TopSpec Trainer of the Quarter - Ralph Beckett

Words by Lissa Oliver

When Starlust came from a near last-to-first run to land the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint in a thrilling finish, trainer Ralph Beckett was one of the few unsurprised by the 34-1 winner. It hadn’t been a long-term plan, but with the three-year-old colt’s liking for a flat track, as highlighted by his fondness for York, the team at Kimpton Down Stables in Hampshire were fairly confident. 

Beckett first took out his licence in 1999 and now has a team of 180 at the state-of-the-art yard in the idyllic Hampshire countryside near Andover, sending out 18 Gr.1 winners. Kimpton Down has three all-weather gallops, including a 1600m straight woodchip, and 35 acres of downland grass, that have been used as gallops for over a century. Beckett also installed a treadmill, enabling horses to remain in full work without being ridden, as well as being excellent for rehabilitating horses returning from injury. There are also 30 acres of turnout paddocks, used all year round thanks to the chalk base.

Starlust’s 2024 Breeders’ Cup win came only a month after Bluestocking had won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe for Beckett, but for Starlust this was a first success at top-level. After a busy juvenile campaign the colt had run a creditable third to Big Evs in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint in 2023, so was no stranger to an end-of-year trip to America.

“As in all of these things, and after the end of a long year, the main concern for us was to concentrate on the horse’s wellbeing, particularly after his traumatic experience in the Prix de l’Abbaye,” says Beckett, when Starlust was badly hampered in the final 200m and collided with the rail. “As much as anything it was about getting his head right. We took him away for a day, the day out being the most important thing rather than the work, and when he came home he was happy and we knew he was in good form.” 

The draw is all-important for the l’Abbaye, but Starlust had the luck of the draw at Del Mar. “He has shown a distinct liking for York and a flat track suits him very well, so that was particularly relevant,” Beckett points out. 

He acknowledges the work also put in by his team at the historic Kimpton Down Stables, particularly his Assistant Trainer Joe Tuite, Head Man and Assistant Gary Plasted, and Travelling Head Grooms Richard Arnold and Emma Wilkinson. “Emma does most of the work when they fly and has been with me a long time and knows the routine very well, she’s very experienced. At home, Joe Tuite and Gary Plasted are hugely experienced and Joao Cardoso, Barn Manager, knows the horse really well.

"Starlust is a really tough horse and that shone through at Del Mar. He's not had a break all year and has been at it since Meydan in January. He’ll definitely have a holiday now.”

The principles of genetic research and its impact on the Thoroughbred racing world

Words - Holly Robilliard and Cassie Fraser

GMO thoroughbreds? Superhorses created in the lab? Is genetic doping a real “thing”? It’s time for a reality check and a good, hard look at what’s real, or even possible, and how it can hurt or help the thoroughbred industry.

Breeders, trainers, and owners continually seek a competitive edge, striving to produce horses with the speed, stamina, and resilience needed to succeed on the racetrack. Concurrently, there is increasing pressure and responsibility to minimise animal discomfort, injury, and death in a public forum. Therefore we must carefully examine and balance all the tools at our disposal before determining which ones to use and how.  

Interestingly, there is a growing technology that may be of more notable controversy than even horse racing: The power of genetics. Perhaps the greatest power man has ever wielded, genetics has sparked numerous debates over the good and evil it can bring. As with most new things, there is a significant fear of the unknown, so how do we even begin to understand it? In short: research, homework, and fact-finding. Let’s look at what is fact, scientifically known, and possible today, and then consider what may be possible in the future. 

Genetic Influences on Equine Performance

DNA, often called the “blueprint of life,” holds the key to a horse’s inheritance and development, from its physical prowess, size and speed, to temperament and abilities. By studying their genetics, we can unravel the intricate code that dictates the pre-existing traits and characteristics of these powerful athletes. This information can then be utilised in our breeding and performance programs to improve suitability and success, all while upholding ethical standards and preserving the integrity of the sport.

The general rule for Mendelian traits is that a foal inherits one allele from each parent for a given gene. If the inherited alleles are the same, the horse is called homozygous for that gene. If they are different, they are heterozygous. As heterozygosity goes up, genetic diversity is increased, resulting in more variation in the genetic content. This results in a greater adaptability to environmental stressors and change, leading to a more robust animal and population. With equine genetics, we tend to focus on three kinds of genes: Causatives - genes/variants that directly cause a trait or condition, Correlatives - genes/variants that appear alongside, or in common, with a trait or condition, and Risks - genes/variants that increase their likelihood/risk of acquiring that trait or condition. 

A thoroughbred study by Momozawa et al. found an association between the dopamine d4 receptor (DRD4) gene and a measure of temperament. In the study, “curiosity”, defined as, “an interest in novel objects and a willingness to approach them”, was prevalent in horses with a particular gene variant. Horses preferring to observe carefully, from a distance, were of the opposite variant type, named “vigilance”. Although further research is required, it is not unreasonable to consider that temperament affects a horse's ability to learn, break from the gate, or handle the pressure of large crowds on race day.

Another performance trait, perhaps of more notable interest to thoroughbred enthusiasts is the “speed” gene, myostatin (MSTN). This insertion results in increased muscle growth in horses and other mammals. Genetically, horses can have two copies of the “Sprint” variant, two copies of the “Endurance” variant, or one copy of each, “Sprint/Endurance.” Thoroughbreds homozygous for the Sprint variant tend to excel earlier in age, at shorter distances (8 furlongs or less) with quick bursts of speed. Horses homozygous for Endurance excel later, and at longer distances (9 furlongs or more). However, heterozygous horses won at all distances, having both quick bursts of speed  and endurance capabilities.

Using genome-wide association studies (GWAS), scientists can analyse equine DNA and identify specific genes associated with various health and performance traits. This research holds immense promise, pinpointing genes responsible for desirable traits like speed, temperament, gait, size, and overall health. So how can we use it to produce horses with optimised genetic profiles for racing, while minimising risk and injury? The answer lies within our breeding programs.

Breeding & Buying Optimised With Genetics

For generations, breeders have been making selections for observed traits, such as pedigree, racing history, prior offspring performance, and conformation. Additionally, “Nicking,” the strategic crossing of certain lines with an observed affinity for one another, is another well-known method used to make breeding decisions. These techniques may be successful, as the chosen bloodlines possess underlying genetic traits that express and complement one another. Given science today, the next evolutionary step in this process is to genetically test and confirm the desired traits are present and will be passed on in the most advantageous combinations.

Inbreeding (having drastically reduced genetic diversity) poses a significant challenge within the thoroughbred racing industry due to the closed nature of the studbook. Science shows that a 10% increase in inbreeding reduces a horse’s likelihood of successful racing by 7%. Essentially, higher genomic inbreeding correlates with poorer performance. Traditionally, we have relied on pedigree and conformation to make mating decisions. Today, using actual genetics, we can calculate accurate genomic inbreeding and work toward decreasing it. On paper, two mares (full siblings) would appear to have the same inbreeding value. In reality, they can differ greatly, and if bred to the same stallion, may produce foals with drastically higher, or lower, genomic inbreeding values.

Using myostatin again, let’s look at a stallion that, by conformation and pedigree, appears to be the perfect match for your mare. Genetically, the mare is Sprint/Endurance and the stallion is Sprint/Sprint. This would result in a foal who is 50% likely to be Sprint/Endurance and 50% likely to be Sprint/Sprint. Now, if you breed that same mare with a stallion who has, at a minimum, one copy of endurance, the foal would still have a 25% chance of being Sprint/Sprint. However, it would also have a 50% chance of being Sprint/Endurance, and a 25% likelihood of being Endurance/Endurance, giving it longer-distance capabilities.

Beyond discovering performance-related traits, genetic research plays a vital role in promoting the overall health and sustainability of the breed. Health and soundness risks, such as Recurrent Laryngeal Neuropathy (RLN), or “roaring”, Kissing Spines, and Tendinopathy are being actively developed as genetically testable variants. Some of these traits can limit a thoroughbred's pre- or post-racing career. Other predispositions, like Chronic Idiopathic Anhidrosis (CIA), or “non-sweater,” or Fracture Risk, can be life-ending if they go undetected.

Through the use of genetic testing and associated technologies, breeders can “Build-A-Horse” to their specifications by crossing specific sires and dams using confirmed, heritable genetics, that create that optimal foal. By making breeding decisions based on maths and science, we can reduce the presence of undesirable health traits in our programs.

As more thoroughbred owners utilise genetics, collaborating researchers will continue identifying areas of strength and vulnerability in health and performance. This knowledge empowers breeders and buyers to make informed decisions that preserve genetic diversity and ensure the long-term strength of thoroughbred bloodlines. Given the considerable investment of both resources and effort involved in the production and training of horses destined for the track, decreasing risk and increasing financial management is paramount. Remarkably, the cost of utilising genetic testing to ascertain a horse’s optimal race distance is less than one week's feed, and can ultimately save owners and breeders both time and money.

Navigating Ethical Considerations

As genetic research becomes increasingly integrated into the thoroughbred racing industry, it’s wise to approach this technology with foresight instead of fear. Whilst it offers unprecedented opportunities for improvement and advancement, this research also carries the potential for unintended consequences and ethical dilemmas that must be carefully navigated. 

The topic of cloning has been hotly debated in the last decade. The first reaction appears to be to “ban” it in certain registries and competitions. Interestingly, the fears stoked by this technology have not materialised into truth for a seemingly simple reason: You can replicate the genetic code of an animal, but it’s another thing entirely to replicate the uterine environment, the training, feeding, life experiences, and competition circumstances.

Another recent concern within the industry is the concept of “gene doping” to create superhorses, which involves artificially modifying an athlete's genes to enhance their performance. For example, the myostatin gene may become the target of genome editing in horses, as it alters the amount and composition of muscle fibre types. Although there are no known foals born, to date, with genetically altered myostatin, could it happen? Maybe. Would the effect be instant in something like myostatin? No. Why? Because that’s not how it works! A live animal has a fully formed physical plan in place, especially for things such as muscle, tendons, and bone. Today’s most advanced gene therapies tend to be extremely targeted regions, take months to years to work, and are extraordinarily expensive. 

Assuming it’s possible to change the myostatin disposition of a horse, could we detect that it was manipulated? The answer, according to multiple experts, is a very strong, “maybe”. Technique and timing would matter as would the simple question of, “Could this foal’s parents have passed on this genotype?” As technology advances and provides the opportunity for a competitive edge, it’s safe to say that someone will try it. What then? The answer may just come down to numbers, like everything else on the track.

So, with all of this knowledge, can someone choose a bunch of genetic traits and create a Superhorse? Although you hear about it every day, complex genetic editing is just in its infancy. It is possible to change a gene or variant within an embryo- We’ve been doing it for decades already. So why not a Superhorse? Well…consider the following:

1. It’s not easy to insert a single correct genetic edit that results in a living animal. 

2. It takes a large number of iterations and time for that one change.

3. The process can be super expensive. Multiply this by many dollars and much more time for every additional genetic change you wish to add.

4. Once you’ve produced genetic change, now you have to wait years to see the foal perform at which point your choice of changes may no longer be the winning combination!

Although we are likely years away from this being a feasible, let alone common, issue, we need to take steps now to understand genetics and devise a reasonable path forward. Preventing the misuse of gene editing could be as simple as creating a standardised genetic testing requirement via hair sample in addition to the standard parentage verification. This initial hair sample would serve as a genetic baseline, offering a comparison for those taken at a later date when genetic modifications are suspected. 

By adhering to rigorous standards of ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability, we can harness the full potential of genetic research while safeguarding the welfare and integrity of thoroughbred racing.

Conclusion

Genetic research and testing represent a game-changing advancement for the thoroughbred racing industry. It is a powerful tool for enhancing the quality, health, and performance of racehorses- all of which are required to maintain the sport's integrity. As we increase our understanding of equine genetics and discover new traits applicable to the thoroughbred, we can produce healthier, more competitive horses, while reducing the historical struggles of inbreeding and breakdown. Although we must be careful to adhere to the ethical code set forth within the industry, by utilising genetics to build the next generation of improved thoroughbreds, we can take ownership of the technology and usher in a new era of excellence and innovation within the sport.

Sources

Hill, E. W., Stoffel, M. A., McGivney, B. A., MacHugh, D. E., & Pemberton, J. M. (2022). Inbreeding depression and the probability of racing in the thoroughbred horse. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 289(1977). https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2022.0487.

Momozawa, Y., Takeuchi, Y., Kusunose, R., Kikusui, T., & Mori, Y. (2005). Association between equine temperament and polymorphisms in dopamine D4 receptor gene. Mammalian genome, 16, 538-544. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00335-005-0021-3

Rooney, M. F., Hill, E. W., Kelly, V. P., & Porter, R. K. (2018). The “speed gene” effect of myostatin arises in thoroughbred horses due to a promoter proximal SINE insertion. PLoS One, 13(10). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0205664 

Tozaki, T., Ohnuma, A., Nakamura, K., Hano, K., Takasu, M., Takahashi, Y., ... & Nagata, S. I. (2022). Detection of indiscriminate genetic manipulation in thoroughbred racehorses by targeted resequencing for gene-doping control. Genes, 13(9), 1589. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13091589

The role of racing surfaces in horse welfare - Current trends and future challenges

Words - Virginia Lisco

Every thunderous stride of a racehorse is a delicate balance between power and vulnerability, and the surface beneath their hooves can make all the difference. Whether it’s turf, dirt, or synthetic tracks, these surfaces aren’t just where races are run, they play a critical role in protecting the health and welfare of the horses. The composition, maintenance, and resilience of these surfaces directly impact the likelihood of injuries, affecting everything from joint strain to catastrophic breakdowns.

In an era where the welfare of horses is more scrutinised than ever, the choice and upkeep of racing surfaces have become critical. Turf requires precise irrigation and aeration to remain safe and consistent; dirt demands meticulous grading and moisture control to prevent compaction; and synthetic tracks, though engineered for uniformity, must be closely monitored for temperature sensitivity and degradation over time.

But the challenges don’t stop there. With climate change rewriting the rules of weather patterns, bringing heavier rains, harsher droughts, and rising temperatures, the very nature of these tracks is being put to the test. Maintaining consistent conditions under these shifting extremes will require innovation and a commitment to sustainability, as the racing industry navigates the intersection of performance, safety, and environmental responsibility.

Traditionally, turf tracks dominate the European horse racing scene, serving as the primary surface in most racecourses due to their ability to provide optimal conditions for racing, particularly during the milder months. 

However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in synthetic surfaces, across Europe, where these tracks are gaining traction for their ability to withstand the challenges posed by winter weather. Major racecourses across the continent utilise synthetic surfaces like Polytrack and Tapeta to ensure safe and consistent racing even under adverse weather conditions. Synthetic tracks are particularly valued for their superior drainage, stability in cases of frost and heavy rain, and different maintenance requirements compared to turf, offering a practical and modern solution to tackle climate challenges while maintaining a continuous racing calendar.

Dirt tracks are now almost entirely absent in Europe, with rare exceptions at a few minor racecourses where the quality of racing is generally low. This is because dirt surfaces neither provide the technical advantages of synthetics nor carry the prestige and tradition associated with turf. The shift toward synthetic surfaces, particularly noticeable in regions with harsher winters, is gradually establishing itself as a key trend for the future of European racing, while the dominance of turf remains unchallenged for the most prestigious events.

The ongoing shift in surface preferences reflects a broader focus on equine welfare, a priority that has spurred significant research and collaboration among leading organisations in the racing industry. The adoption of synthetic tracks, driven in part by studies highlighting their safety benefits, is a direct response to growing concerns about horse injuries and fatalities. A key driver behind this shift is the safety record of synthetic tracks compared to other surfaces. 

Data from studies, such as those conducted by The US Jockey Club's Equine Injury Database (EID), provide critical insights into this trend. According to the EID, synthetic tracks report significantly lower rates of catastrophic injuries, approximately 1.2 incidents per 1,000 starts, compared to dirt tracks, which average 2.1 incidents per 1,000 starts, and slightly lower than turf tracks, which average 1.6 incidents per 1,000 starts. These findings underscore the uniformity and predictability of synthetic surfaces, which minimise variability in footing and reduce the risk of uneven impact during high-speed gallops. Additionally, synthetic tracks are less susceptible to environmental factors, such as extreme wet or dry conditions, which can compromise the performance and safety of both turf and dirt surfaces.

Several prominent organisations have dedicated substantial resources to studying the relationship between track surfaces and equine health. For instance, The US Jockey Club, through the EID, has compiled data since 2008 that consistently demonstrates the superior safety profile of synthetic surfaces, providing a foundation for their increasing adoption, particularly in regions with demanding climates or high year-round racing schedules. 

Similarly, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) conducts comprehensive reviews of racecourse safety, ensuring that maintenance protocols and track designs align with welfare goals. 

In France, France Galop has implemented robust injury monitoring systems, using the insights to refine track conditions and better match surface types to their environmental contexts. These efforts underline the growing recognition that track surfaces play a pivotal role in reducing injury risks, particularly in the high-impact phases of a horse's stride, as detailed in research such as the Equestrian Surfaces Guide. Despite the demonstrated safety advantages of synthetic surfaces, debates remain regarding their long-term impact on equine health. Critics suggest that synthetic tracks may contribute to soft tissue stress injuries due to their firmer composition compared to well-maintained turf. 

Building on the findings of the Equestrian Surfaces Guide, it becomes evident that the biomechanical interaction between the horse and the track surface is a critical determinant of safety and performance. Each phase of the stride: landing, support, and rollover, introduces distinct biomechanical stresses that vary based on the surface’s composition, maintenance, and environmental conditions. 

This research, further supported by Dr Mick Peterson’s, Racing Surfaces White Paper, highlights the importance of not only selecting appropriate surface types but also ensuring consistent maintenance to reduce injury risks.

Peterson’s study provides a detailed analysis of how surface properties, such as firmness, cushioning, and grip, directly influence the forces acting on a horse’s legs during high-speed galloping. The white paper emphasises that well-engineered synthetic tracks excel in delivering predictable and uniform performance, mitigating the variability often associated with dirt and turf surfaces. For example, in the landing phase, when shockwaves and braking forces are transmitted through the leg, synthetic tracks are designed to provide a controlled level of slide, dissipating some of the impact forces and reducing stress on the hoof and distal limb. In contrast, surfaces with excessive grip, such as poorly maintained dirt, amplify these forces, increasing the risk of injuries.

During the support phase, when the hoof absorbs up to 2.5 times the horse's body weight, surface uniformity becomes critical. Peterson’s research underscores that uneven surfaces, like waterlogged or overly compacted turf, can lead to uneven load distribution, raising the likelihood of strain injuries to tendons, ligaments, and joints. 

Synthetic tracks, with their engineered shock-absorbing properties, excel in maintaining stability during this phase, effectively minimising these risks. The rollover phase, where propulsion forces peak, also places significant demands on grip and shear strength. Synthetic surfaces are particularly effective here, offering consistent traction to prevent slips while avoiding the overstress on tendons and ligaments caused by overly hard or high-grip surfaces.

In addition to biomechanical insights, Peterson's white paper emphasises the importance of consistent surface maintenance. Even the best-engineered tracks can lose their safety advantages without proper upkeep. The study highlights the need for regular monitoring of moisture levels, compaction, and grip, alongside the use of advanced tools like surface testing equipment and ground-penetrating radar to proactively identify and address hazards. By maintaining these standards, synthetic surfaces can sustain their intended performance and safety benefits over time, reducing injury risks for both horses and riders.

These findings align closely with real-world injury data, such as that collected through the EID, which shows significantly lower rates of injuries and fatalities on synthetic tracks compared to dirt and turf. Peterson’s work further supports this data by demonstrating how the controlled grip, shock absorption, and uniformity of synthetic surfaces mitigate the extreme forces associated with high-speed galloping. 

