compared to the control group, showcasing a noteworthy improvement of 12.01%, with the test group completing the race 13.29 s faster. Notably, the α-alanine content in the plasma of the control group Yili horses remained higher than that of the test group, demonstrating a consistent increasing trend. By contrast, the plasma β-alanine content was notably higher in the test group than in the control group. Over the course of the supplementation period, plasma β-alanine exhibited an escalating and then stabilizing trend in the test group, whereas in the control group, although β-alanine content also increased, the trend was less pronounced. The plasma levels of histidine and carnosine showed minimal variance between the two groups. Overall, the test group of Yili horses exhibited slightly higher plasma levels of histidine and carnosine compared to the control group. The addition of β-alanine to their diet for a duration of 30 days notably affected the plasma levels of amino acids both pre- and postexercise in speed-racing Yili horses. Furthermore, β-alanine demonstrated an inhibitory effect on the catabolism of these horses' bodies during highintensity exercise. Ten marker amino acids, including valine, leucine, β-alanine, isoleucine, carnosine, 3-methyl-histidine, lysine, ethanolamine, argnine, and taurine, displayed statistically significant changes. β-alanine notably increased the blood glucose levels of Yili horses and played a role in expediting the restoration of blood gas levels post-exercise. Moreover, in the test group of Yili horses, the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity significantly increased both before and after the race, while the content of malondialdehyde, an oxidation product, exhibited an extremely significant decrease immediately after the race. These outcomes suggest that the addition of β-alanine significantly augmented antioxidant levels during highintensity exercise in Yili horses. Consequently, it reduced post-exercise injuries and accelerated the recovery process after exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little has been reported regarding the prevalence and severity of exercise‐induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) in 2‐year‐old Thoroughbred racehorses. Objectives: Evaluate EIPH prevalence and severity and its association with performance, speed index, furosemide administration, race distance, and track surface. Animals: A total of 830 2‐year‐old Thoroughbreds. Methods: Prospective blinded observational study. Videoendoscopy was performed 30 to 60 minutes postrace at 15 American racetracks. Three blinded observers independently assigned an EIPH grade (0‐4) to each video, and prevalence and severity of EIPH were determined. Relationships of EIPH grade to performance, speed index, race distance, track surface, and prerace administration of furosemide were evaluated using Pearson's chi‐squared test for categorical variables and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for numerical variables. Multivariable logistic regression assessed relationships between EIPH prevalence and severity, respectively, and the aforementioned independent variables. A P <.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 1071 tracheoendoscopies were recorded. The EIPH prevalence was 74% and for EIPH grade ≥3 was 8%. Speed index (P =.02) and finishing place (P =.004) were lower with EIPH ≥3. The EIPH prevalence and severity were lower at 2 tracks where postrace tracheoendoscopy was mandatory rather than voluntary (P <.001). Probability of observing EIPH was negatively associated with speed index (P =.01) at tracks where postrace tracheoendoscopy was mandatory. Prerace furosemide administration decreased the probability of EIPH occurrence (P =.007) and severity (P =.01) where study participation was voluntary. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Prevalence and severity of EIPH in 2‐year‐old racehorses were consistent with that of older racehorses. An EIPH grade ≥3 was associated with decreased performance. Prerace furosemide administration was associated with a decreased likelihood, but not severity, of EIPH at most tracks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The increase in the number of horses suffering from chronic respiratory diseases prompted us to undertake research on markers useful in the quick and accurate diagnosis of asthma in horses. Recent studies provide evidence for the usefulness of one myokine in the diagnosis of human asthma, namely, myostatin. Myostatin is an extracellular cytokine mostly expressed in skeletal muscles and known to play a crucial role in the negative regulation of muscle mass and function. Therefore, our aim was to compare the concentration of myostatin in the blood plasma of completely healthy and asthmatic horses. The research was carried out in two stages. In the first stage, horses with severe asthma were selected, and in the second stage, the myostatin level was determined in horses classified as asthmatic or healthy (controls). The experimental results did not provide a clear answer as to whether myostatin can be used as a reliable marker confirming the occurrence of equine asthma. Its level in horses suffering from asthma and healthy horses of similar age and use did not differ statistically, but was significantly higher compared to that in young race horses. Thus, further studies are needed to confirm our findings in a larger population of horses. (1) Background: The number of horses suffering from chronic respiratory diseases, resembling human asthma, is increasing but there is still a lack of reliable and accurate methods to detect these disorders. Numerous studies have found elevated plasma concentrations of one of the myokines, namely, myostatin (MSTN), in people suffering from severe asthma. MSTN normally inhibits myoblast proliferation and differentiation through autocrine or paracrine signals. Therefore, given the pathogenesis of asthma, we hypothesize that MSTN could be a useful biomarker of equine asthma. Thus, this study aimed to compare the concentration of MSTN in the blood plasma of fully healthy and asthmatic horses. (2) Methods: A total of 61 horses were clinically examined to confirm or exclude the occurrence of equine asthma, including bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid cytology performed on 49 horses. This study included three groups of horses, two of which were clinically healthy, and one of which was asthmatic. (3) Results: The mean circulatory MSTN concentration determined using the ELISA method in asthmatic horses was significantly higher than that in clinically healthy young Thoroughbred racehorses (p < 0.05), but it did not differ as compared to the group of healthy, adult leisure horses. (4) Conclusions: The obtained results did not unambiguously support our original hypothesis that MSTM may be a reliable marker for the early diagnosis of equine asthma. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to analyze the plasma MSTN concentration in equine asthma patients, and therefore further studies are needed to confirm our novel findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Pain in the fetlock region is a common cause of lameness in racehorses. Radiological abnormalities of the sagittal ridge of the cannon bone have been previously linked to joint effusion, lameness and reduced sales prices. However, to date, no data exist on the development and progression of these lesions. The aim of this study was to describe the computed tomographic appearance of the sagittal ridge in young racehorses and to document the progression of the detected findings over three assessments in the first year of training and racing. At the first examination, 40 yearlings underwent computed tomographic examination of both front fetlocks. Re-examinations were performed twice, approximately six months apart on 31 and 23 horses, respectively. Computed tomographic recordings were analysed with particular attention to changes in bone density and to lesions consistent with osteochondrosis (developmental abnormality). An increase in bone density of the sagittal ridge occurred in the first six months of training. Lesions consistent with osteochondrosis could decrease in size or resolve during the first year of training. In this population of racehorses these changes were not associated with lameness. Metacarpophalangeal joint region pain is a common cause of lameness in racehorses. Radiological abnormalities in the sagittal ridge (SR) of the third metacarpal bone have been associated with joint effusion, lameness and reduced sales prices. The aims were to describe computed tomographic (CT) appearance of the SR in racehorses, and to document the progression of these findings over three assessments. Forty yearlings were enrolled at the first examination (time 0). Re-examinations were performed twice, approximately six months apart on 31 (time 1) and 23 (time 2) horses, respectively. Computed tomographic examinations of both metacarpophalangeal regions were performed with the horses in a standing position. Computed tomographic reconstructions were analysed subjectively and objectively. The mean Hounsfield Unit values (Hus) of eight radial segments and location, size and shape of hypoattenuating lesions were recorded. Mean Hus at time 1 were higher than at time 0. There was no difference between mean HU at times 1 and 2. The mean HU values of the dorsal half were higher in the right forelimbs and in fillies. Hypoattenuation was identified in 33/80 (41.3%) limbs at time 0, in 22/62 (35.5%) limbs at time 1 and in 14/46 (30.4%) limbs at time 2. All hypoattenuations were located in the dorsodistal aspect of the SR. The most common shapes were hypoattenuating lesions elongated proximodistally and those extending towards trabecular bone. An increase in attenuation of the SR occurred in the first six months of training. Hypoattenuating lesions could decrease in size and could resolve during early training. In this population, these lesions were not associated with lameness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: 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. The continuation of jumps racing remains contentious due to the higher risk of fatalities, falls and injuries for horses, compared with flat racing. In Australia, jumps racing is carried out only in the state of Victoria after a legislated ban on jumps racing in South Australia in 2022. Jumps races account for only 1.8% of Thoroughbred horse races in Victoria. This study compared the incidence of fatalities, falls and injuries in horses participating in hurdle and steeplechase races with those participating in flat races at the same race meets, for all jumps races in the 2022 and 2023 Thoroughbred horse jumps racing seasons in Victoria, Australia. Overall, horse fatalities, falls and injuries occurred at higher rates in jumps races compared with flat races during the study period. 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Speed, in the form of racing time per kilometre (km), is a performance trait of the Swedish–Norwegian Coldblooded trotter included in the joint Swedish–Norwegian genetic evaluation. A few popular stallions have dominated Coldblooded trotter breeding, which has led to an increasing average relationship between individuals in the population. This study investigated the scope for broadening the breeding goal by selecting for racing time per km over different race lengths (short: 1640 m, medium: 2140 m and long: 2640 m), as this could encourage the use of breeding sires that are less related to the population. Performance data on three‐ to 12‐year‐old Coldblooded trotters in all Swedish races run 1995–2021 were obtained from the Swedish Trotting Association. These data consisted of 46,356 observations for 8375 horses in short‐distance races, 430,512 observations for 11,193 horses in medium‐distance races and 11,006 observations for 3341 horses in long‐distance races. Variance components and genetic correlations were calculated using a trivariate animal model with Gibbs sampling from the BLUPF90 suite of programs. Breeding values for the three traits were then estimated using univariate animal models with the same fixed and random effects as in the trivariate model. Heritability estimates of 0.27–0.28 and genetic correlations between racing time per km at the different distances of 0.97–0.99 were obtained. Despite the strong genetic correlation between the traits, there was some re‐ranking among the top 10 and top 30 stallions based on distance‐specific breeding values. Estimated rank correlation between breeding values for racing time per km in short‐ and medium‐distance races was 0.86, while between short‐ and long‐distance races and between medium‐ and long‐distance races it was 0.61. Mean relationship within the top 10 and top 30 stallions based on breeding values for racing time per km at each distance was 0.31–0.33 and 0.23–0.24 while mean relationship to the rest of the population ranged from 0.17 to 0.18 for all groups, although the 10 and 30 top‐ranking stallions differed somewhat in the traits. Estimated average increase in inbreeding was 0.1% per year of birth and 1.2% per generation. The strong genetic correlation between racing time per km at different distances did not support their use as genetically distinct traits. Re‐ranking of stallions for racing time per km at different race lengths could favour the use of a larger number of stallions in breeding, but according to our results it would not promote the use of stallions that are less related to the total population. Other traits like longevity or health traits, for example, career length and orthopaedic status, may be more relevant in broadening the breeding goal and preventing a few sires dominating future breeding, and this would be interesting to study further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the prevalence and significance of osteochondral fragmentation (OCF) in the palmar/plantar proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of yearling Thoroughbred horses. The study highlights the importance of comprehensive lameness examinations, including diagnostic analgesia, radiography, and ultrasonography, in assessing the risk and impact of OCF on future athletic performance. The article suggests that ultrasound examination of associated soft tissues, in addition to radiography, may be necessary to accurately evaluate the significance of OCF. The authors also emphasize the need for further research to better understand the management and treatment options for horses with OCF in the PIP joint. [Extracted from the article]