As racing organisations increasingly prioritise equine welfare, integrating these biomechanical insights and maintenance best practices into surface design is becoming essential. This evolution not only addresses safety concerns but also ensures that performance standards are upheld across diverse environmental conditions and year-round racing schedules.

Another pressing challenge tied to track surfaces and horse welfare is the impact of climate change, which is increasingly complicating the maintenance and safety of racing tracks. Extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall, prolonged droughts, and unexpected temperature fluctuations, threaten the integrity of turf, dirt, and even synthetic surfaces. Maintaining tracks in optimal condition under these conditions is not only a logistical challenge but also critical to equine welfare and the continuity of racing schedules.

Turf tracks, which dominate the European racing landscape, are particularly vulnerable to these climate pressures. Heavy rainfall can waterlog turf, reducing its ability to provide a stable and uniform footing. Prolonged droughts pose a different but equally severe threat. 

In 2022, during an exceptionally dry summer, several racecourses in the UK, including Newmarket, faced challenges in maintaining adequate irrigation. The lack of rainfall led to concerns about the firmness of the ground, which can increase the risk of injuries to horses. To address this, racecourses have had to rely heavily on irrigation systems, though these solutions come with significant costs and raise concerns about water sustainability in drought-prone regions. 

Dirt tracks, though rare in Europe, face their own set of challenges under extreme weather conditions. Unlike synthetic tracks, dirt surfaces are highly susceptible to changes in moisture levels. Heavy rains can turn dirt tracks into dangerously muddy and slippery courses, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Even synthetic tracks, while more resilient to climatic variability, are not immune. Extreme heat can affect the surface properties, potentially leading to inconsistent footing. This highlights the need for ongoing innovation in synthetic surface technology to enhance resilience under extreme temperature conditions.

As climate change intensifies, the industry faces an urgent need to adapt its infrastructure and maintenance practices. Investment in weather-resistant technologies, such as hybrid turf systems that combine natural grass with synthetic reinforcement, is one promising avenue. Additionally, many racecourses are exploring more sustainable water use strategies and heat-resistant materials to future-proof their tracks. While these measures require significant financial and operational resources, they are crucial to maintaining the safety and sustainability of horse racing in an increasingly unpredictable climate.

At its core, the quality and maintenance of racing surfaces are fundamental to ensuring the safety and performance of both horses and jockeys. The interaction between a horse’s stride and the track is critical, with every phase: landing, support, and rollover, subjecting the horse’s legs to significant forces that vary depending on the surface type. This makes the choice and upkeep of racing surfaces a cornerstone of the sport. 

While turf continues to dominate prestigious events for its tradition, aesthetic appeal, and performance characteristics, synthetic tracks are increasingly recognised for their ability to minimise injury risks, maintain consistency across diverse weather conditions, and meet the demands of year-round racing. 

Insights from organisations like The US Jockey Club and BHA, combined with research such as Peterson’s Racing Surfaces White Paper, underline the importance of balancing innovation and tradition in surface design and maintenance. Synthetic surfaces, with their engineered properties, offer uniformity and controlled shock absorption, mitigating the biomechanical stresses that lead to injuries. 

However, turf’s natural cushioning and long-standing association with the heritage of the sport ensure its continued dominance at elite racing events. Maintaining this delicate balance is essential to enabling horses and jockeys to perform at their peak while prioritising safety and welfare. As the industry adapts to modern challenges, including climate variability and evolving performance demands, racing surfaces will remain central to ensuring the sport’s longevity and sustainability for future generations.

What if my mare did not get pregnant? Why embryo’s fail and improving odds of successful horse breeding

Words - Jackie Bellamy-Zions

If entering the winter, your breeding prospects have come up empty, there are considerations to ponder and actions you can take for successful breeding next year.  “Don’t let those mares sit all winter, with untreated conditions such as a uterine infection,” says Dr. Tracey Chenier, Theriogenologist and researcher from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph.  “Have a thorough veterinary evaluation now to help ensure her uterus is clean and she is healthy and cycling early next year, for the best chance of a positive outcome.”

Common Issues Conceiving and Potential Solutions

“The number one reason your mare didn't get pregnant in any given year may be due to uterine infection,” says Chenier.  “The term we use is endometritis.”  Most often caused by a bacterial infection, it is often associated with poor perineal conformation.  In other words, your mare has a tilt to her vulva causing the vagina and uterus to become contaminated with bacteria every time she defecates.  It is also common for these mares to wind suck, which can lead to infection and inflammation that results in a hostile environment the embryo cannot survive in.  A minor surgical procedure known as a Caslick’s suture reduces the chance of contamination in most affected mares. Severely affected mares may require additional procedures to reconstruct the perineal body.

Another common form of endometritis is PBIE, or persistent breeding induced endometritis.   In these cases, there is a prolonged inflammatory response to semen and contamination that occurs at breeding.  Again, the mare has a hostile uterine environment in which the embryo cannot survive.  To improve the chance of conception, this condition can be managed by ultrasound within 6 to 12 hours after breeding.  She is checked for fluid retention and inflammation and if present, the uterus is lavaged to remove the fluid and calm the inflammation.  The veterinarian may also advise administration of oxytocin to increase uterine contractions and help remove the fluid.

Another very common reason for the mare not getting pregnant is their age.  “We actually consider mare’s fertility to decline as early as 12 years of age,” says Chenier, “and that surprises people that as early as 12 years, their fertility can decline significantly.”  Older mares can have poorer oocyte (egg) quality.  This reduces their chances of getting pregnant and can result in higher rates of mid-gestational losses.

Older mares are more susceptible to many circumstances including uterine conditions, metabolic disease, changes to the uterus, fibrosis and cysts.  Fibrosis of the uterus will reduce the chances of carrying a pregnancy to term.  Endometrial cysts or fluid filled sacs in the lymphatics of the uterus can block the ability of the embryo to move around and interfere with the placenta formation.

Less Common Conception Issues

“Stress, nutritional issues, and hormone deficiencies can make it difficult for an embryo to survive,” explains Chenier “but these issues are generally less common.”  

The corpus luteum is the structure that forms on the ovary after the mare ovulates and its progesterone production maintains the pregnancy early on.  This structure may be susceptible to effects of severe stress, illness, or inflammation in the uterus.  Progesterone/altrenogest supplementation can often save these early pregnancies but the mare will have to stay on the supplements until the fetoplacental unit takes over pregnancy maintenance by 120 days.  The fetoplacental unit is a crucial interface between maternal and foetal circulatory systems, providing essential nutrients and oxygen to support foetal growth and development.

Early pregnancy loss can happen from days 0–60 of gestation.  To help avoid risk factors like excessive stress, ask your vet before changing or adding anything to your mare’s routine. Consult your vet before administering any vaccines or deworming products.

“Oviductal blockage is another uncommon condition,” says Chenier, “but in mares that are not conceiving and everything else is normal (no uterine infection, good stallion fertility…) it should be considered.”  An effective treatment the veterinarian may suggest, involves applying the hormone prostaglandin E to the oviductal papillae, which opens the oviduct and allows that blockage to be cleared out. 

Diagnostics used to investigate early embryonic loss

“A good reproductive evaluation is really important to find out the reasons why a mare either didn't get pregnant or lost a pregnancy,” says Chenier.

Veterinarians use rectal palpation, especially with ultrasound, to help detect fluid and infection.  Palpation with ultrasound can detect the presence of endometrial cysts, conditions on the ovary, such as failure to ovulate and ovulatory follicles.

Cultures, gained from swabs of the uterus, are performed to detect inflammation and infection.  This is helpful in cases where antibiotic use is required in order to determine what type of antibiotic to use.

Uterine biopsy is indicated in certain cases.  “I recommend a biopsy in any mare that fails to get pregnant after three attempts, especially if we are not getting good answers on a swab culture and ultrasound,” says Chenier.  As well as providing a prognosis, it provides a lot of information on treatment options to improve the mare’s fertility.

A biopsy can help provide better information about what's going on in the uterus and in the case of inflammation, identify the type of inflammation present.

Chronic infections are more likely to be caused by something like a dormant strep infection, and biopsy may be the only way to diagnose the fibrosis of the uterus that would be directly related to prognosis.  If you found out your mare’s uterine biopsy was a Grade 3, meaning she has a lot of permanent severe changes in that uterus, her likelihood of carrying a foal to term is between zero and ten percent.  This is really important information to help the breeder to decide whether they want to invest the time and money to attempt to breed a mare with a prognosis revealing these challenges.

Ultrasound is useful in identifying conditions such as endometrial cysts.  Cysts can be removed by putting an endoscope in the uterus and then using either laser or electrocautery to a blade to improve a mare’s chances of pregnancy.  Electrocautery involves using a heated electrode to cut or coagulate tissue during surgery. When applied to a blade, it allows for precise cutting with minimal bleeding.

“In really rare cases where all else has been ruled out, a karyotype might be considered,” says Chenier.  “If it's a young maiden and everything else seems to be working, there may be a genetic reason that she's not able to get pregnant, but that would be the exception.”  Karyotyping involves staining chromosomes and examining them to identify structural changes or numerical abnormalities. 

Improving the odds of pregnancy

The all-important veterinary evaluation will check the mare’s general health, body condition and uterine health as well as rule out metabolic diseases like insulin resistance and Cushings.

One must ensure the broodmare’s nutritional needs are met.  Calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals are all passed on to the foal while in utero.  Consult your vet or an equine nutritionist to ensure your mare gets a balanced diet and to learn how her nutritional needs increase during pregnancy.

Use of light to manipulate the season is a consideration if you want to breed your mare early in the season for a January – March foal.  Mares stop cycling during the winter.  “I think it's helpful to expose the mare to the cold and the darkness of the fall to reset her system before you start her under lights,” say’s Chenier.  She recommends lighting programs begin around December 1st with what amounts to ten-foot candles, which is equivalent to 100 lux intensity of light.  In old style lighting with incandescent bulbs that was the 100 Watt bulb and the old saying was you needed to be able to read a newspaper in every corner of the stall.  16 hours of total light per day is recommended, and this includes natural light.  From a practical point of view, that means if you turn your mare out at 8:00 o'clock in the morning, bring her in at four, and have the lights on in the stall until 11:00 PM, you will be providing an adequate amount of light.  Chenier also describes the use of a commercially available equine light mask that is worn 24/7, like a fly mask.  It is battery powered and delivers blue light to one eye on a timed basis.

“Good breeding management is always key,” emphasises Chenier.  “Negative uterine swabs before breeding ensure the mare is free of infection, limit to one cover in mares prone to infection or inflammation, correcting poor perineal conformation and then practise optimal timing.”

Not breeding at the right time is much less likely in the thoroughbred industry, where mares are being bred by natural cover.  If the mare is not in heat and not ready to ovulate, she is not likely to stand for the stallion.  

If a mare is bred too early, the sperm will not live long enough.  Mares can stay in heat a day or two after they have ovulated.  If breeding happens too late (after ovulation), the oocytes will no longer be viable.

If the chosen stallion has fertility issues, the breeder may need to closely monitor their mare’s ovulation for the most optimal timing of breeding to improve odds of success.  Chenier says, “If their sperm doesn't live very long inside the mare, we have to manage those cases differently and make sure we're breeding those mares really close to ovulation to get good fertility for those stallions.”  Stallion fertility should always be considered a possibility when mares are not conceiving.

If breeding early in the season, one needs to make sure the mare is cycling properly and not just in spring transition.  A vet check will confirm the mare is experiencing a real heat and ovulating for early breeding (Feb – April).

Bacterial gut diversity - new research!

Words Alysen Miller

The link between a healthy gut and overall health in both humans and equines has long been promoted by scientists and veterinarians.

Now a new study by the University of Surrey provides the clearest link yet between gut health and athletic performance in Thoroughbred racehorses, and identifies a “critical window” for immunological development which may provide owners and trainers with a glimpse into a racehorse’s future success on the track.

The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, found that the composition of gut bacteria at just one month old can predict future athletic performance – measured by BHA official ratings (OR), earnings and placings – with a greater diversity of gut bacteria associated with better performance metrics. The study also found that foals with lower bacterial diversity at just 28 days old had a significantly higher risk of respiratory diseases and even soft tissue injuries later in life.

The study’s lead, Professor Chris Proudman, has dedicated his career to equine gastrointestinal health; first as a veterinary surgeon specialising in the clinical management of colic cases and latterly as head of the University of Surrey’s School of Veterinary Medicine. Since stepping down as Head of School last year, he now devotes his time to horse gut research. “I’ve got a small group of people investigating various aspects of intestinal health in horses, particularly around bacterial populations associated with health and disease,” he tells Trainer Magazine. The latest study is the culmination of more than a decade’s worth of research into the influence of gut bacteria on the development of immunological competence and susceptibility to disease. “I was aware of emerging evidence in the human field to suggest that these early life gut bacteria are really important in priming the immunological system and effectively setting up humans or animals for a healthy life in the future,” he says. “So with funding from ALBORADA Trust [the study’s sponsor], this was an opportunity to look in more detail at the impact of early life experiences in foals.”

So how does gut bacterial community structure in the first few months of life predict the risk of specific diseases and athletic performance in racehorses? To answer that question, Professor Proudman and his team performed DNA sequencing on faecal samples from 52 Thoroughbred foals born across five stud farms in 2018. These samples were collected at nine sample points within the first year of the foals’ lives: at 2, 8, 14, 28, 60, 90, 180, 272 and 365 days old. In addition, weekly written or verbal health updates were obtained for all horses reporting any veterinary investigation or treatment for orthopaedic, soft tissue, respiratory or gastrointestinal disease or injury. The researchers then compared this with the horses’ athletic performances at 2 and 3 years old: finishing position and OR were obtained after every race start, while total prize money earnings and cumulative performance metrics (total starts, total placings, total wins) were collected for all race starts until the end of December 2021.

The findings were striking. Not only did researchers observe that the athletic performance of the foals was positively associated with higher faecal bacterial diversity at just one month old, they also identified that a higher abundance of the bacteria Anaeroplasmataceae was associated with a higher OR, and increased levels of the bacteria Bacillaceae at 28 days old were linked to higher race placings. “We weren’t necessarily expecting to see [a correlation between gut health and performance], so the fact that early life gut bacteria influenced athletic performance came as a bit of a surprise to us,” admits Professor Proudman. “But it is consistent with the whole picture around health,” he continues. Professor Proudman is hesitant to attribute too much importance to the precise identity of the bacteria that were present: “I think what is probably more important is what those bacteria are doing, the mechanism by which those bacteria are affecting the animal, and we don’t understand that at the moment,” he suggests. The two different bacteria identified “could potentially be doing the same thing or they could be doing different things,” he continues. “It’s just an indication that there are bacteria that have a beneficial effect.” Further study is planned to try to identify in more granular detail the precise bacteria that are important to a horse’s performance. Nevertheless, the findings are the best evidence to date of a causal link between gut health and athletic aptitude: “This is really hard science that there are measurable beneficial effects both in terms of health and in terms of performance associated with diversity of the gut bacteria, and also with species of bacteria if they are present at this very early stage in life,” says Professor Proudman.

The concept of a “critical window” for immunological development is not new. Many lines of evidence point to the existence of such a period, during which time the immune system can be “trained” to tolerate particular microbes, and thus avoid later destructive immunopathology associated with these same microbes. While the window has been demonstrated in laboratory animals, “humans studies haven’t really been able to nail down the time period,” says Professor Proudman. “Most of the human studies state that it’s somewhere between birth and weaning,” he continues. “That’s a window of about 6-8 months for a lot of human babies. Because we were able to sample our foals very frequently during the first six months of life, we’ve been able to identify with a reasonable degree of accuracy a critical window for performance that happens very, very early – the first 28 days,” says Professor Proudman. Again, Professor Proudman is cautious about drawing a hard line at the 28-day mark: “I wouldn’t obsess about 28 days exactly – I think this is just telling us there’s something really early in life, in the first few weeks, which is the critical period,” he says.

It is not only future athletic performance which is determined within this critical window; higher bacterial diversity at 28 days old was significantly associated with a reduced risk of respiratory diseases later in life. “It’s likely that what we’re looking at here is the process of immunological priming,” explains Professor Proudman. Immunological priming is the process by which a host improves its immune defences following an initial pathogenic exposure, leading to better protection after a subsequent infection with the same – or different – pathogens. Or to put it another way: “When the horse (or any animal) is first born, the body has to learn to recognise the difference between the ‘self’ and the ‘non-self’ – the potential organisms, bacteria and viruses that are trying to invade the animal. And then it learns to fight those off,” explains Professor Proudman. “But there’s an initial learning period – this so-called period of immunological priming – and it seems that bacterial composition of the gut is important because the gut is a really important interface between the animal and the external environment,” he continues. “And that’s where this immunological priming takes place.

“This is the area in which most of the human research has been done, particularly around respiratory disease. And there’s really good evidence in both human and animal models that the gut microbiota have a significant impact on the development of the early immune system very early in life. So it’s highly likely, although we didn’t look at it specifically in our study, that this is an immunological effect that we’re seeing.”

Researchers also identified a positive association between the abundance of the particular bacteria Streptococcaceae and Moraxellaceae and the risk of soft-tissue health events such as infected wounds, cellulitis and abscesses. “There are specific bacteria that we know cause soft tissue infections,” explains Professor Proudman. “And again, it’s that resistance to bacterial infection that is mediated by the immune system.”

But where do these bacteria come from, and what could the answer mean for the way racehorses are bred and reared? The answer appears to be partly nature and partly nurture. Your gut is full of trillions of bacteria and other microbes help you digest food and support immune, heart and brain health. These are known collectively as the microbiome. It has long been thought that foals (and humans) are first exposed to microbes when they pass through their mother’s birth canal. However, evidence from human studies suggests that babies may come into contact with some microbes while inside the womb. A follow-on study by Professor Proudman’s team, scheduled to commence in early 2025, aims to identify where exactly the bacteria come from by tracking pairs of mares and their foals. But for now, “it’s a question that we don’t currently have an answer to,” concedes Professor Proudman. “People have had theories and you can make plausible explanations of where they might come from. Extrapolating from humans, the suggestion is that a lot of those bacteria actually come from faecal contamination of the foal by the mother. But there’s some really intriguing evidence around breast milk, for example.”

Certainly, the gut microbiome continues to diversify as the foal matures, suggesting environmental factors play a role. This includes the food they eat as well as factors such as whether antibiotics are administered. Ah, antibiotics. The epidemiological elephant in the room. Any discussion around antibiotics inevitably leads back to antibiotic resistance. Also known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), antibiotic resistance is when bacteria change so antibiotic medicines can't kill them or stop their growth. This makes certain bacterial infections difficult to treat. AMR is caused by the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals and plants. The World Health Organisation has identified AMR as one of the top global public health and development threats. (It is estimated that bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths.) So what does this have to do with racehorses? Professor Proudman’s team also investigated the long-term impact of foals receiving antibiotics during the first month of life. It was found that these foals had significantly lower faecal bacterial diversity at 28 days old compared to other foals who did not receive such treatments. Further analysis revealed that these foals won significantly lower prize money earnings (an indicator of athletic performance) in their subsequent racing careers. In addition, foals who received antibiotics during their first 28 days of life had a significantly increased rate of developing a respiratory disease compared to their counterparts.

While the study does not necessarily demonstrate causality, “we can demonstrate an association between an event, in this case the composition of the microbial community in the gut and a downstream outcome which is either a health related event, or performance,” explains Professor Proudman. “We go to pains in the paper to say we can’t prove that it’s causal,” he emphasises. “However, as we say in the paper, we do believe that a causal association is a credible interpretation of our data. And one of the strongest reasons for this is simply the timeline. We’ve got something happening early in the animal’s life that is then leading to something that happens much later on in the animal’s life. A plausible explanation is that the antibiotics are hitting the gut bacterial population, disrupting it, and then that, in turn, is disrupting immunological development, which leads to an animal that is more susceptible to respiratory disease.”

While it is recognised that antibiotics play a vital role in treating infections and protecting the long-term health of foals, Professor Proudman is clear that they need to be used responsibly: “[AMR] can develop in animals and then transfer to humans and vice versa. So it helps everybody to minimise the use of antibiotics. Even accepting that some foals need to have antibiotics for medical reasons, if there’s something we can do to minimise the damage that those antibiotics do to gut bacteria, that's the question we’re asking.”

So what are the implications of this research for the racing and breeding industries? “I suspect the gut microbiome is only part of the story,” says Professor Proudman. “There are lots of other factors [that contribute to a horse’s health and performance], such as genetics, environment, and its response to training. I don’t think we are anywhere near a situation yet where we’ll be able to screen horses for potential on the basis of their bacterial communities,” he says. “However, I think there are some really simple things that the racing industry and, in particular, the breeding industry could take on board which could help them.” To that end, a follow-on study, funded by the Horserace Betting Levy Board, will look for potential probiotic bacteria that can be fed to foals in the form of feed supplements that will then colonise their intestine and produce beneficial effects. “In the same way that you could go to the supermarket and get yoghurt with probiotic bacteria in them, we’re identifying bacteria which might do the same thing for horses; in particular, for foals,” explains Professor Proudman. His team is already working with various players in the feed and supplement industries. “There might be some new products in development within the next few years directly arising from this research,” he hints.

“The Thoroughbred breeding industry is very traditional,” Professor Proudman continues. “And I think there probably has been an under-recognition of the genetic contribution of gut bacteria to foals’ health and ultimately their performance. It’s quite theoretical at the moment and we need to explore it in more detail. But certainly I think in the future, if stud farms have mares that have good, healthy gut bacteria, we think that’s going to be passed on to foals. So, it’s another aspect of racehorse genetics that has value as a commercial proposition.”

Is SDFT tendinopathy a “professional condition” in the jumping racehorse?

Words - Jean Baptiste Pavard

Tendon and ligament disorders are one major cause of poor performance and wastage in equine athletes. The most common structures involved are the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), the suspensory ligament (SL), the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) and the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT), also called the inferior check ligament.

Thoroughbred racehorses are particularly predisposed to tendon and ligament injuries accounting for approximately 50% of all musculoskeletal injuries to competing racehorses. However, some structures are much more exposed to injuries than others in this population of equine athletes.

Most tendon injuries in racehorses occur to the forelimb tendons, with overstrain injury of the SDFT at the very top of the list. This is particularly true in jump racing, where the prevalence of superficial digital flexor tendinopathy has been found to involve up to 24% of horses in training over 2 seasons (Avella et al. 2009) and could be considered as a “professional condition”. 

The higher exposure of tendon injury in jumping horses compared to flat racehorses might be explained by the fact they compete over longer distances, for more seasons and are generally older than horses that race on the flat. Another reason is very likely that the SDFT of jumping horses support bigger strains, and repetitively, when landing over fences. 

The main issue for this type of injuries is that tendon healing is slow and requires a long recovery between 10 to 18 months depending on the severity of cases. Although the scar tissue of tendon injuries can be optimised with an effective rehabilitation program, its functionality remains inferior with relatively high re-injury rates in the years following the original lesion. Thus, a complete understanding of SDF tendinopathy and its major risk factors in jump racing are very important to improve prevention and early management of the condition which is a potentially career-ending condition. In the racing community, it has become crucial given big issues it involves in sporting and economic terms, as well as for the health and the welfare of racehorses. 

SDF tendonitis - characteristics in jumping racehorses

SDF tendinopathy is one of the most common injuries in jump horses with a prevalence from 10 to 45% depending on epidemiological studies with some variations among trainers. Most of the cases involve the forelimbs, but hindlimb injuries also occur. Typically, lesions are found at the mid-cannon level in a central core lesion. 

The disruption of the tendon fibres might generally occur in this area because it appears to be preferentially loaded and degenerates more over the time. However, injuries of the SDFT can be seen at all the levels of the tendon. They are most commonly unilateral, but bilateral SDFT injuries can also occur.

Tendinopathy is a result of mechanical overload, varying from single fibril disruption to complete rupture of the whole tendon. The most common cause of SDFT overstrain injuries in NH horses is an accumulation of damages from repetitive overloading. 

The structure of the tendons in horses is matured around 2 years old, and after maturity there is very limited or no adaptation possible. It means that if tendons accumulate an excess of micro-damage over the time (tendon cells have a capacity to repair defects, but it is limited and need time), they become weaker with a loss of elasticity and strength leading to a point where higher SDFT loads / strains result in disruption of fibres with a clinical tendon injury. 

Moreover, it is important to be precise that forelimb flexor tendons in racehorses function close to their maximal load / strain-bearing capacity with a narrow safety margin. While failure of the SDFT has been shown occurring for tensile strain* from 12 to 20% in vitro, peak strains within SDFT at the gallop are by around 16%. Since racehorses operate close to the functional limit of the SDFT during fast work, any risk factors that lead to higher loads on tendons during training or racing can result in clinical injury with significant disruption of tendon fibres. Some of these in NH horses are discussed below.

* % increase in length from original length / tensile strain

Causes – Risk factors

Epidemiological studies have identified risk factors for SDF tendinopathy in racehorses. As discussed previously, jump horses are at greater risk than flat racehorses and it could be partially explained by horses being older in jump racing. 

Indeed, risk of SDFT injuries increases considerably with age and it appears that the prevalence in jump horses is more important in horses older than 5 years old, with the maximum injury rate seen in horses 12 to 14 years of age. 

Other major risk factors identified for SDF tendinopathy are frequent high-speed work, longer race distance, harder racetrack surface, heavier bodyweight and longer training career. Although they were not clearly identified as such, fatigue in relation with exercise duration or lack of fitness and conformation / shoeing (long toe, low heel) might increase the risk of SDF tendon injuries.  

In jump racing, SDF tendonitis appeared more common in steeplechasers than in hurdlers, but the reason may be the older age of the first ones rather than the type of racing. 

Diagnostic

Assessment of suspected tendon injuries should be based on history and clinical signs associated with diagnostic imaging. In many racing stables, people assess forelimb flexor tendons daily which can help to detect the early lesions of SDF tendinopathy. 

However, first signs may be very subtle and variable depending on history, severity and location of injury. They are usually noted within 24 hours of fast work or racing but can also develop at slower work. It is often subclinical and resolves quickly for non-severe injuries with acute lesions characterised by heat, soft tissue swelling and pain on palpation, whilst chronic ones appear with fibrosed thickening. 

Overstrain SDFT injuries are classically in the mid-cannon area and present a more or less severe change in profile of the back of the limb leading to the well-known qualification of “bowed tendon”.  

However, the obvious signs of inflammation (thickening and heat) are not always present even for some significant injuries and lameness doesn’t appear to be a very consistent feature associated with SDFT injuries. It is typically mild (1 to 2 grades out of 5 at the trot) and improves rapidly over the first week after the injury, however the tendon remains weakened. Consequently, the level of lameness and pain on palpation don’t have a good correlation with the severity of the lesion, except in the most severe cases.

In cases of apparent “bowed” injury with pain response on palpation, it is sufficient to consider there is likely an active tendonitis. In more subtle configuration, the need for ultrasound is indicated to confirm and assess the extent of the lesion.  

It may be best to perform or repeat tendon scans at 1 to 3 weeks after clinical injury first noted. Indeed, it allows us to assess lesion severity more accurately because of ultrasonographic underestimation of lesion extent at the beginning of tendon injuries. It is also very important in cases of suspected lesions but initially not well defined. 

Moreover, both tendons should be systematically examined on ultrasound for 2 major reasons. Firstly, SDFT tendinopathy are bilateral in up to 67% of cases (Webbon), and secondly it helps to differentiate active lesions versus subclinical changes on ultrasound (ex. “juvenile tendinitis”). A careful ultrasound assessment is also keen to exclude the presence of potential concomitant lesions (ex. SL desmitis).

When SDFT lesions are suspected, the horse should be put at stall rest with only short hand walking until the injury is confirmed or not by ultrasound a few weeks later.  

Ultrasound is routinely used by equine veterinarians and is elected to diagnose SDFT injuries as first-line diagnostic imaging. Whilst it is particularly relevant to document tendon lesions, it has been beneficial to develop a scoring system using specific measurements in order to categorise the severity of SDFT tendinopathy. 

It is also very useful to establish prognosis and monitor the healing process in line with an adapted rehabilitation program.

Prognosis and return for racing

The prognosis of SDF tendinopathy can be very variable depending on the severity of injury, the convalescence program and the type of racing. Overall, sport prognosis in the Thoroughbred is guarded with a reported return to racing from 20 to 60 % of cases. The major issue of tendon injuries in racehorses is the need for a long recovery and the high rate of re-injury due to poor regenerative capacity of tendon tissue, which is considered as a limiting factor for racing. However, return to training / racing activity is common for most mild / moderate SDFT injuries.

A study with jump racehorses affected by SDFT injuries classifying lesions severity by ultrasound established that all horses with mild lesions returned to training, and 63% raced. 50% of moderately affected horses returned to training, and 23% raced. 

In severe lesions, only 30% of horses resumed training, and 23% raced. In the study, the mean of reinjury rate for horses resuming work was 40% over a period of follow-up from 9 to 30 months, but some studies with longer follow-up reported up to 80% of horses sustaining a re-injury. Also, it is remarkable to note that a significant number of re-injuries affect the opposite normal limb.

Definitely, long-term prognosis is influenced by the severity of the lesions. The more severe SDFT lesions are, the lower chance of return to racing, shorter racing career and drop in racing class of those resuming there are. Complete ruptures of SDFT are hopeless for sport prognosis, but paddock life remains possible. 
The other factors established to influence the sport prognosis in racehorses affected by SDFT lesions are concomitant lesions, and more particularly bilateral tendinitis which have very poor prognosis. The less classical SDFT lesions like those at the level of carpal or proximal cannon have poorer prognosis for racing and ongoing lameness is frequently present. While it is difficult to study the influence of rehabilitation programs due to the need for a long period of follow-up, controlled exercise showed to provide better prognosis than only uncontrolled pasture rest. 

Treatment & Management: How to optimise the healing of tendon lesions?

Contrary to bone, healing of tendon lesions doesn’t allow you to get back pre-injury tissue due to its poor regenerative capacity. It means the structure and function of healed tendons are modified with different mechanical properties. Thus, the aim of SDF tendinopathies’ treatment is to optimise the healing process in order to get a strong and functional repaired tendon as much as possible. 

Although there are different options available in the management of SDFT lesions in racehorses, all of them should respect a long recovery with progressive return to work. As said previously, tendon healing is slow, and it is common to consider at least 12 months for return to racing in horses affected by SDFT injuries. 

To understand how to manage SDFT tendinopathy, it is important to consider the different phases in the tendon healing process.

In the initial days following the injury, the acute phase is characterised by inflammatory reaction. For a long time, it was advised to control quickly and aggressively the inflammatory response to limit damage to the tendon. However, it is now more and more controversial because the initial inflammatory phase would be beneficial for the repair process of tendons. 

The best management of this phase is to treat only in case of excessive pain and acute swelling through the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and cold therapy locally for a period of 3 to 5 days. During this phase, it is important to minimise exercise with stable confinement for the initial weeks. As we discussed previously, the ultrasound assessment of tendon injuries is generally best performed 1 to 3 weeks after the initiation of the injury because it allows to determine the full extent of the lesion. Thus, it is recommended to scan flexor tendons at the end of the acute phase to grade the severity of the lesion and establish a rehabilitation program and prognosis for return to racing activity. 

The other crucial period in the management of SDFT tendinopathy is the rehabilitation phase which can begin soon after the inflammation subsides. The cornerstones of healing tendon are the need for time and progressive graded and controlled exercise program. Protocols are quite empirical due to the difficulty to compare long-term outcome with homogenous groups. 

Indeed, the program should be determined in relation to the severity of the injury, but classically at least 6 months are necessary for return to cantering. A typical program is to introduce walking once the acute phase has passed with gradual increasing duration until 12 weeks. Ideally, monitoring of healing with ultrasound assessment every 3 months allows to control the evolution of the repair through an assessment of fiber pattern alignment and tendon/lesion size. In normal evolution, trotting can be introduced after 12 weeks and cantering after 32 weeks. Generally, the re-introduction to normal race training is resumed not before 8 to 12 months. Prognosis of SDFT lesions reported for horses rested for less than 6 months is poorer with higher risk of re-injury. 

Additional therapies can be used in the aim of optimising the healing of tendon tissue after injuries. Some of them are more and more popular and promising, but it is still difficult to evaluate and compare their efficacy. These modalities have to be considered as an additional intervention to graded exercise programs. 

The main interest of these therapies is not to reduce rehabilitation, but to optimise the healing process reducing the chance of re-injury after return to training. These additional therapies range from firing to intralesional therapies with PRP (Platele-rich plasma), PSGAGs (Polysulfated glycoaminoglycans), growth factors (IGF-1) or stem cells. To optimise the efficiency of these therapies, the treatment should be generally realised during the acute phase (more or less 2 weeks after the initiation of the injury). 

How SDF tendinopathy can be prevented in racehorses

Prevention is very important due to long recovery and guarded prognosis linked to high re-injury rate. 23–67% of horses with tendon injury treated using conservative methods will re-injure their tendons within 2 years of the original injury.

Strategies with success in preventing/reducing the incidence of tendon injury have not been validated; however, awareness of risk factors associated with SDFT tendinitis provides some useful guidance. 

• Avoid excessive training to fatigue and permit sufficient recovery time after racing or high-speed training. 

• Avoid use of poorly prepared or inappropriate track surfaces. 

• Long-term use of exercise boots/bandages may also contribute to increased risk; magnitude of this risk is unknown but should be balanced against rationale for routine use of bandages in horses that are not prone to interference injuries. 

• Strategies to reduce risk of reinjury of a rehabilitating/ rehabilitated tendon have also not been validated; however, it is rational to limit excessive loading of tendon. 

• Possible aspects to assist with above: incorporate treadmill use in training programme; attention to rider weight; minimise horse accruing excessive body condition; ensure maintenance of good dorsopalmar foot balance. 

• Possible benefit to be derived from regular post-exercise cryotherapy (such as cold water immersion): cooling the lower limb effectively can reduce enzymatic activity in tendon and potentially inhibit cell attrition resulting from high-intensity exercise. 

Tracks that are very hard result in higher speeds and increased peak impact loads. These fast tracks are therefore more likely to produce overstrain injuries of tendons. 

However, tracks where the surface is uneven, slippery, or shifty seem also to contribute to damaging loading patterns on tendons. Numerous factors influence the mechanical behaviour of a track surface; the weather and track maintenance have a major influence. Moisture content affects all tracks’ mechanical properties, and extreme temperatures appear to affect some synthetic tracks’ mechanical characteristics dramatically. 

Experience over years with a particular track type will allow identification of track conditions that may predispose to tendon injuries.

Fatigue is influenced primarily by the horse’s work schedule, level of fitness, and intensity of competition. Fatigue should be considered as a contributor to tendon injuries. With the onset of muscle fatigue, a horse’s stride characteristics change,13 altering the forces on the tendons. Fatigue in any sport results in an inevitable loss of form and coordination in each stride, which is likely to result in an increased risk of injury.

At high speed, lameness may result in excessive loading of the tendons in the contralateral limb.

Horses who are overweight or carrying excess weight will produce greater forces on their tendons compared with lower weight individuals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tendon and ligament disorders prove to be a major cause of poor performance and lameness within the racing industry. With SDF tendinopathy being at the forefront of these lameness’, there are many strategies that can be adopted to prevent / reduce the incidences of tendon injuries within the thoroughbred.

A herbal approach to digestive health

Words - Catherine Rudenko

Introduction

The use of herbs and plant extracts to manage digestive ailments in other species is well documented. Whilst equine specific research is somewhat limited, some research is available and shows promising results. The principle common to traditional herbal medicines, whichever system is adopted, is that the patient is considered as a whole. This includes taking into account age, current level of vitality, emotional state or personality, along with environmental challenges. 

The digestive system is considered of primary importance as digestive health influences other aspects of health within the body. That traditional view is one that is now upheld firmly in modern science, as we become increasingly aware of the influence of gut health on other body systems. Within the human food sector there now exists a multitude of supplements targeting gut function, changing the microbiome, and promoting various health benefits derived from such changes. 

Plants present an opportunity to do more to manage digestive health for horses in training but supply and safety are significant challenges. Not all herbs are approved for use in racing as they contain substances that are banned in racing, for example ephedrine commonly found in Indian snakeroot, or synephrine that is often found in bitter orange cultivars. Just because a herb is available online and marketed for equine does not mean it is safe to use in racing. There is also the consideration of supply chain, as the global herbal market does not operate with the racing industry in mind. Whilst many herbs are themselves safe for use in racing by their action or composition, the supply chain may expose them to contamination with herbs or other materials containing banned substances. It is therefore essential only to use herbs and blends from companies operating under codes of practice, such as BETA NOPS who are assessing and managing the risk of contamination with naturally occurring prohibited substances (NOPS). 

The information below discusses some of the plants most commonly used or better evidenced for their effects on aspects of digestive health. Research is other species unless specifically stating equine. The information below is designed to provide an introduction to herbs commonly used for digestive health, the majority of which are available through reputable brands. 

Herbs noted for antiulcer or antacid effects

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Traditionally used for symptoms including inflammation, gastritis and gastric ulcer. In a study looking at the effect of curcuma longa extract the effects noted were reduced gastric acid secretion and protection against gastric mucosal lesions (1). Effect noted as from blocking of H2 histamine receptors.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

One of the most widely studied herbs. Well known for its antioxidant and inflammatory properties. It has also been studied for its effects on management of diarrhoea and gastric ulcers (2). Effect likely from antioxidant properties.

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Milk thistle has been reported as having protective effects against ulceration through its positive effects on mucosa.

Fenugreek Seeds (Trigonella foenum-graceum)

Traditionally used for a variety of digestive disorders. Fenugreek seeds have been studied and compared with omeprazole for their protective effects against ulcers. In one study the soluble gel extract from fenugreek seeds was found to be as effective as omeprazole for experimentally induced ulcers (3).

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Well known for its antiulcer properties in humans and documented as an effective antacid. Research has shown that licorice used in donkeys with glandular ulcers induced by phenylbutazone was effective at reducing ulcer severity. Licorice was also effective at preventing associated phenylbutazone induced hypoglycaemia (4).

There are other herbs also with reported ulcer benefits mostly from a healing perspective including corydalis, gotu kola and bacopa. 

Combinations

Herbs are most often prescribed in combination, as a cocktail of herbs will provide more than one mode of action, and will take into consideration other aspects of a state of disease. 

Herbal combinations for ulcers within equine research is limited but some studies exist for marketed products. An Italian company has shown efficacy of a combination of minerals and herbs, namely fenugreek, licorice aloe vera and fleawort extract at reducing ulcer severity score of thoroughbreds in training (5). 

Another commercial preparation trialled in humans based on bitter candytuft, melissa leaf matricaria flower, caraway fruit, peppermint leaf, angelica root, milk thistle, elan-dine herb and licorice root was proven effective at lowering gastric acidity and inhibiting serum gastrin levels (6).

Herbs noted for anti-inflammatory effects of digestive disorders

Although gastric ulcers are the most common concern for horses the remainder of the digestive tract is equally challenged by the training environment and needs for high energy feeds. Herbs are often used, and well documented, for the management of human digestive disorders. Whilst there is not always a direct equine equivalent the similarities in conditions makes a herbal approach an interesting consideration. 

Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)

A potent anti-inflammatory herb with evidence for use in management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Chron’s disease. In both cases, research proves Boswellia as effective as medication in some studies. 

Chamomile (Matricaria recuita)

A herb with multiple benefits, including carminative effects. Widely used for any inflammatory condition of the bowel and gastrointestinal spasms. 

Demulcent Herbs

This group of herbs is used to lubricate and protect digestive tract membranes. Some herbs in this group are also in the anti-ulcerogenic group, highlighting that herbs are often carry multiple benefits across categories. Their primary mode of action comes from mucilaginous substances, namely polysaccharide gels, that protect mucosal surfaces by adhering to them. They may also act as prebiotics and influence intestinal flora. 

Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)

Used in humans for the management of inflammation of gastric mucosa.

Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva)

Used for inflammation and ulceration of the stomach and for cases of colitis. 

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice has a similar effect, although slightly different mode of action, through increasing mucus production and promoting mucosal blood flow.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graceum)

Used in the management of gastritis. 

Antimicrobial Herbs

There are numerous herbs with antimicrobial effects. The mostly widely studied group for gastrointestinal infections are those containing the active component berberine. It has been found effective in treating diarrhoea caused by Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae and Salmonella paratyphi B, amongst others. Berberine is found in plants such as goldenseal, Oregon grape root and coptis root. 

Chamomile and thyme are also in this category although not of the berberine group. Chamomile oil is reported as having antifungal activity and activity against gram positive bacteria. Thyme oil has antifungal activities against a wide range of organisms. 

Antiviral Herbs 

Whilst there are several herbs considered as having antiviral properties, such as Echinacea, there is little information specifically for efficacy against gastrointestinal viruses. The exception being for tormentil root, which has been investigated for its effects against rotavirus diarrhoea in children. Research has shown an extract of tormentil root was effective in shortening the duration of rotaviral diarrhoea. 

Considerations

There is a considerable amount of research and evidence around the efficacy of some herbs, along with increasing understanding of their modes of action. As is often the case, equine specific research is limited and research from other species must be relied on. 

Herbs that are well researched, are worth considering alongside a well-balanced approach to nutrition. The main challenge is not finding evidence of efficacy, but finding a source that is most appropriate to racing. Although herbs and extracts are readily available online it is important to purchase through companies that are aware of the risks of naturally occurring prohibited substances and are managing this risk with a focus on racing, and not to use any supplement containing known banned substances. 

References

1. Kim DC, Kim SH, Choi BH, Baek NI, Kim D, Kim MJ, Kim KT. Curcuma longa extract protects against gastric ulcers by blocking H2 histamine receptors. Biol Pharm Bull. 2005, Volume 28, Issue 12

2. Mohamed-Amine Jabri, Nadhem Aissani, Haifa Tounsi, Mohsen Sakly, Lamjed Marzouki, Hichem Sebai. Protective effect of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) decoction extract against alcohol-induced injury in rat gastric mucosa. Pathophysiology, 2017, Volume 24, Issue 1

3. R Suja Pandian, C.V Anuradha, P Viswanathan, Gastroprotective effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) on experimental gastric ulcer in rats, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2002, Volume 81, Issue 3

4. Masoud Ahmadnejad, Ghader Jalilzadeh-Amin, Benjamin W Sykes. Prophylactic effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract on phenylbutazone-induced Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD). Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 2022, V olume118.

5. Stucchi,L. Enrica,Z. Alessia,S. Giovanni,S. Serena,C. Contura,B. Ferro,E. Ferrucci,F. Efficacy of the administration of a natural feed supplement in the management of equine gastric ulcer syndrome in 7 sport horses: a field trial. American Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences. 2017, Volume 12, Issue 3

6. M.T. Khayyal , M. Seif-El-Nasr , M.A. El-Ghazaly , S.N. Okpanyi , O. Kelber , D. Weiser. Mechanisms involved in the gastro-protective effect of STW5 (Iberogast) and its components against ulcers and rebound acidity. Phytomedicine. 2006, Volume 13, Issue 1

EMHF - The state of jump racing around the world

Words - Paull Khan

What state of health is jump racing really in? For someone living in Britain, for example, the picture is a little confusing. On the plus side, interest levels in the sport relative to the flat seem never to have been higher – of the top British races by betting turnover, almost all are over obstacles. And no festival, Royal Ascot included, generates more anticipation and excitement than does Cheltenham. Then one considers Ireland and the merciless pummelling, which the Brits have become accustomed to, of the home team by Irish-trained horses at that very Festival.  And France: you won’t find a topflight jumps card where the commentator’s mastery of French pronunciation will not be put to the test – such is the prevalence of French-bred imports. 

But then, on the darker side of the coin, one cannot fail to register increasing societal unease. A growing unwillingness to accept the unavoidable reality of injuries and fatalities, however rare their occurrence. And views being expressed that these headwinds are not only serious – they may be terminal, with venerable trainers opining that jump racing in Britain will not outlive them. And we are aware of the swingeing contraction of jump racing in Australia, which gives those existential fears more weight.

So, your columnist set out on a journey of discovery – to try to find out the true state of health of jump racing globally.

The first thing I was struck by is how rare a bird jump racing is, globally speaking. There are vast tracts of this planet on which the sport simply does not exist. More troubling yet, in several parts of the world there are memories of a sport that once existed but that has now perished.

Take Canada. Ross McKague of the Canadian Graded Stakes Committee sets out the picture starkly.  “We have never had, do not currently have, nor are there any plans for, any organized jump races in Canada.”

Similarly in South Africa. “Apart from one or two amateur jump races on the inside of the race course in the Eastern Cape at the now defunct Arlington Race course”, Arnold Hyde, Racing Control Executive at the National Horseracing Authority there explains, “I am not aware of jump races in an official capacity taking place here. I guess that there has not been a culture for jump racing in South Africa and with our dwindling horse population (hopefully with the latest import/export developments the trend is reversed), I cannot see this changing anytime soon”.

How about South America, then? Ignacio Pavlovsky, IFHA Technical Advisor for that continent, recalls there having been racing in Chile once upon a distant time. His research reveals that the last steeplechase was held there in 1986.

So where, outside Europe, is this elusive creature to be found? The green in the background maps gives the answer. The USA for one – but restricted to a ribbon of States in the East of the nation. We have mentioned Australia, where, within recent years, the sport has ceased in both Tasmania and South Australia and is only now to be found in Victoria. Then there’s New Zealand and Japan. And that, unless anyone corrects me, is just about it.

What is the scale of jump racing in these non-European countries, and how has it shifted in recent decades? Taking as our simple metric the number of jump races staged, we can see that Japan has virtually flat-lined over the past 20 years. USA, meanwhile, has seen a 20% decline, while New Zealand’s programme has all but halved and Australia’s has worse than halved.

Over that period, there has been a remarkable consistency in what has happened to average field sizes. In America, they have reduced by 13%, in New Zealand by 14% and in Australia by 15%, indicating that the pool of jump horses is contracting at a faster rate than the number of contests on offer. The average jump race in Australia attracts 8.2 runners; that in New Zealand 7.8 and that in the States just 6.5. Reducing field sizes is, in fact, a scourge of jump racing affecting virtually all of the world’s jumping nations.

And what of the future? Hearteningly, two recent reviews, the first in New Zealand and the second in Australia, have come down in favour of the continuation of the sport. The latter took place against the backdrop of calls from the local RSPCA for the closure of the sport in Victoria, following the deaths of three horses at the August meet in Ballarat.

September’s announcement from RV stated that “Due to the increase in fatal incidents across the 2024 jumps racing season, this year’s review will go beyond the standard process. A broader, whole-of-business approach will be adopted to analyse a broad range of metrics….The report and recommendations will consider the future viability of jumps racing in Victoria, and/or what further changes can be made to improve the safety record of the sport”. 

RV’s Chaiman, Tim Eddy added: “The safety record across the 2024 jumps racing season was unacceptable and the events of the final meeting at Ballarat were heartbreaking for all involved in the Victorian jumps racing community”.

Last month’s report linked jumping’s reprieve to a raft of safety measures, including the cessation of jumps racing at certain tracks, a contraction of the season in the quest for safe ground and increased oversight on safety compliance. 

Meanwhile, just over the Tasman Sea, a very similar exercise has recently concluded. And if one needed any more evidence of the existential nature of these deliberations, consider this early sentence from the review’s executive summary:

“The scope of the review is to evaluate the future of jumps racing by examining scenarios in which it either continues or is discontinued”.

Again, the review came down in favour of continuation and prompted this joyous headline to an article by respected journalist Michael Guerin: ‘Jumps racing saved in New Zealand with bold new changes ahead’.

Noteworthy was the difference in tone and apparent motivation for the two studies. Whereas, in Victoria’s, horse welfare was front and centre, in New Zealand the focus was more on such aspects as revenue, employment and jump racing’s role as a second career for flat racers. Its approach to the welfare issue was muted: “It is well documented that jumps racing carries higher risks than flat racing, to both horses and jockeys. The figures however did not suggest to the Panel that jumps racing should be discontinued, but the Panel did agree that any additional safety measures should be identified and implemented”. The report gave a nod to “avoiding firm track conditions early in the jumps season” and noted that “even those who supported the continuation of jumps identified a concern about use of the whip during the races, especially at the end of the races after the last jump…when horses are tired”. Its main recommendations, however, centred on programming changes, promotional initiatives to raise the profile of jockeys, and various measures for their sourcing, (including, intriguingly, “a recruitment and licensing program to streamline the readiness of UK riders for racing in New Zealand”).

For Guerin, this emphasis is reflective of broader public attitudes in New Zealand where, he observes “many have farm ties and most city people probably don’t watch jumps racing as it is no longer in Auckland”.

Japanese jump racing is battling twin concerns of declining betting revenue and dwindling jockey numbers. The Japan Racing Association’s Takahiro Uno, Chair of the Asian Pattern Committee notes that its jump races were recently moved, as a result, from the major tracks to smaller venues.  But there is a desire to protect the rich history of jumping – Japan’s premier jump race, the Nakayama Daishogai, is not far away from its centenary. Already, an apprentice system which is agnostic as to the age of the apprentice has been introduced, to incentivise flat riders to make the transition and a return of some jump races to the big metropolitan venues is under consideration. 

Let us return home, to Europe. A survey of EMHF members revealed that jump racing can be found in no fewer than 13 of them. That’s the good news. The less good news is that decline and contraction is evident virtually across the board, and in two countries - Austria and Norway - jump racing has died out within the last 20 years.

In Germany, the downswing is precipitous.

Despite a 93% reduction in jump races since 2004, field sizes have plummeted to less than 4.5 runners. To Rudiger Schmanns, Racing Direktor at Deutscher Galopp the sport is in its last throes. What does he envisage in the next 10 years? “No races. No, riders, no horses and further animal welfare pressure”.

The picture in Italy is brighter – but not much. 

In 2004, 728 individual horses started over the jumps; today that number is 212. Twenty years ago, one could enjoy jumping at 15 Italian tracks. Now, there is just Pisa, Trevisa and Merano left. The last-named remains a gem amongst European jumps courses, but is heavily propped up by incoming foreign-trained runners, mainly from the Czech Republic. Around half of Merano’s prize money goes abroad, and around half of that to the powerful Czech stable of Scuderia Aichner and Josef Vana jnr.

And, turning to Czech Republic on our European round-up, we detect the first green shoots of optimism.

While a reduction in scale is still apparent, it is far less pronounced than in the earlier countries. And the above tells but half the story, since, as has been noted, Czech-trained runners ply their trade in neighbouring countries with great success. Martina Krejci, General Secretary of the Czech Jockey Club observes: “Very many Czech trainers and owners start in jump races abroad. For example, this weekend in Wroclav (Poland), the Crystal Cup runners were almost all Czech”. Krejci anticipates a bounce-back will take place starting next year, with race numbers returning to their levels of 10 and 20 years ago. One of the biggest impediments to growth, though, is the dearth of jockeys.

It is as well to consider the Central European countries as a region, as well as individual territories, such is the level of international traffic of runners. 

Polish statistics are distorted somewhat by the fact that, in the early part of this century, a number of jump races for half-breds were additionally run. These then ceased, and were supplanted with thoroughbred races, which drew liberally for their runners from neighbouring countries, such as Czech Republic. Notwithstanding this quirk, Polish jump racing, if not in rude health, is certainly faring better than most.

Sweden now flies the Scandinavian jump racing flag alone. The jumps are a distant memory in Denmark and the last hurdle race in Norway took place in 2022. Swedish jumping’s future is itself under intense scrutiny, explains Dennis Madsen, Racing Director of the Swedish Horseracing Authority, following the betting operator’s devastating decision no longer to take bets on this code of racing. For Madsen, though, jump racing’s problems are very largely replicated on the flat in Sweden, and he detects a frightening decline in horseracing the world over which he feels is both inexorable and inevitable. “Yes”, he concedes, “Cheltenham and Ascot and the Melbourne Cup still sell out, but these are merely the biggest icebergs, which will melt the slowest. The smaller countries will be erased before the bigger countries – but the bigger countries are melting as well”.

One can find jumping in Belgium, Channel Isles, Hungary, Slovakia and Switzerland, in some of which it is hanging on doggedly, but the scale of activity in these countries is even tinier – none runs more than 20 jump races annually. 

Which leaves Britain, Ireland bigger countries and France. The sheer scale of the dominance of the ‘big three’, and particularly of Britain, is vividly apparent from this chart. Between them, they account for over 90% of the world’s jump races. Nearly 8,000 jump races are run each year around the world and nearly half of these take place in Britain.

So, when considering the overall health of the jumps, most of our attention must be paid to this triumvirate.

France has seen just a modest 10% reduction in its jump races since 2004, where it is staged on 93 tracks today, compared with 123 tracks then. But the number of starts has fallen far faster, by more than one quarter, meaning that field sizes have gone from 10.4 down to 8.4.

Among the causes of this decline, Henri Pouret, Chief Operating Officer at France Galop cites the rise in French-breds being exported, a reduction in racecourses on security grounds due to a lack of volunteer staff and a shortage of jump jockeys, especially amateurs. However, the code remains an important part of the French racing product: “Jump racing and breeding are key in the horse racing landscape in France”, says Pouret. “t still represents one third of the races organised in France and of our different runners. There is a plan to restore Auteuil Racecourse which is the flagship of jump racing in France”.

“The main factor likely to influence the scale of jump racing in your country over the coming years, will be public perception and social license to operate regarding falls and fatalities”.

To invigorate the sport, Pouret would welcome the development of pony racing over jumps.

Ireland’s jumps industry is showing considerable resilience. The number of races has actually increased, but individual horses competing in those races and the aggregate number of starts are both down by over 10%, leading to average fields of a still healthy 11.5, compared with a whopping 13.8 twenty years ago. However, the metrics have improved in the most recent decade.

Jason Morris, Director of Strategy at Horse Racing Ireland, provides the context: “Ireland is in a more positive position than many jurisdictions as jump racing has grown over the past 10 years in line with HRI's strategic objective to become the global leader. The number of races and runners has increased while we have been able to maintain a very competitive average field size of 11.5 runners per race. Irish runners are consistently winning the majority of races at the Cheltenham Festival and an Irish trainer Willie Mullins was crowned British champion trainer for the 2023/24 jumps season. An attractive race programme, strong prize money, well attended race meetings and the continued success of Irish-trained runners are incentivising many international owners to have their jumps horses based in Ireland, while the Irish point-to-point sector continues to provide an invaluable nursery for developing young horses”.

“Our intention is that jumps racing will continue to grow in Ireland over the next 10 and indeed 20 years”. 

“The biggest influencing factor and threat to Irish jumps racing is the potential decline of jumps racing in Britain given its importance as an export market for Irish horses and the symbiotic racing and breeding relationship between the two countries. A strong British jumps sector is vital for Irish racing”.

“In terms of invigorating jumps racing, there are concerns about the availability of sufficient horses going forwards and HRI is working on initiatives with the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association to ensure the continuing production of quality Irish-breds, including earlier participation on the racecourse for jumps-bred horses. The concentration of success in a shrinking number of very powerful yards is another area for focus. While we celebrate the success of our top trainers, we want to ensure that the grass roots continue to grow as well and that there is a strong pyramid supporting the upper echelons. We will therefore be looking at race planning measures to provide more opportunities for smaller trainers and owners to be competitive. Finally, equine welfare is very much at the forefront of everything HRI does, and we work very closely with the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board to ensure the highest standards of veterinary care and injury risk prevention”.

And a not dissimilar picture is apparent in the world’s jump racing capital, Britain. Again, there are more races today – 10% more over two decades. But, as we have seen in so many countries, the jump horse population and its preparedness to compete has fallen, by some 12%. The pressure on field sizes is more acute in Britain than in Ireland, having fallen from 10.2 (2004) to 8.2 today.

Let us turn to Richard Wayman, the British Horseracing Authority’s Director of Racing and Betting, for a perspective on these bald statistics.

“Although our numbers have remained relatively stable in more recent years, since 2004 there has been a 6.5% decline in the number of horses running at least once over Jumps during the course of the year. 

There are many factors that will have contributed to that downward trend, not least the expansion and improvement of the all-weather programme on the Flat through the winter. It is only since 2006 that we have had floodlit meetings routinely staged throughout the core Jumps season and we believe that this change has had an impact on the number of horses running over obstacles.

We’ve also seen an increase in the number of Flat horses being sold to continue their careers overseas and that too has also meant fewer horses switching codes. The days of Jump trainers buying large numbers of horses off the Flat at the Horses in Training Sales in the autumn has become an increasingly distant memory as more and more horses are purchased to continue their Flat racing career elsewhere. 

There have been some changes in the make-up of racehorse owners that, in all likelihood, have worked against Jumping. The number of sole owners has declined, with there being an increase in syndicates and racing clubs. Whilst some of those groups, of course, own horses over Jumps, the lower risk of injuries, the prospect of the horses being able to run more often and the potential to pick up more prize money has almost certainly worked in favour of the Flat. Indeed, it is interesting to see an increasing number of Jumps trainers evolving their own business models to include training Flat horses. 

More generally, the difficult economic climate will have had a downward impact on racehorse ownership, as will the increasing urbanisation of society meaning that fewer people are involved with horses generally, again something that will have particularly worked against Jump racing”.

How would Wayman anticipate these numbers will look in 10 and 20 years' time? 

“Although some of our numbers have been under pressure over the past decade or two, Jump racing remains incredibly popular with fans of the sport. The top 15 races in Britain for generating betting turnover all take place over Jumps. In addition, 37 of the top 50 betting races are also over obstacles. 

Of the three race meetings that cut through into mainstream media in Britain – namely the Cheltenham Festival, the Grand National meeting, and Royal Ascot – two take place over Jumps. Our terrestrial broadcaster reports that their viewing figures are at their highest through the Jumps season.

Jump racing remains a hugely popular and much-loved sport that can thrive in the years ahead. That doesn’t mean that it will return to the levels of 20 years ago as we have to accept that the world has changed. However, with help from a mix of short- and longer-term measures, we believe that Jump racing can grow, and indeed thrive, over the course of the next decade and beyond”. 

What would he like to see happen to invigorate Jump racing? 

“A variety of measures, rather than one silver bullet, will all need to play a part in supporting our participants and racecourses to ensure that we collectively deliver a robust and vibrant sport in the years to come.

This will involve supporting the supply chain of Jump horses, continuing to invest in the mares’ programme and providing financial incentives to support the breeding of quality Jumping stock. It will require learning lessons about what has worked elsewhere and understanding whether those could be successfully applied in Britain, for example the earlier development of Jump horses such as in France, or the Novice Chase programme in Ireland. 

We must make the ownership of Jump horses as attractive as possible. As well as investing in the overall experience, at a time of rising costs, making the financial equation more enticing for owners will be key to supporting the quality and quantity of our Jump horses. We have some brilliant Jumps trainers and, again, introducing steps that will assist them in attracting investment from owners, in particular building upon our increased investment that is being made into the Novice programme for both hurdlers and chasers, will be vital.

The race programme also has a role to play in ensuring that we can deliver an effective development pathway which provides promising young horses with the opportunities to help them fulfil their potential and provide the sport with its future stars. 

And, of course, the development of exciting equine stars is critical to ensuring that Jump racing remains an attractive proposition for fans and customers, both new and existing. As a broad, overarching and final point, it obviously remains vital to maintain a strong and constant focus on all possible measures to improve the welfare and safety of our horses and riders, together with ensuring we provide a sport that is consistently more competitive and compelling at all levels”. 

What, then, might we say in answer to our opening question? Well, first, it must be conceded that we have simply taken jump racing’s pulse – a full medical examination would be necessary to make secure pronouncements. But it might be safe to conclude the following.

• Jump racing, while present in fewer locations than in the past, is still to be found in seventeen jurisdictions spread across four continents, and staged at over 200 racetracks.

• Nearly half of all jump races are run in Britain, with over 90% in Britain, Ireland or France.

• In the past 20 years, the number of jump races has fallen, but only by 3.5%, from a little over 8,000 races to a little under that figure. 

• The pool of horses taking part has shrunk significantly, by around 18%, from over 23,000 to around 19,000.

• Further, these horses are tending to run less slightly frequently, with aggregate starts in jump races falling by over 20%. The average jumper now makes 3.55 starts per season, rather than 3.7.

• Field sizes have come under pressure world-wide, as a consequence. There are, on average, two fewer horses in each jumps race – 8.6 compared with 10.6 in 2004.

The art and science of feeding horses prone to gastric ulcers

Words - Sarah Nelson

Risk factors for squamous or ‘non-glandular’ ulcers are well documented and include low forage diets and long periods without eating, diets high in non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) or ‘starch and sugar’, intensive exercise and stress, as well as prolonged periods of stabling and travelling. While some risks may be unavoidable for racehorses in training, diet is one that can be influenced relatively easily. 

In this article, Nutritionist, Sarah Nelson, discusses some of the science and provides practical advice on the nutritional management of horses prone to non-glandular ulcers. While glandular ulcers may be less responsive to changes in diet, the same nutritional management is generally recommended for both glandular and non-glandular ulcers. 

Evidence that diet makes a difference

Research published by Luthersson et al (2019) was the first to show that changes in diet can reduce the recurrence of non-glandular ulcers following veterinary treatment. In this 10-week trial, fifty-eight race/ competition horses were paired according to their workload, management and gastric ulcer score (non-glandular ulcers graded 0-4). One horse from each pair continued with their normal diet while the other had their normal ‘hard feed’ replaced with the trial diet which was divided into three equal meals. Horses with grade 3 and grade 4 ulcers were also treated with the recommended dose of omeprazole for four weeks. All horses were scoped at the start of the trial, immediately after omeprazole treatment had finished and 6 weeks after treatment had stopped. 

The majority of horses improved as a result of omeprazole treatment regardless of diet. Diet had no effect on grade 2 ulcers. At the end of the study, gastric ulcer scores in the horses that were fed the trial diet were not significantly better or worse than in horses that were not fed the trial diet. Overall, gastric ulcer scores in horses that were fed the trial diet remained improved 6 weeks after treatment had stopped. Six weeks after treatment had stopped, gastric ulcers scores had worsened in the majority of horses that remained on their normal feed so that overall, there was no difference between pre and post treatment scores.  

Importantly, this research shows that changes in diet can help to reduce the risk of gastric ulcers recurring after treatment, even if other changes in management are not possible. There was also no apparent long-term benefit of omeprazole treatment alone, highlighting the importance of other strategies in the long-term management of horses prone to gastric ulcers.  As this study only evaluated changes in ‘hard feed’, it is possible that greater improvements could have been achieved if changes to forage were also made. 

Recent research reveals unexpected results

Regular turnout often isn’t possible for horses in training and while the risk of gastric ulcers generally seems lower in horses at pasture, recent research carried out in Iceland by Luthersson et al (2022) has highlighted this may not always be the case.

In Iceland, horses typically live out at pasture, often in large herds and if stabled, they are generally fed a high forage, low starch and low sugar diet. While Icelandic horses do get gastric ulcers, it’s been suggested that the over-all incidence is low. 

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of gastric ulcers in Icelandic horses moving from pasture into light work. Prior to the study, all horses had lived out in large herds for their entire adult lives (age range 3-7 years), had never been in work and were fed supplementary forage in winter months only. All horses were scoped within two weeks of being removed from pasture (prior to starting ‘training’) and were scoped again approximately after 8 weeks of being stabled and doing light work. Most horses were fed forage only during the training period, but 11 were given very small amounts of soaked sugar beet and 3 were given a small amount of commercially produced feed. However, in all cases, starch and sugar intake from ‘hard feed’ was equivalent to less 250g per meal for a 500kg horse which is well within the current recommendations for horses prone to gastric ulcers.

Approximately 72% of horses had non-glandular ulcers (grade 2 or above) at scope 1. The prevalence and severity of gastric ulcers improved after eight weeks of stabling and light work - approximately 25% of horses had non-glandular ulcers (grade 2 or above) at scope 2. Horses given forage three times per day as opposed to twice per day were almost 18 times more likely to improve! Over-all, the incidence of glandular ulcers decreased from 47% to approximately 41% 

The high prevalence and severity of non-glandular ulcers at the start of the study, and the subsequent improvement following the training period was unexpected. Not only is this research an important reminder that horses at pasture are still at risk of gastric ulcers, it highlights the importance of regular forage provision. 

Forage focus

Forage is critical for mental wellbeing and digestive health in all horses but sometimes receives less attention than ‘hard/ concentrate’ feed, particularly for performance horses. When it comes to reducing the risk of gastric ulcers, one of the main benefits is promoting chewing. 

Saliva provides a natural buffer to stomach acid but unlike people, horses only produce saliva when they chew, which is why long periods without eating increase stomach acidity. In one study, the risk of non-glandular ulcers was found to be approximately 4 times higher in horses left for more than 6 hours without forage, although the risk may be greater during the day. 

Research by Husted et al (2009) found gastric pH drops in the early hours of the morning, even in horses with free access to forage. Not only do horses generally stop eating/ grazing for a period of time during the early hours of the morning, they are normally less active at night, reducing the risk of gastric splashing.

It should also be remembered that forage is a source of fuel – even average hay fed at the minimum recommended amount may provide close to 45% of the published energy requirement for a horse in heavy exercise. Forage analysis can be a useful tool, especially if you can source a consistent supply. 

Routine analysis normally includes measuring / calculating the water, energy and protein content, as well as providing an indication of how digestible the fibre is - more digestible forages yield greater amounts of energy and can help to reduce the reliance on feed.

Minimum forage intake

Ideally all horses, including racehorses in training should be provided with as much forage as they will eat. However large amounts of bucket feed, intense training and stress can affect appetite so voluntary intake (how much is eaten) should be monitored wherever possible. 

In practice, this means weighing the amount of forage that’s provided, as well as any that is left in a 24-hour period.  Ideally, total daily forage intake should not be restricted to less than 1.5% bodyweight per day on a dry matter basis, although an absolute minimum of 1.25% bodyweight (dry matter) is considered acceptable for performance horses, including racehorses in heavy training. 

On an ‘as fed basis’ (the amount of forage you need to weigh out), this typically equates to (for a 500kg horse without grazing):

• 9kg of hay if it is to be fed dry or steamed (or an absolute minimum of 7.5kg)

• 11-12kg* of haylage (or an absolute minimum of 9-11kg*)

The difference in feeding rates can cause confusion but essentially, even unsoaked hay contains some water and the water doesn’t count towards the horse’s forage intake. 

*based on a dry matter of 65-70%

How much starch and sugar is ‘too much’?

The fermentation of starch by bacteria in the stomach results in the production of volatile fatty acids which in conjunction with a low pH (acidic environment), increases the risk of ulcers forming. Current advice, which is based on published research, is to restrict non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) or ‘starch and sugar’ intake from ‘bucket feed’ to less than 1g per kilogram of bodyweight per meal and ideally less than 2g per kilogram of bodyweight per day. For a 500kg horse, this is equivalent to:

• Less than 500g per meal 

• Ideally less than 1kg per day

Traditional racing feeds are based on whole cereal grains and as a result, are high in starch. By utilising oil and sources of highly digestible fibre such as sugar beet and soya hulls, feed manufacturers can reduce the reliance on cereal starch without compromising energy delivery. 

Meal size matters

There are several reasons why horses should be fed small meals but one that’s of particular importance to managing the risk of gastric ulcers is reducing the amount of starch and sugar consumed in each meal. 

Large meals may also delay gastric emptying and in turn, lead to increased fermentation of starch in the stomach, especially if cereal based. Restrict total feed intake to a maximum of 2kg per meal which is equivalent to approximately 1 Stubbs scoop of cubes.  

Feeding ‘chaff’ to prevent gastric splashing

The horse’s stomach produces acid continuously (although at variable rate). Exercise increases abdominal pressure, causing acid to ‘splash’ onto the stomach lining in the non-glandular region where it increases the risk of ulcers forming. Exercise may also increase acid production.

Feeding short chopped fibre helps to prevent ‘gastric splashing’ by forming a protective ‘fibre mat’ on top of the contents of the stomach and may be of increased benefit to horses on restricted forage diets. Current advice is to feed 2 litres of short chopped fibre volume – equivalent to 1 Stubbs scoop – within the 30 minutes prior to exercise. Ideally choose a fibre containing alfalfa as the high protein and calcium content is thought to help buffer acid.

Supplements safety & efficacy

Supplements are often an attractive option, with owners and trainers from various disciplines reporting benefits. Unfortunately, scientific evidence is currently limited with some studies producing conflicting results which means specific recommendations regarding the optimum blend of ingredients and recommended daily intakes have not been established. 

However, ‘ingredients’ that may help to support gastric health include pectin and lecithin, omega 3 fatty acids, fenugreek, threonine, liquorice and maerl, a marine derived source of bioavailable calcium. But don’t forget, there are some important safety considerations, both for horse health and mitigating the risk of prohibited substances. 

• Supplements should never be used as an alternative to veterinary treatment or an appropriate diet.

• Beware of bold claims – if it sounds too good to be true it probably is!

• It is illegal for manufacturers to claim products can cure, prevent or treat gastric ulcers. Words like ‘soothe’ and ‘improve’ are also prohibited. While bold or illegal claims do not automatically mean a supplement presents are unsafe, it does raise questions over the company’s ethics. 

• Speak to a nutrition advisor before feeding supplements containing added vitamins and minerals as some can be harmful (or even toxic) if oversupplied.

• Avoid supplements (and feeds) containing added iron.

• Be cautious of supplements containing iodine, including naturally occurring sources such as seaweed.

• Ensure the total diet provides no more than 1mg selenium per 100kg bodyweight (5mg per day for a 500kg horse).

• Natural does not always equal safe – avoid herbs of unknown origin.

• In the UK, use only BETA® NOPS (British Equestrian Trade Association, Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances) approved feeds and supplements.

• Only use supplements produced by an authorised feed manufacturer (supplements are classified as feeds in the UK and the EU and regulated by the same legislation). Approval numbers must be included on the label but knowing what to look out for can be tricky. That said, any supplement carrying the BETA® EGUS approval mark will have been produced by an authorised manufacturer.

The BETA EGUS approval mark 

Although they are by no means the only suitable option, you can be assured that feeds carrying the BETA® EGUS approval mark have been through a rigorous independent review process to ensure:

• The combined starch and sugar content is less than 25% for high energy feeds and less than 20% for low-medium energy feeds

• They provide less than 1g of starch and sugar (combined) per kilogram bodyweight per meal when fed as recommended

• No inaccurate or medicinal claims are made on the packaging or in marketing materials

• The feed is correctly labelled

• It fulfils the nutrient specification – this includes independent laboratory analysis

Full references for scientific research available on request.

Gavin Cromwell - the leading dual-purpose trainer

Words by Daragh Ó Conchúir

Gavin Cromwell has just arrived at Goresbridge for the Point-to-Point and National Hunt Horses-in-Training Sale.

This is off-Broadway fare, with a top-priced lot of €62,000 taken home by Charles Byrnes. Only a handful of Irish trainers are active. Most of the stock is bound for Britain.

It offers a glimpse as to why Cromwell is no longer a farrier but an eight-time Grade One and six-time Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer, with three victories in Prestbury Park’s signature championship contests.

He may now be officially categorised in a so-called Big Four in the Irish jumps game but is bemused by the association with Messrs Mullins, Elliott and de Bromhead given their relative rolls of honour. His market remains primarily at far lower levels.

Three days previously, Cromwell acquired three horses at the Tattersalls December Yearling Sale. Lest one has forgotten, the Meath man has saddled group winners on the Flat too, at two of the most exalted venues of that sphere, ParisLongchamp and Ascot. He has enjoyed the thrill of Royal success at the latter course twice.

Princess Yaiza scored in the Prix de Royallieu in 2018, nine months after Raz De Maree delivered in the Welsh Grand National. Raz de Maree was a 13-year-old gelding galloping over nearly 3m6f on heavy ground and jumping 18 fences (four were omitted). About three and a half years later, two-year-old filly Quick Suzy scorched to glory in the 5f Queen Mary Stakes on good-to-firm going at Royal Ascot.

The three yearlings were bought for an accumulated £108,000, a Ghaiyyath colt being the most expensive at £40,000. Later on, Cromwell would add another trio to his burgeoning army, costing a grand total of €49,000 between them. The €25,000 for Aspurofthemoment is his largest single outlay.

They type of horses he has bought over these few days not only magnify his achievements, and his talents, but offer a glimpse of his all-inclusive approach to training and sourcing, of his ambition and tireless endeavour. There is no pigeon-holing this guy. Juveniles, veterans, handicappers, elite performers, over obstacles or on the level. You have a horse with some ability, he will get it to win. 

And while he has had some significant support from JP McManus in particular over jumps and Lindsay Laroche on the Flat, both relationships grew out of their attraction to his results and were cemented by continuing success thereafter. In the same way, he will train a couple of horses for Qatar Racing next season, having sold them one this year. These affiliations developed from the foundation stone of the entire operation: sourcing stock cheaply as most of his owners do not have deep pockets. If they are good, they are often acquired by people that do.

What being in Goresbridge tells us is that Gavin Cromwell is always on it, to use modern sporting parlance. He does not switch off. And the results speak for themselves.

How recently was Gavin Cromwell still a farrier? Many will be surprised to hear that he only finished “four or five years ago.” That’s after he had become a Cheltenham Champion Hurdle winner. 

The 50-year-old is now a six-time Festival victor at Prestbury Park, with half of those successes coming in championship races, Flooring Porter’s Stayers’ Hurdle double arriving in the wake of Espoir D’Allen’s Champion Hurdle triumph in 2019.

His tally of winners over jumps and on the Flat continues to rise, while his numerous cross-channel raids have yielded 14 winners at a 23% clip last season in National Hunt and an even better percentage of 5/20 since the start of 2023 in the summer code.

This has been achieved within a clear business strategy that focuses on a sound financial footing while marrying that with a philosophy based on ambition, and a development of leadership techniques that have proven more essential as the operation has grown from his early days on a 14-acre greenfield site, to the 150 stables and state-of-the-art facilities on 80 acres at Danestown. That brings more staff, more owners, more suppliers. More demands.

So you develop a team around you. The likes of right-hand man Garvan Donnelly. Keith Donoghue, the jockey who helped revitalise Tiger Roll and Labaik in his days working for Cromwell’s former housemate, Gordon Elliott. Race planner, Troy Cullen. Kevin and Anna Ross, brought on board to oversee the purchase of more Flat horses, many of which have been sold at a considerable profit.

Being among the aforementioned quartet excluded from some races by Horse Racing Ireland as a strategy to increase opportunities for the rest of the trainers came as a shock. Not least because he has not had a Grade One winner in Ireland since Flooring Porter announced himself a star of the future in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown four years ago. That was his fourth top-flight triumph and that tally has been doubled across the water at Cheltenham and Aintree.

For context, Willie Mullins saddled a world record 39 last season alone. 

Cromwell should really be heralded as a poster boy for what is possible in what some observers have argued is an unproductive, overly polarised environment, unconducive to fresh blood breaking through.

While he would love a yard of Grade One horses and dreams of registering a maiden Group One, most of his stock comprises handicappers. Therefore, the selling angle is vital. The paradox of that model is he sees the negative impact that has had on the depth of the Flat game, as well as the National Hunt.

This all makes for a riveting conversation.

Given that there isn’t a category of race Cromwell does not have a horse or an owner for, talent acquisition is a round-the-clock consideration. And it is one of the areas he has had to outsource because of his expansion.

“Kevin and Anna Ross have been helping to buy the yearlings for the last season, and this season. That’s working out great,” he says and with good cause.

Among the selections last year are dual group-placed Fiery Lucy, who finished her season a slightly unlucky three-length fourth to Lake Victoria in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Del Mar. Mighty Eriu was sold to Qatar Racing after finishing second on debut and went on to be runner-up in the Queen Mary, Cromwell’s worst result from his three juvenile runners at Royal Ascot. And Chorr Dubh was sold to America for six figures after winning on debut at Gowran Park. That trio cost less than €80,000 between them.

Diego Ventura was more expensive, relatively, at €72,000 but that was at the Tattersalls Breeze-Up Sale in May. He won on debut two months later under Cromwell’s go-to Flat pilot, Gary Carroll, and was promptly sold to Wathnan Racing, transferring to the tutelage of Hamad Al Jehani in Newmarket.

“I’ve always bought all my own horses up to this but it’s very hard to find time to do everything, and then, of course, to try and find someone that you trust, so Kevin and Anna have been great for the Flat horses.

“I’m taking a run down here to Goresbridge today and it’s the lesser point-to-point horses but we have lots of lesser orders. Predominantly, it’s the lesser horses that we have.

“You’re constantly trying to think outside the box and trying to buy value, and trying to buy a horse that could potentially turn out to be a decent horse. You would always be trying to buy an unlucky horse. A horse that was second or third maybe, in some of those maidens, and the winner maybe made three or four hundred thousand. And maybe he had three or four runs, and it didn’t happen for him. Maybe he could have a fall mixed into the form.”

It brings to mind Emmet Mullins revealing in this publication last year that he always had an eye on strong finishers in point-to-point maidens. He prefers a horse galloping through the line in third to a winner hanging on. The market can miss a horse like that. When you don’t have a huge reservoir of funding, you have to be smart, identify a gap that few, if any, have noticed or have interest in.

“The other thing you have to do is, you have to take a chance. I would buy some of these horses on spec; find them and bring them home. I bought Will The Wise last year on spec, £95,000. It was as much money as I’ve ever spent on spec on a horse. But thankfully, I got someone to buy him.

“I suppose when things are going well, you can have the confidence to do that. You’ll find someone. It’s a little bit easier for me to say that than it is for a smaller trainer that has a handful of horses and no access to any owners. It is difficult but listen, I was that person one time. I remember buying a horse in Newmarket and he stood me 20 grand. I couldn’t find anybody for him, and I had to sell him to another trainer.”

But he kept going back. After stints with Dessie Hughes and Paul Kellaway, and at Flemington Racecourse, while he chased a dream of being a jockey, he took out his licence to train in 2005, having learned his trade as a farrier. Dodder Walk was his first NH winner, in Cork on April 7, 2007. Five Two broke the duck on the Flat at Dundalk on November 26, 2010. Balrath Hope bagged the Ulster Oaks two years later and Sretaw delivered a big pot with the Irish Cambridgeshire in 2014. Elusive Ivy won the JLT Handicap Hurdle and Mallards In Flight the Glencarraig Lady Handicap Chase. 

By now, his services as a farrier were much in demand, with the high-flying Elliott a major client. As he notes himself, it is only until very recently that being the man that shod 2015 Gold Cup winner, Don Cossack wasn’t what people tended to mention when his name came up.

Having started with a barn for eight horses to train as a hobby, with an apartment above it that he lived in, Cromwell added a second for 13. The recession gazumped all progress but he would not be deterred. Picking up horses and making contacts brought better results. Further barns were built, housing 25, then 30 and then 50. An isolation yard was added also.

The five-furlong straight, uphill woodchip gallop has worked splendidly with the Flat juveniles ready, and while his jumpers will use it too, they are generally worked on the round, deep sand gallop complete with speedometer.

While the share in prize money is considerable, it is moving the Flat horses through the international market that really greases the wheels and facilitates the improvement of the amenities. It is a delicate balance, when you are hungry to climb the ladder and improve the quality of your string, but pragmatism ensures you are still in business next year.

“We’ve got plenty of yearlings this year and sold plenty of two-year-olds. I suppose it’s a business model that we’re buying them with the view to trading them. I have a few Flat owners, the likes of Lindsay LaRoche, who owned Princess Yaiza and Snellen, who won at Royal Ascot. Those horses are bred to race and bought to race. So that’s slightly different to the rest of the business model.

“We sold Mighty Eriu this year to Qatar and she stayed with us for a little bit. She went to Royal Ascot and I think we’re going to potentially have a couple of Qatar horses for next season. We have one three year old here at the moment for them.

“So some will stay in training, and then others are in training to be sold, whether they’re sold to existing owners, or maybe someone could buy them and they stay at the yard, remains to be seen. But it’s a business model, and it’s been working nicely. We’ve bought plenty of yearlings now for next season and hopefully they will work out.”

The prize money in Australia, Hong Kong and America puts a value, in particular, on a band of horse that cannot be replicated in Europe. So capitalising on big offers will always make sense but it does mean that the pool is thinning, in both codes, with many of those Flat horses having previously transitioned into NH athletes.

“I actually didn’t go to Newmarket Horses-in-Training Sale this year or last year. It’s so hard to buy those three year olds to go hurdling. It’s too expensive for what they are, for what we want them for. The Australian market is too good and lots of those international markets.

“We sent a few to Goffs Horses-in-Training Sale. They were looked at numerous times, and they all sold. They had won a few, but they were only at a level. We had two National Hunt horses at the sale, and they never got looked at once. It’s a world market (on the Flat), and they went to all different countries, and there’s no problem selling them. It’s a great trade. But it means we can’t buy off the Flat to go jumping or to have as good dual-purpose horses.”

Attending sales are about more than going with a shopping list.

“The lads who are getting on are the lads you’ll meet at the sales. You have to be buying your horses all the time. And sure you don’t know who you’re gonna meet. I seldom go to a sale that I don’t come home with a horse, whether I met someone and I got the horse to train, or I bought him.”

The future dividend of networking can be significant too because relationships are at the core of anything that thrives. Gavin Cromwell Racing is no different.

“You spend your whole time trying to surround yourself with good people and if you can keep adding to that, it makes everything work better, and it makes life a lot easier. Someone said to me one day, ‘You spend all your time trying to make yourself redundant.’

“The system is there, and the people are there to implement it. You’ve the 3Ds: decide, delegate and disappear. And I think sometimes, the hardest part of that is to disappear. But if you decide and you delegate, there’s no point doing them unless you disappear. You delegate, you have to pass on the responsibility, and the only way you’ll pass that on is to disappear. And if it’s not done right then, well then you’ve to go back to the start again. But if you’ve decided and you’ve delegated, you have to pass out the responsibility, and you have to do it with confidence. That’s what makes everybody grow.”

A really clever person knows what they do not know. And they go about ensuring that they acquire those skillsets or surround themselves with people that possess them. That’s how it has been with the management of people and Cromwell’s leadership.

“I suppose you learn from other people. I learned an awful lot from some of my owners, who are obviously very good in business, and chat to them. They pass on a lot.”

There have been some personnel additions in recent years that have been pivotal in the upward surge.

“Garvan Donnelly is my head lad/assistant trainer. He’s been a game changer for me, heading for three years now. He was head lad with Arthur Moor back in the day when Arthur was champion trainer. He was training himself. Thankfully, he came to work for us. I’ve Troy Cullen helping with the race planning and he’s been brilliant.

“Keith Donoghue has been a huge asset to the yard. Apart from being a brilliant rider, he’s a huge help to me with the day-to-day stuff, with the training and making plans. I don’t think there’s too many would disagree, he’s one of the best in the country. We’re very lucky that he’s with us.”

It is easy to identify now when the first real significant upswing in fortunes occurred. As happens so often, breeder, Gus Bourke only put Jer’s Girl into training because he could not sell her. It was a different ball game after she won a Listed juvenile hurdle in Aintree under Richard Johnson. Bourke was ready to cash in.

On the day she was declared to run in the Grade One Mares’ Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse at the end of March 2016, JP McManus completed the deal. She got the new association off to the perfect start, nine days after her trainer had gone to Cheltenham to see Don Cossack and Bryan Cooper gallop to glory in the Gold Cup.

Cromwell had resisted the temptation to bring his stable star across the water and was rewarded, pitching the four-year-old in against the older novices to provide him with his maiden Grade One success. They repeated the trick the following month, this time beating the young boys too in cantering to a ten-length triumph in the Champion Novice Hurdle. All Barry Geraghty had to do was steer.

It prompted McManus to reward him with an increased patronage that has continued to this day. The first youngster they sent that summer happened to be Espoir D’Allen. He was the first five-year-old to win the Champion Hurdle in 15 years and his winning margin of 15 lengths was the widest in the history of the race.

The son of Voix Du Nord never ran again, killed after a freak accident coming back from the gallops as he began his build-up to the following season. It was a devastating blow but it was absorbed, even if it still makes Cromwell wince.

Flooring Porter – owned by a four-man syndicate from Galway, though the numbers in the parade ring when he wins suggest there are countless more tethered to his fortunes – went back-to-back in Stayers’ Hurdles in 2020 and 2021 and had the Grand National in his sights after a sensational victory in the Kerry National at Listowel, only for injury to intervene.

These are the vicissitudes of the equine world.

If Jer’s Girl catapulted him to a different plane, her conditioner struggles to identify when he felt that he was a 24-hour trainer. 

“It was very gradual. I don’t think there was any one day that I woke up and said, ‘I can actually be a full-time trainer for the rest of me days.’ I started out as a full-time farrier and a part-time trainer, and then I kind of became more a trainer than a farrier but was clinging on to the farrier job for a number of years because I still hadn’t the confidence that this was going to stay working as well as it was, or I was going to grow any better than it was.

“I suppose eventually I just didn’t have the time to do any shoeing. It got to the stage that I couldn’t shoe my own.”

So when his last apprentice had completed his term, Cromwell officially left his profession of more than 20 years to one side. That apprentice is now his farrier.

So maybe that was when he finally made it, though as befitting the prototype of the Irishman absolutely terrified with the notion of anyone thinking they were running away themselves, it is not a term he would ever, EVER use to describe where he stands in the overall firmament.

In a way, the HRI announcement that he would be precluded from running horses in 60 races, along with Mullins, Elliott and Henry de Bromhead was a  PR boon, placing him officially among a grouping of the best in the jumping game.

While he has brought about incredible growth, and the quantity of winners has increased exponentially, hitting a career high 72 over jumps in Ireland last season, in terms of prize money and calibre, he is in the same sort of sphere as Joseph O’Brien, who operates a far smaller jumps team, and only edged ahead of the Carriganóg handler into fourth on the trainers’ table for the first time in 2023/24.

Indeed, since Cromwell’s last Grade One on native shores secured by Flooring Porter four years ago, Shark Hanlon, Noel Meade (2), Paddy Corkery, Barry Connell (2), O’Brien, Emmet Mullins, Martin Brassil (3), Jimmy Mangan (2) have scored at the highest level in Ireland.

Given his journey, no one is more aware of the challenges faced by the so-called small man battling for even a tiny piece of the pie. Being penalised for navigating those challenges so well seems bizarre but Cromwell points out that it isn’t really about the trainers..

“The point that everybody is missing is that they’re punishing the owner. I have so many small owners with low-budget horses. I’m here in Goresbridge today and if I come out with a horse, it’s going to be a horse that’s maybe placed in a point to point or placed somewhere. It’s low level stuff. Why are you punishing that man? Or the group of lads that put a syndicate together and I have lots of syndicates. 

“I’ve 150 stables because I’ve chosen to keep building these stables, and keep going to these sales, and keep buying the horses and trying to find an owner for them. I’m hungry enough and work hard to do that. I’ll put my hand up at the sales and the bill will be at home before I’ve left. It doesn’t mean I have a yard full of superstars or big owners.

“I have great owners, many in it for the first time. I have a couple of horses you would be hoping might be competitive in a Grade One. That’s it. There’s some really good trainers out there who choose not to have 150 jumpers there and they have access to really big owners and more Grade One horses and fair play to them.”

He believes that providing more opportunities for lower-grade horses, particularly on the high-profile days, where the prize money is better and the RTÉ or TG4 cameras are in town, is the way to help Irish trainers, and particularly racing’s key constituents.

“I feel they need to change stuff with the system to get the horses competitive earlier and to look after the bottom end of it. Have more racing for the lower end. And have an 80-102, or as they’re all in tens from next year, an 80-110 handicap hurdle at a big festival, like they have the 102 hurdle on Thyestes day. Have a low-grade handicap or some type of race for the small man that Willie or Gordon are not going to have horses for. There’s a good chance I would have something in it because I do have them horses, but give the small man a day out on the big day.

“There’s a huge emphasis on the trainer and the last person to get a mention is the owner, if he gets a mention. It’s the Willie Mullins camp, the Gordon Elliott camp and they have lots of different owners. There should be far more emphasis on the owner. The owner is number one.”

It’s a good point, well made.

The truth is, Cromwell just wants to get on with doing what he has always done. Train winners at whatever level is suited to the animals he is responsible for. And while he would like more top-tier horses, he acknowledges that the quality has improved significantly along with the numbers.

“We don’t have too many empty stables anymore. When you’re doing the entries now there’s, there’s not as many to stick into the 80-95s as there used to be, so the quality is getting better. And sure, I think if you were to ask any trainer, it’s not more numbers that you want, it’s better quality. But sometimes you have to go through the numbers to try and find them. And we cater at all levels, and all sorts of budgets.”

Inothewayurthinkin, a facile Kim Muir victor at Cheltenham, who followed up with a convincing triumph in the Grade One Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree, resumed his campaign this term in the John Durkan Chase last month.

Considered by many to be the best chase ever run in Ireland, it was certainly a case of being plunged into the deep end and while well beaten by Fact To File, there were positives.

“He jumped very well. It was the big concern. Last year he was a bit scratchy. When he gained ground on the flat he’d lose it at a jump, just jumping a bit high and slow. Two and a half miles in a properly run Grade One, his jumping held up. He wants further and he got a bit tired but I’d be happy enough.

“He has an entry for (the Savills Chase) at Christmas there, and he’s up to three miles there and at that stage, we’ll know whether we’re good enough (for a tilt at the Gold Cup) or not.”

Only By Night, Sixandahalf and Hello Neighbour are among the younger talents for which various dreams of more exalted targets are alive, though the real tests are still to come. Only By Night is a point winner, a listed bumper winner and has black type over hurdles but as Cromwell suspected, she is a different animal altogether over fences, bolting up in a hot Grade 2 mares’ novice chase at Punchestown earlier this month.

That earned her quotes for the Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham and Cromwell already has the champion in that sphere in Inothewayurthinkin’s full-sister Limerick Lace, while Brides Hill is another with the same aim. Stumptown and former Albert Bartlett victor and Grand National runner-up, Vanillier are two other more established citizens that will have lofty goals as the season reaches its crescendo.

Either way, Gavin Cromwell’s eye will always be on the ball in a sport and industry that operates 365 days a year. Training winners, no matter the standard, is the objective. 

So far, so very good.

Cover Profile - Daniel and Claire Kübler

Article by Alysen Miller

At first glance, Upper Lambourn may appear to have little in common with Revolutionary France. It was in Paris’s 4th Arrondissement that, during the heady days of the French First Republic, science’s first power couple, Marie-Anne Pierrette Paulze and Antoine Lavoisier, constructed a state-of-the-art chemistry laboratory at the Arsenal,  on the edge of the eastern part of the Marais.  This enabled the husband and wife team to make a number of discoveries that were central to the so-called Chemical Revolution – the name given to the reformulation of chemistry during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, culminating in the law of conservation of mass and the oxygen theory of combustion.

Two centuries later, another husband and wife team is quietly conducting their own scientific revolution in the Valley of the Racehorse. Far from the atmosphere of roiling social unrest, political protests and food riots that characterised late eighteenth century Europe, Claire and Daniel Kübler have embraced a scientific approach to training racehorses. 

The couple uses the latest in cutting-edge technology including genotyping, stride analysis and biometrics to inform their approach. While the Kübler’s are certainly not the only operation to have embraced the science behind the sport, they were among its earliest adaptors. 

In an industry that often seems to struggle with the weight of its own traditions, where having the right bloodlines can appear to be as important for its human as its equine participants, it has proved advantageous that Daniel is able to look at the sport with somewhat fresh eyes. “I’ve always come at the sport as a complete outsider. I’ve got no family connection to it whatsoever,” he says. “My mindset is always to question, ‘How could you do this differently?’ I naturally want to find better or more efficient ways of doing things.

“From when I first worked in a racing yard when I was 19 years old I was like, ‘OK, well, why do they do it like this?’” he continues. “I think there are a lot of practices within racing that make good sense but people don’t necessarily understand why they work.” Daniel and Claire have made it their mission to understand this why and use their findings to improve outcomes for the horses in their charge, both in terms of performance and welfare; using this information to develop a routine that produces not just fast horses but sound ones. 

“A lot of horses are compromised in their ability to go fast because they’re not totally sound,” notes Daniel. “And a lot of those problems occur in their development or early on in their racing careers.”

“We’re always looking out for different research,” adds Claire, rattling off a plethora of hot-off-the-press studies including a research paper from Japan that found that horses don’t reach their top speed until they’re 4-and-a-half years old, and a new study from America on bone density. “It’s fascinating to have access to all that information and then think, ‘How can we apply that to our horses here at home?’” she adds.

Since becoming the first husband and wife joint licence holders in 2020, this approach has borne fruit. At time of writing, the Küblers have an 18% strike rate for the current season – putting them ahead, in percentage terms, of considerably larger operations with more purchasing power. With 43 horses in training, the Küblers are able to implement a bespoke approach: “We tailor everything for each horse, whether it’s their feeding regime or the treatments that they have with the physiotherapist. It’s all individualised,” says Claire.

Claire and Daniel were introduced by Ed Sackville. (Trust a bloodstock agent to make a good matchmaker.) She won him over by cooking lasagne. Little did he know at the time that it was the only dish she could cook. (“That’s why you need more than one data point to make a decision,” he quips.) 

Happily, Claire is rather more adept behind a computer screen than she is behind a stove. “Claire is exceptional at detail and being able to process a lot of information,” says Daniel.

“I’m very analytical,” agrees Claire. “I will always challenge stuff. I don’t accept something just because that’s the way it’s always been done. And I love going into detail. So I can dive into it and pull it apart and then take a step back and go, ‘OK, that was not worth it;’ or, ‘Actually, we’re onto something here.’”

“And that’s probably where we complement each other,” adds Daniel. “I’m a bit more of a creative [type].”

“I think we’re very lucky in that we both have the same values and we care about the same things. We’re both driven in very similar ways,” concludes Claire. “And horses are front and centre of that.”

The Kübler model is based on the three pillars of Horsemanship, Science and TeamWork. Or perhaps it’s more of a Venn diagram, given that Claire and Daniel clearly regard these concepts as very much overlapping: “I guess it all goes back to ‘happy people make for happy horses,’” says Daniel, noting that Claire hates the tweeness of the aphorism. “That’s the foundation of the whole thing. It’s about giving people the skills.”

Claire’s previous career as a forensic accountant for PricewaterhouseCoopers has given her an appreciation for on-the-job training and development: “I was [there] for four years and their management and development programmes were incredible,” she says. “Coming into a racing yard, I was pretty shocked at the lack of opportunities to develop and the lack of programmes in place. Even if you had the enthusiasm to learn more, there weren’t really any pathways to follow.” 

That was a lacuna the Küblers were keen to fill when they started training. To that end, they recruited ex-jockey Mark Lawson to provide one-on-one coaching to their less experienced riders. “Everyone wants to be good at their job,” she says. “[Riding work] is a real skill that there’s a shortage of in the industry. When you’re doing those fast pieces of work, it’s about actually being able to hold the horse together in a balanced way and then teach the horse to lengthen. That comes from a huge skillset. Many people can’t do that, or they certainly aren’t balanced while they’re trying to do it,” she continues.

“It’s about giving people the skills,” adds Daniel. “For us, that horsemanship starts with trying to create a good environment – and that’s the physical environment and the mental environment. Hopefully the [riders] are happy and then that transfers into the horses.” 

After a summer in which equestrian sport in general has come under renewed scrutiny following the dishonourable discharge of dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin from Team GB’s Olympic team following the emergence of a compromising video, the Küblers are refreshingly candid about their responsibility, as trainers, to safeguard the welfare of the animals in their charge.

“You have to not lose sight of the fact that you’re still working with a horse that doesn’t choose to do what we’re asking of it. And we should always be asking it, not forcing it,” emphasises Daniel. 

“Love for the horse is the number one reason we all turn up every day and why we do it,” adds Claire. “We can always keep learning. And we include everyone in that. If there’s some idea that [a member of the team] has about something that we could do better for the horses, we want them to tell us so that we can give the horses the best experience whilst they’re here. It’s bringing that horsemanship together with the science. You do that through people.”

This intersection of horses, science and people informed the design of their yard, Sarsen Farm. “The primary driver when we were designing it was how we could build it so it’s as healthy as possible for the horses and staff, both physically but also mentally,” says Daniel.

“It was nice to design it and then build it exactly how we wanted, taking into account all those things you pick up along the way in your career, whether it’s in California or Australia or in the UK,” continues Claire.

“You learn as you go along, working in lots of different yards and seeing where the horses are happy and where they aren’t so happy, and the reasons behind that. You take pieces from each one,” agrees Daniel. 

Since then, the operation has consistently turned out winners. Notably, Daniel and Claire have established a reputation for rejuvenating older horses. Their flag bearer is Astro King. 

Having come to the Küblers as a 6-year-old, the 36,000gns purchase from the Tattersalls Autumn Horses-In-Training Sale has since netted connections more than a quarter of a million pounds in prize money, including £103,080 when landing last year’s bet365 Cambridgeshire, becoming the first topweight since the turn of the century to do so in the process. 

He was campaigned in the lucrative Middle Eastern races over the winter, finishing an arguably unlucky sixth in November’s $1 million Bahrain International Trophy. Not to be outdone, stablemate Andaleep, who was also 6 years old and rated 65 when he joined the operation, struck on his first start for the yard and has since accumulated more than £200,000 in prize money. 

At that age, the horse is not developing physically. Any improvement in performance is therefore attributable to placing and training. “It’s about using the stride information and what you know about the horse to place them in the right races at the right tracks,” says Claire. Percy’s Lad is another horse who is demonstrative of this approach. The £30,000 horses-in-training purchase has established himself as something of a Chester specialist, winning at the May Festival this year to take his career winnings close to £100,000.

But the Küblers are keen to emphasise that it is not only older horses that can benefit from their data-driven approach. “We’ve embraced genetic testing,” says Claire. Since equine geneticist Dr Emmeline Hill discovered the “speed gene” in Thoroughbreds – the first known characterisation of a gene contributing to a specific athletic trait in sport horses – the discovery has had a transformative effect on global breeding and training industries. 

Genetic testing of the muscle genome allows the trainer to distinguish between fast-twitched (speed) and slow-twitched (stamina) horses to make informed decisions about their future trip. “It’s about 80% accurate in terms of the correlation between the muscle genome type and what trip the horse wants,” Claire explains. 

“It’s not going to give you all the answers but it can certainly form part of your decision making process. Racing is about statistics and probabilities and trying to get the probabilities in your favour. So if you can bring in something like that genome testing, it can help guide you,” she says.

The Kubler’s also utilise blue light technology, the science behind which was developed by Professor Barbara Murphy at University College Dublin. Pictured on Andaleep, the blue light mask strengthens a horse’s circadian rhythms, naturally stimulating seasonal hormones that improve coat condition, muscle development and overall well-being.

The next stage is bio-banding - the concept of grouping athletes based on attributes associated with growth and maturation, rather than chronological age. The method is widely used in human sport to identify future elite athletes that may be late maturers and using this information to train them according to where they are on their growth curve. 

“Horses are no different,” says Daniel. “We’re just operating on slightly different timescales. It would be very easy to say that this horse is no good, but in reality it just needs more time.” To this end, the Küblers take x-rays of each horse’s knees and use this to determine when that horse starts its speed work based on whether the growth plates have closed. 

Growth plates are areas of cartilage located near the ends of bones, and are the last portion of the bone to harden. “[That’s why] we look at the knees – because that’s actually quite a fragile joint in a racehorse. So you want to make sure that knee joint is mature and ready for that force to go through it,” says Claire. 

Limb ground reaction force increases with speed and can be up to 14.0 N kg−1 on a single leg at a full gallop. “There’s not really any point in going really hard with a physically immature horse that’s still going to have a lot of physical development. There is a risk,” adds Daniel.

So what is next for racing’s power couple? “Still our biggest shop window is success on the track. We’ve had a taste of taking horses right up to competing at pretty high levels now, and that’s where you want to be more consistently,” says Daniel. “Some of that’s about finding people who are willing to invest. We’ve found good horses for relatively modest budgets but you need bigger budgets to be able to do it more consistently. Hopefully by showing that [we’ve] been able to do it with other people’s cast offs or cheaper yearlings, that will attract that next level of investment.” 

“It’s about building on those foundations but does take time,” adds Claire. “It’s not going to happen overnight. We just keep believing in that process.”

Fuelling the racehorse - time for a paradigm shift!

Article by Dr Katie Williams

What does it take for received wisdom to be overturned and new approaches adopted? Revelatory research findings? Social demand for change? Both could actually result in a change to the way racehorses are fed today as welfare and sustainability in equestrian sport are increasingly scrutinised and researchers find ways to feed and manage horses more sympathetically and sustainably. 

Can we feed a racehorse more sympathetically - evolutionary considerations 

The horse is a herbivore and as soon as we prevent them eating as they have evolved to do, there are repercussions for their health and well-being. The increasing frequency with which ulcers are being diagnosed may account for why the recommendations for the minimal amount of forage a horse requires has increased in recent years. Rendle et al. (2020) cite 1.5% of bodyweight on a dry matter basis which is the level most equine nutritionists would advocate for the long-term health of the horse. 

The glandular region of the horse’s stomach contains glands that secrete hydrochloric acid, pepsin, bicarbonate and mucus. The stomach secretes acid continuously; as the horse is a trickle feeder it has evolved to do so continuously and it is important to note that this process continues even when the horse isn’t eating. This is why periods of more than 6 hours without access to forage are a risk factor for ulcers. The volume of secretion has been shown to be around 1.5l of gastric juice per hour although this does vary at different times during the day. Consuming too little fibre and eating materials that are high in starch, means acidity levels increase in the stomach. This not only increases the risk of ulcers but also changes the environment in the stomach sufficiently to impact the microbes that live there. Microbial dysbiosis in the stomach is increasingly being linked to an increased risk of gastric disease, particularly in the glandular region which is now recognised as an inflammatory disease rather than an ulcerative one.   

There are other potential health issues to consider too. It has been shown in trials in mice for example, that a low fibre diet increases the permeability of the gut – a phenomenon known as leaky-gut syndrome. When fibre is fermented in the hind gut, one of the volatile fatty acids produced is butyrate and this is the energy used by the colonocytes (gut cells) themselves. Insufficient fibre and therefore butyrate, can compromise the health of the cells creating bigger gaps between them which allows contents of the gut that shouldn’t pass through, to do so. The racehorse is repeatedly exposed to new and different environments when travelling to different racecourses and encounters pathogens they might have no previous immunity to. Their reduced defensive barriers in the gut mean they are more vulnerable to these pathogens which can result in digestive upsets.  

So can more fibre be fed without compromising performance? 

Researchers at the Lab to Field research centre in Dijon, France believe so.  In work funded by the French government and published in Frontiers in Physiology, they found that Standardbred horses in training fed a third of their total ration as alfalfa with just 7% oats, performed comparably with those fed 33% oats (the remainder of the diet was hay). The horses were monitored over an 8 week period rather than just in a one-off standardised exercise test (SET). The replacement of a significant proportion of oats with alfalfa had no detrimental effects on performance or muscle tone and in fact, altered energy metabolism in such a way as to potentially improve performance and recovery the authors suggest (Martin et al., 2023). Studies back in the early 2000s (Nadeua et al, 2000; Lybbert et al, 2007) showed that alfalfa was more beneficial for horses with ulcers compared to grass forages because it helps counter the increased acidity that occurs when feeding cereals. This latest study suggests that alfalfa can actually replace a significant proportion of the cereals as an energy source too. 

The prevalence of gastric ulcers means it is an issue that needs to be addressed especially when viewed in the context of equine welfare in sport. Two recent studies have again shown how alfalfa has a key role to play in this regard too. The Lab to Field research group demonstrated that clinical success with horses with EGGD was 47.7 times more likely in horses fed alfalfa pellets as part of their ration compared to those on concentrate only rations (Julliand et al., 2023). 

In addition, a study published in 2024 showed that a combination of alfalfa, sugar beet and cereal fibre fed alongside the existing ration, aided the reduction in recurrence of gastric ulcers when fed during the healing and post-medication periods. This is key for when ulcer medication is stopped and the recognised rebound increase in acid production can occur (Menzies-Gow and Shurlock, 2024). 

A key point from these studies is that the quality of fibre matters. Alfalfa and sugar beet both contain higher proportions of digestible fibre such as pectin and hemi-cellulose, rather than indigestible fibrous elements such as lignin. This means they aren’t sitting in the gut for so long but they are being digested and utilised as an energy source. If fed in chopped forms they help to increase the amount of chewing the horse does and more chew time might actually be a relatively simple step in the right direction from a welfare perspective. The pros and cons of turning out racehorses have been widely debated but for those where it isn’t (currently) practical, it is surely a positive action to at least provide the horse with high fibre materials to eat when stabled, especially when it isn’t having a negative impact on their performance.

Dispelling Myths - Facts about Fibre

How much sugar does sugar beet contain?

The pulp fed to horses is actually really low in sugar – less than 5% assuming no molasses has been added back in. This is because the sugar has been extracted for use in the human food industry and the fibrous pulp is used for animal feed. 

Why does alfalfa contain more calcium than grass forages? 

Alfalfa has really deep roots – about 3 to 4 metres – and the calcium at this depth in the soil is more available for absorption. This means that alfalfa plants can take up more calcium than grass – chopped alfalfa contains between 30 - 50% more calcium than grass forages. Early studies suggest that omeprazole is reducing calcium absorption in the horse as is seen in humans and in Swanhall et al’s (2018) study, they recommend using bio-available calcium sources in the diet to help counteract this effect. Plant based sources of calcium such as alfalfa are much easier for the horse to absorb than inorganic sources such as limestone flour. 

Why is alfalfa so low in starch?

Like other plants alfalfa makes sugar when photosynthesising but it stores any surplus sugar as starch in its roots – the part that horses don’t eat! Grass plants tend to store sugar as fructan in leaves and the stem which is why they supply the horse with more sugar. 

What contribution can forage make to a racehorse’s requirements? 

Remember that grass-based forages contain sugar, both simple sugar (glucose, fructose etc) and as water soluble carbohydrates or storage sugars (fructan). 10kgs of hay can provide around 1kg of simple sugar and in the region of 2-2.5kgs of storage sugar. This supplies around 20% of the energy required by a 500kgs horse in intense training. Additionally, forage provides energy from the fibre it contains and so overall, including the contribution from sugar, 10kgs of hay would supply around 60-70% of the horse’s energy needs depending on the quality of the forage. 

Earlier cut forages tend to be more digestible and therefore supply more energy. These tend to be the wrapped forages in the UK and other wetter and colder European countries as there just aren’t long enough periods of dry weather to make good hay very often. Why is this significant? The way forages are conserved has changed over the years so now, a more accurate description of many forages previously defined as haylages, would be ‘wrapped hay’ as they are often very dry which has meant that little or no fermentation has occurred. This means the levels of acidity are no different to a normal hay which can be seen from the analysis results in table 1. Using lactic acid levels as a marker of acidity levels shows that most of the wrapped forages analysed in the UK are too dry for fermentation to occur and so the level of acidity is no different to hay. 

Concern about using a true haylage for horses with ulcers relates to the increased acidity from the fermentation that occurs. Clearly this doesn’t apply if the forage hasn’t fermented and so a wrapped hay may well be a really useful option for a horse with ulcers. They tend to be more palatable and softer than hay. It is important to know the level of acidity before making the decision to use a wrapped forage and having it analysed is therefore advisable. 

So if the paradigm shift happens, what will a racehorse’s diet look like in years to come? 

The basis would be a good early, cut wrapped hay. The daily bucket feed would consist of 1-2kgs of oats with 1.5kgs of alfalfa pellets, 1.5kgs of chopped alfalfa and 0.5kgs of soaked sugar beet. The chopped alfalfa  contributes to the horse’s overall forage requirement so if the dry matter of the wrapped hay is around 75%, a 500kgs horse would need a minimum of 8kgs per day to supply 6kgs of additional fibre on a dry matter basis. 

Key takeaways 

• ESGD risk factors are well established and include too little fibre and too much starch 

• Feeding at least 1.5% of bodyweight on a dry matter basis is the minimum amount of forage required for long term gastric and digestive health

• Wrapped hays that have not fermented and so are no more acidic than hay are also appropriate to use for horses with ulcers

• EGGD is still not fully understood but increasingly it is acknowledged by researchers that stress is a key contributing factor

• Studies have shown alfalfa to be beneficial as an alternative energy source compared to cereals for horses in training

References 

Julliand et al (2023) Effect of diet composition on glandular gastric disease in horses. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine

Lybbert et al (2007), Proceedings of Annual Convention of the AAEP, Orlando, Florida, 2007. 

Martin et al (2023) Effect of high-starch or high-fibre diets on the energy metabolism and physical performance of horses during an 8-week training period. Front. Physiol. 14:1213032. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1213032

Menzies-Gow and Shurlock (2024) The effect of feeding a commercial feedstuff on equine gastric squamous disease. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 133. 

Muller and Uden (2007) Preference of horses for grass conserved as hay, haylage or silage. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 132, (1-2) 66-78

Nadeau et al (2000) Evaluation of diet as a cause of gastric ulcers in horses. American Journal of Veterinary Research. Jul;61(7):784-90.

Pratt et al, (2022) Assessment of agreement using the equine glandular gastric disease grading system in 84 cases. Veterinary Medicine Science, 8 (4) 1472-1477doi: 10.1002/vms3.807

Swanhall et al (2018) Mineral and Vitamin Supplementation Including Marine Derived Calcium Increases Bone Density in Thoroughbreds. Proceedings of the Australasian Equine Science Symposium

Have horse will travel - this quarter we focus on opportunities in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Hong Kong

Article by Lissa Oliver

Hong Kong

While the celebrated Champions Day and Longines International races attract plenty of attention globally, all 31 Group races run in Hong Kong are open to overseas entries and include x12 established Group 1 contests, x7 Group 2 and x12 Group 3 races. 

Prize money for Group 1 races ranges from HK$13 million (€1.5m/£1.3m) to HK$40 million (€4.6m/£3.84m), while Group 2 races are worth HK$5.35 million (€622,000/£530,000), and Group 3 races offer HK$4.2 million (€493,000/£420,000). The Group 1 contests include prize money down to sixth place and all are open to three-year-olds and up and run on Turf at Sha Tin. 

The Triple Crown includes a bonus of €1.1m/£1m to be paid to the owner of the horse that wins all three legs of the Triple Crown. The opportunity opens with the 1600m (8f) Stewards Cup worth €1.48m/£1.2m, Sunday 19th January 2025. Free entries for international runners close 25th December and supplementary entries close 16th January 2025.

The second leg of the Triple Crown is the Hong Kong Gold Cup on Sunday 23rd February 2025 over 2000m (10f), worth €1.48m/£1.2m. Free entries close 27th January 2025 and supplementary entries close 11th February 2025.

The final leg of the Triple Crown is on Sunday 25th May 2025, the 2400m (12f) Champions & Chater Cup, with a purse of €1.48m/£1.2m. Free entries close 27th April 2025 and supplementary entries close 11th May 2025.

Another bonus available is for the winning horse of all three legs of the Hong Kong Speed Series. Sunday 19th January 2025 sees the 1200m (6f) Centenary Sprint Cup, the first leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series, worth €1.48m/£1.2m, with free entries closing 30th December 2024 and supplementary entries closing 13th January 2025. A bonus of €580,000/£500,000 will be paid to the owner of the horse that wins all three legs of the Hong Kong Speed Series.

Sunday 23rd February 2025 is the 1400m (7f) Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup, the second leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series, carrying prize money of €1.48m/£1.2m. Free entries close 30th January 2025 and supplementary entries close 16th February 2025.

The 1200m (6f) Chairman’s Sprint Prize is the final leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series, worth €2.5m/£2.2m, run on Sunday 27th April 2025, free entries closing 16th March 2025 and supplementary entries closing 6th April 2025.

The Hong Kong feature event is the Longines Hong Kong International Races on Sunday 8th December, billed as the epitome of elegance and speed, featuring elite jockeys and the world’s best horses. As well as four Group One races on the day, racegoers can enjoy a variety show, live music, exquisite cuisine and a vibrant party atmosphere. Free entries for the major races on the day close 21st October and supplementary entry closes 18th November at €27,804/£23,690.

The four Group 1 races are the €2.78m/£2.31m Hong Kong Vase over 2400m (12f); the €3.01m/£2.51m 1200m (6f) Hong Kong Sprint; the €4.17m/£3.48m 1600m (8f) Hong Kong Mile; and the €4.63m/£3.86m 2000m (10f) Hong Kong Cup.

Sunday 27th April 2025 sees FWD Champions Day, one of Hong Kong’s most popular sports events. Featuring three prestigious Group 1 races on the day, free entries closing 16th March 2025 and supplementary entries closing 6th April 2025, it provides local racing fans with the chance to see how the city’s top horses shape up against their overseas counterparts.

The 1600m (8f) Champions Mile is worth €2.76m/£2.3m; the 2000m (10f) QEII Cup is worth €3.2m/£2.7m; and the aforementioned 1200m (6f) Chairman’s Sprint Prize is the final leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club offers shipping incentives to selected overseas horses for the seven feature Group 1 races (Longines Hong Kong Cup, Longines Hong Kong Mile, Longines Hong Kong Sprint, Longines Hong Kong Vase, FWD QEII Cup, FWD Champions Mile and Chairman’s Sprint Prize). The Quarantine Stables are located at Sha Tin Racecourse, 45 minutes from Hong Kong International Airport.

The stable blocks are temperature controlled, with rubber flooring throughout and monitored by closed circuit television. Each stable is equipped with a feed manger and tie up ring. 

The isolation stables compound includes rubberised horse walkers, sand rolls, weighing scales, wash bays, ice machines, freezers and an all-weather arena. Paper strips and shavings are available for bedding. 

The Club imports feed from Australia, China, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK and the USA, and large selections of proprietary feeds are also available. The Club has excellent stocks of Timothy Hay, Lucerne Hay and Chaffs. Importation of feed and water, subject to examination, is permitted, however the import of plant material such as hay and chaff is subject to a valid Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the exporting country. 

Connections of selected overseas horses for Hong Kong’s seven feature Group 1 races will enjoy travel and accommodation packages provided by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, two tickets each for the owner and trainer and one ticket for the jockey. Four nights hotel accommodation (room only) will be provided for a maximum of two persons per category at the Club’s selected hotel. All airport and racecourse transfers are also included.

For staff, a maximum of two persons per horse will also be provided with accommodation (one room each) at the Club’s selected hotel in Sha Tin for the normal duration of the trip. A predetermined daily allowance to cover in-house expenses such as food and beverages, transport, telephone and internet, as well as laundry, will also be provided. All airport, stabling facilities and racecourse transfers are also included.

For those visiting, the five-star Hyatt Regency at Sha Tin provides an urban resort with a luxury spa, adjacent to the University MTR Station in Sha Tin, with lush greenery only steps away from busy urban areas.

Dubai

The Dubai Racing Carnival, now in its 20th year and given a new look for last year’s season, opens in November at Meydan Racecourse. Alongside top-class racing, Meydan boasts five-star dining and live entertainment and is 15 minutes from Dubai’s central hub. The racecourse offers tailored hospitality packages at the restaurants, lounges and private suites, all with elevated views of the racing. The climate is also described as “pleasant” during the winter season.

Home of the €28.1m (£24m) Dubai World Cup meeting, Meydan is the world’s largest integrated racing facility and hosts 15 meetings throughout the season, concluding in early April with the Dubai World Cup, the highlight of Dubai’s sporting and social calendar.

There are a number of valuable opportunities all season, beginning in November with the €125,600 (£106,912) Listed Dubai Creek Mile on dirt for three-year-olds up. January is busy, with 11 black type races from 1000m (5f) up to 2810m (14f) and ranging from €125,600 (£106,912) for Listed up to €213,489 (£181,719) for Group 2s and €924,282 (£786,662) for the Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge, 1900m (9f) on dirt. On turf, the Group 1 Jebel Hatta, 1800m (9f) carries a purse of €464,658 (£395,469).

The 2025 Carnival sees the introduction of The Dubai World Cup bonus scheme, which offers a total prize pool of €3.5m (£2.9m) across 10 races. Winners of these races will get automatic entry to Dubai World Cup night. 

An additional 10% bonus is awarded to horses that win both the qualifying race, and the corresponding race on Dubai World Cup night. 

The scheme has been created to encourage more owners and trainers to prepare their horses in Dubai ahead of the Dubai World Cup.

Fifteen black type races from Listed up to Group 2 are run at Meydan during February and March, again from 1000m (5f) to 2810m (14f) and with similar valuable prizes, all of which lead through to the end-of-season highlight of Dubai World Cup night.

The Group 1 Dubai World Cup itself will be run a week later than normal next year on April 5th and the feature race will be worth €10.7m (£8.9m) 

The highlights of the supporting card’s Group 1s are the 1200m (6f) Al Quoz Sprint on turf worth €1.4m (£1.2m), the 1200m (6f) Dubai Golden Shaheen on dirt worth €1.8m (£1.6m), the 1800m (9f) Dubai Turf worth €4.6m (£3.9m), and the 2410m (12f) Dubai Sheema Classic on turf worth €5.5m (£4.7m).

In 2025 the UAE Derby, worth €900k (£745k), will form the final leg of the revised Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby. The winner of the race will get an automatic spot in the starting gate at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May - subject to the horse being nominated to the U.S Triple Crown series.

Elsewhere in the UAE, the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club hosts the Listed 1600m (8f) Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan National Day Cup in December, and the Listed 1400m (7f) HH The President Cup, both on turf with a prize of €95,443 (£81,242) each. Jebel Ali Racecourse hosts the Listed Jebel Ali Sprint, the third leg of the Emirates Sprint Series, 1000m (5f) on dirt for a prize of €125,600 (£106,912), and the Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile on dirt, €175,840 (£149,677).

Saudi Arabia

Since its inaugural running in 2020, The Saudi Cup has rapidly become a major international race and in 2025 Saudi Cup Weekend at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh will have total prize money of over €34.68m (£29.5m) on offer, including the 1800m (9f) Group 1 Saudi Cup itself worth €18.5m (£15.73m). The meeting, at the end of February, is also Riyadh’s social event of the year, offering visiting racegoers a taste of the finest style, culture and hospitality of Saudi Arabia.

The two days of top-quality racing include an International Jockeys Challenge, two Group 1 Purebred Arabian races, the €462,235 Al Tuwaiq Cup for locally-trained horses and dirt and turf races culminating in the Group 1 Saudi Cup, the world’s richest race, run on the King Abdulaziz dirt track, the final event on Saturday’s eight-race card.

Adding international flavour to the Friday card is the 2100m (10f) €462,235 (£393,255) Saudi International Handicap confined to horses trained within the IFHA-registered Part II and III racing countries, which should be of interest to the relevant European countries. (Part II nations Bahrain, India, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, Panama, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Scandinavia, Singapore, Turkey, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe. Part III nations Belgium, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Hungary, Jamaica, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Poland, Qatar, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, and Trinidad & Tobago.)

With prize money down to 10th place, The Saudi Cup serves to raise the profile of racing to local communities, as well as foreign fans and professionals. The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia was formed in 1965, but the founding of The Saudi Cup and the 1800m turf track at King Abdulaziz Racecourse has seen Saudi Arabia upgraded from Part III to Part II by the IFHA and is likely to achieve Part I status in the near future.

2022 saw the first international Pattern races held as part of The Saudi Cup weekend. The 2100m (10f) Neom Turf Cup, the 1351m (7f) Turf Sprint, the 1600m (8f) Saudi Derby, the 1200m (6f) Riyadh Dirt Sprint and the 3000m (15f) Red Sea Turf Handicap were all promoted to Group 3, while the Saudi Cup became Group 1.

With more than 70 international horses, The Saudi Cup hosts more international runners than any other race meeting. Stabling, quarantine and training facilities are provided at all of the racecourses, subject to availability, and invited connections at King Abdulaziz Racecourse are provided with complimentary access to the Howden Owners & Trainers Lounge, and dining in the Al Thuraya Trackside Restaurant. 

The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia can arrange transport for delegates and guests between venues, and the racecourses have plentiful free parking with international airports close by. Riyadh Airport Marriott Hotel is a 5-star hotel five minutes from King Khalid International Airport and ten minutes from the racecourse, with a restaurant, gym and outdoor pool. The Radisson Hotel Riyadh Airport is close to the airport and 15 minutes from the racecourse, with spacious rooms, duplexes and villas, as well as restaurants and leisure facilities.

The Equine Hospital in Riyadh provides advanced care in diagnostic procedures, treatment, emergency care and hospitalisation for equine patients, open around-the-clock every day of the year for emergency and critical care cases.

Qatar

The 2023/24 racing season, running from mid-October through to the end of April, saw a rise in prize money and international runners, reflecting the commitment of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) and the high standards of Al Rayyan and Al Uqda racecourses. Work will continue to ensure that the 2024/25 season will meet expectations and continue to raise standards. Al Rayyan at Doha is the premier racecourse and home to the state-of-the-art training centre. The turf track is 1800m (9f) and the sand track 1400m (7f). 

Abdulla Al Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, says, “We organised 67 race days during the last season, including 45 on both turf and sand at Al Rayyan and the rest on both turf and sand at Al Uqda. We base the season on weather conditions and take into account the ratings of Arabians and thoroughbreds to ensure the largest possible number of horses have the opportunity to run in races, which suit their ages and abilities.

“The 2023-2024 season saw the prize money reach an unprecedented figure in QREC’s history, €22.2m (£18.9m), of which €19.8m (£16.8m) was offered by the races held at Al Rayyan and the remainder at Al Uqda. This contributed to raising the standard, enhancing the stature of the Festival in the region and attracting several runners from European and Asian countries. For the first time, the minimum prize money for a feature race was €30,442 (£25,900).”

Mid-February sees the highlight of the season, the Group 3 HH The Amir Trophy for four-year-olds and up, over 2400m (12f) at Al Rayyan, Doha, carrying a total purse of €2.3m (£2m) and worth €1.3m (£1.1m) to the winner. 

To worm or not to worm? Addressing the dilemma of worming treatment decisions for horses in training

Article by Jacqui Mathews

All horses are exposed to parasitic worms at some point in their lives. It is not possible to eradicate all worms from all horses, nor completely avoid the risk of worm-associated disease, so some level of parasite control is necessary in any environment where horses are kept.   Traditionally, regular all-group wormer (anthelmintic) treatments were used to control these parasites, regardless of the management conditions. Increasing reports of wormer resistance over the last two decades [1] indicate this is no longer sustainable and will only act to worsen the situation, especially as no new wormers are coming to market any time soon. It is essential to take an approach that safeguards the effectiveness of anthelmintics. As common equine worms are spread via grass (Fig. 1), and horses in training do not routinely graze for significant periods (so are at lower risk of infection), they represent ideal candidates for diagnostic-led programmes.  

The worms that turned

The main worms of concern for horses in training are small redworms and tapeworms. Young horses (<2 years-old) may also be infected with ascarids. Small redworms can cause weight loss; in heavy infections (10,000s-1,000,000’s worms), this can be severe and accompanied by diarrhoea and/or colic. Tapeworms can cause colic but at a lower infection level; burdens of >20 tapeworms have been shown to cause gut damage. Ascarids are more likely to be problematical on studs; infections usually peak in 4-8 month-old foals, with a gradual reduction in susceptibility due to immunity. Immunity takes longer to develop against small redworms and tapeworms and a few horses remain susceptible throughout life, especially when exposed to heavily-contaminated paddocks and/or have medical conditions that affect their immunity. 

Wormers available include fenbendazole, pyrantel salts (double dose for tapeworms), ivermectin, moxidectin and praziquantel (tapeworms only). Resistance to these wormers has been reported in small redworms (benzimidazole resistance is ubiquitous, with reports of resistance to all other wormers), ascarids (especially resistance to ivermectin) and tapeworms (pyrantel and praziquantel resistance was recently reported [2]). If effective worm killing is not achieved due to the presence of resistance, a situation could occur where veterinarians are unable to effectively treat horses that present with disease due to heavy burdens. It is therefore essential to reduce the amount of wormers administered and only treat horses when an assessment indicates that worming is necessary.

Risk assess to consider if horses are likely to be infected with worms

Be aware of the risk factors for worm infection, with age and access to contaminated grass key features. As most horses in training have no/limited access to pasture, they should be at low risk of infection, especially horses >4 years. Yearlings, 2- and 3-year-olds are more likely to have higher burdens, especially small redworm; this should be taken into account when planning testing and treatment options (see below). Older horses (>15 years), used as riding horses or companions, may also have higher burdens so can act as potential sources of contamination. 

Regular assessment with your veterinarian of the risk of infection to the individual or group enables danger zones in management practices to be identified, addressed, and the impact of improvements monitored over time. Include sufficient detail in the assessment so that seemingly innocuous practices that increase risk (for example, short daily turn-outs) can be identified and action taken. Risk assessment will:

1. Inform which tests to perform, test frequency and which horses to include 

2. Indicate the need for strategic treatments; for instance, small redworm larvicidal therapy in high-risk (younger) horses where tests cannot be used to guide treatment decisions

3. Provide information on potential worm exposure and the need to reduce the opportunity of horses being infected (at the yard or elsewhere).  

Tests provide information to help treatment decisions

Diagnostics are essential for making informed decisions about worming and for selecting which product to use, whilst reducing selection for resistance. Tests available include faecal egg count (FEC) and antibody-based assays. 

FEC tests estimate the number of worm eggs a horse is passing in dung (a measure of contamination potential) and provide information on the type of eggs excreted. On racing yards, testing is recommended every 12-16 weeks.  Usually, ~80% of horses excrete ~20% of the eggs passed [3], meaning that many individuals have no/low worm egg shedding and will not need treatment, thus preserving wormers. Horses estimated as passing >200 to >500 worm eggs per gram (epg) dung are recommended for treatment. When collecting a dung sample, select at least three balls from the pile, with a minimum of 5 grams placed in a pot/bag with all air excluded and the samples kept cool. FEC reduction tests should be conducted once a year to provide information on effectiveness of the wormers being used to target small redworm. 

FEC tests only detect the products of egg-laying adult worms and are not reliable indicators of the burden within an individual, especially as male and immature worms are not detected. In the case of tapeworm, FEC methods are also affected by inconsistent release of egg-containing segments from adult worms so are not recommended for identifying infection with this parasite. Instead, tests that detect antibodies can be utilised to provide information on the level of tapeworm or small redworm infection in individuals.

Tapeworm antibody tests are available in saliva and blood formats. Both work on the principle of measuring worm-specific antibodies, levels of which show a strong positive relationship with tapeworm burden. The tests have been shown to accurately identify all horses that harbour clinically-relevant burdens of >20 tapeworms [4]. Testing identifies horses that will contaminate areas where horses graze, as well as those harbouring burdens that may put them at risk of colic. All horses should be tested at the same time to identify those that need anti-tapeworm treatment; ideally, in combination with tests that detect small redworm infection (FECs or small redworm blood test). By doing this, the correct worming product can be selected based on the test data (Fig. 2). Testing can be performed once or twice a year, depending on the level of risk identified at the initial assessment and informed by ongoing data. Tapeworm testing results in large reductions in anthelmintic use; from 2015-2022, >164,000 UK horses were assessed using the saliva test and only 1/3 were recommended for treatment [5]. In the unlikely event where many horses test tapeworm-positive on a yard, the source of infection needs to be identified and management rectified to reduce transmission via oribatid mites.

It was previously recommended to treat all horses for small redworm encysted larvae in late autumn/winter. As it acts to select resistance, routine all-group treatment is no longer advised for horses at low risk of infection. Horses in training will usually fall into this category. For low-risk horses, the options are to not administer this treatment, or use the Small Redworm Blood Test. Similar to the tapeworm tests, this measures worm-specific antibodies and demonstrates high sensitivity in identifying horses with low small redworm burdens that do not require treatment. The test can be utilised in autumn/winter when it is more likely that small redworm encysted larvae, that are not detected by FEC tests, are present. Applying the test in low-risk sport horse groups demonstrated that many horses (>60%) fell below the low 1,000-small redworm threshold [5]. 

Horses in training can test positive by any of these methods, despite the fact that they do not graze for significant periods. This is because they can become exposed to worm infections during short turnout periods, or if they are allowed to graze on training grounds or at the race course. Wherever there is dung deposited, there may be worms!   

In the case study (Fig. 3), tapeworm and small redworm serum scores in December are shown from horses based at a training yard in the UK. The results demonstrated negligible burdens (<1,000 worms) of small redworms in ~1/3 of the group, with only 14% of horses recommended for tapeworm treatment. These horses had 30 minutes turnout to a small paddock each day; dung was not removed from this paddock, providing a source of worm infection. The veterinarian subsequently advised the trainer to remove dung daily from the paddock and to treat test-positive horses with a larvicidal anthelmintic and, where indicated, an anti-tapeworm treatment. These horses previously received regular all-group treatments, so although blood testing recommended a proportion to be wormed, this strategy reduced worming frequency overall and, importantly, provided the trainer with insights regarding management procedures. 

Advice for horses new to a yard

The introduction of newcomers or the return of previous residents to a yard risks introduction of ‘new’ parasites. All new arrivals should be isolated, tested (FEC/small redworm blood test, tapeworm test) and wormed based on the results. For small redworm, a FEC reduction test should be performed to assess wormer sensitivity of the parasites the horse is carrying. Ideally, keep the horse away from grazing in the interim, or at least prevent access to turnout paddocks for 3 days after worming to stop transmission of eggs that are excreted after treatment. 

In conclusion 

Few studies have examined worm prevalence, control practices or effectiveness of anthelmintics on training yards. Those that have, indicate industry-wide overuse of wormers, with few trainers using evidence-based methods [6]. The racing industry must avoid the legacy of spreading drug-resistant worms to other parts of the sector.  Once horses retire from training, they enter a spectrum of environments where the introduction of wormer-resistant parasites could prove extremely detrimental, particularly, breeding enterprises where susceptible young animals will co-graze with mares, or retirement homes/sanctuaries containing geriatric horses that may be more prone to worm-associated disease. The introduction of drug-resistant parasites to leisure riding establishments or yards focused on eventing, show jumping or dressage, would be viewed as a negative sequelae of the over-use of anthelmintics in the training sector. Given the amount of attention paid to the health and physiology of racehorses, trainers, working with their veterinarian, are perfectly poised to adopt worm control plans designed to meet the needs of the individual by following a diagnostic-led approach. An exemplar control plan is shown in Fig. 4.

References

1. Nielsen 2022. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist. 20;76-88.

2. Nielsen 2023. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist. 22:96-101.

3. Relf et al. 2013. Parasitology 140:641-652. 

4. Lightbody et al. 2016. Vet Clin Pathol. 45:335-346.

5. Matthews et al. 2024. In Practice 46:34-41.

6. Rosanowski et al. 2016. Equine Vet J. 48:387-93.

How AI technology is influencing the breeding and training of racehorses

Article by Virginia Lisco

Artificial intelligence (AI) is growing significantly across all industries, revolutionising the way we approach work. In many areas, it facilitates the storage and processing of big amounts of data that the human mind would not be able to handle alone, helping us make more informed decisions based on objective information. 

Although this development is progressing at a slightly slower pace in the racing industry compared to other sectors, the introduction of AI and the use of tech devices that collect data and turn it into analysis are gradually finding their place in this field as well. 

The world of racing, which has so far been characterised by an aura of unpredictability - part of the excitement and thrill that makes it so captivating - is actually an industry filled with data and variables that can be measured and analysed. 

Thanks to AI and new technological devices, which leverage generations of data, extremely innovative systems are emerging that provide objective answers to questions that once relied solely on human intuition and observation. 

However, this does not mean that the rise of these devices should be seen as a replacement for human expertise, but rather as a valuable support. These tools will never replace the role of bloodstock agents, trainers or breeders, but will instead assist them in the decision-making process by offering insights based on empirical data, making their choices more informed and objective.

From the initial selection of the right match between mare and stallion, through identifying the ideal yearling at sales, to measuring the horses' vital parameters during training and providing race recommendations, artificial intelligence and tech devices are offering 360-degree support.

BREEDING

Since the earliest days of breeding, the dream of every thoroughbred racehorse breeder has been to create perfect champions, endowed with the ideal combination of strength, stamina and temperament. 

Over the centuries, the quest to unlock the secret of breeding invincible horses has lingered between genetic theories, intuition and bold experimentation. Federico Tesio, one of the most visionary figures in the field, argued that success was not merely a matter of a fortunate combination of genes but was deeply tied to the intrinsic energy of the horse. This approach, combined with rigorous selection and careful evaluation of bloodlines, formed the foundation for pursuing those winning combinations that could produce extraordinary champions.

But what if today’s breeders could go beyond intuition and legacy knowledge? What if data science could predict the best match for your stallion and mare? 

With access to an immense database of nearly four million horses, AI-powered predictive tools are now transforming breeding and buying decisions, enabling breeders to make choices grounded in data. 

These tools, built upon established pedigree theories, offer insights backed by over 30 generations of bloodstock data, tracing back to the very beginning of the thoroughbred breed. By harnessing this wealth of information, breeders can optimise their strategies like never before, ensuring each pairing is a precise, informed step towards crafting the next racing legend. 

One company leading this transformative shift is Equine Match, leveraging AI-driven systems to revolutionise pedigree analysis and breeding decisions. Equine Match's advanced tools allow breeders to analyse not just the direct bloodline of a horse but also to assess its performance across three to five generations. 

By examining the racing and pedigree features of ancestors, including sires, dams, and their progeny, Equine Match can predict with up to 95% confidence how a horse will perform at various racing levels, from Black-Type performers to stakes winners or group winners. 

Equine Match’s predictive algorithms calculate these probabilities based on a unique combination of sire and dam ratings, which factor in expected versus actual progeny results and evaluate the broader distaff family. The pedigree pattern analysis further weighs the success of specific ancestral combinations using Z Statistics scores, comparing results against a standard score to identify statistically significant patterns. 

With access to a vast database of nearly four million horses, Equine Match can assess the quality of prospective matches, enabling breeders to search for their ideal sire and dam combinations, view real-time performance metrics, and even analyse hypothetical pedigrees for potential inbreeding coefficients and alignment with the ideal racing profile.

Another cutting-edge advancement in the breeding industry is the use of genomic tools to create the perfect match. These tools go beyond traditional pedigree analysis by examining the genetic profile of horses at the DNA level, revealing insights that were never accessible before. 

One leading example is Checkmate, a revolutionary online breeding tool powered by Equinome. Checkmate enables breeders to analyse their mare's genetic profile in high definition and identify stallions that best complement her DNA, all from a simple blood sample that uncovers details beyond the pedigree.

Checkmate empowers breeders and stallion owners to manage genetic inbreeding risks, increasing the chances of live foals and enhancing racing durability. Scientific studies have shown that higher levels of genomic inbreeding are linked to severe issues such as foal loss, stillbirths and decreased racing potential. 

Research from the Royal Veterinary College and University College Dublin has highlighted the significant impact of inbreeding on foal viability and racing success, underscoring the importance of managing these risks. Checkmate provides real-time predictions of genomic inbreeding in hypothetical foals by matching the DNA profile of a mare with that of up to ten chosen stallions, calculating risk scores and flagging high-risk matings.

Checkmate helps breeders avoid high-risk genetic combinations that could lead to foal loss, thereby allowing them to make more informed breeding decisions. By leveraging genomic data, breeders can refine their breeding strategies, enhancing the health and durability of their foals and pushing the limits of what is achievable in thoroughbred breeding.

The advent of these advanced tools represents a significant shift in the breeding landscape. As Luca Cumani, breeder at Fittocks Stud, notes, “This will be a progressive change to refine choices, and it will always need to be paired with human observation, but it's important to be open to understanding how these new technologies work.”

AT THE SALES 

During the Sales, the phrase “good luck” is often exchanged, reflecting the hope of finding and securing the best horse, a potential future champion, from the lengthy catalogues. 

But is success really just about luck, or is there a way to minimise this element and base our decisions on more objective criteria? 

Recently, a range of advanced tools have been developed to support bloodstock agents, trainers, and owners in their search, using AI-based systems that draw from extensive databases to inform better decision-making. There are various methods to approach these objective analyses, including pedigree evaluations, biomechanical assessments.

For example, a significant advancement in this field is HALO, featuring its AI assistant "Hailey," designed to guide buyers through the complexities of sales selection. Hailey analyses detailed data on each horse, from performance history and pedigree to biomechanical evaluations. 

What truly sets HALO apart is its partnership with the most advanced Vet-AI on the market, that contributes to providing a record of the health of the horses that will be purchased. This partnership enables Hailey to deliver a detailed health record of the horse being considered, interpreting complex veterinary reports such as X-rays with remarkable accuracy and predicting potential health issues.

Also, Equine Match helps users refine their shortlists by analysing pedigree quality, racing performance of progeny, and detailed sire ratings, to provide an objective assessment of each horse’s potential. This approach enables users to manage and compare a large volume of data in a short time, far beyond what the human mind could achieve, enhancing the overall selection process with precise, data-backed insights.

Another interesting tool is Tom Wilson’s biomechanical profiling technique, which evaluates a horse’s physical structure and movement patterns to gauge its racing potential. Wilson has extensively studied the link between biomechanics, kinematics and on-track performance. His approach involves collecting detailed data on every yearling sold at auctions in major markets like the UK, Ireland, France, the US, Australia and New Zealand.

Key measurements include joint angles, the speed and velocity of specific body parts, the coordination between joints, and the cycles and rotations of their gait. By analysing this information from a growing database of 6,000 yearlings, Wilson identifies the biomechanical traits that correlate most strongly with racing ability. This data-driven approach allows comparisons between a horse’s biomechanical profile and its subsequent performance on the track, highlighting the most critical joint movements that influence future success.

The use of AI and data-driven tools represents a different approach from the traditional methods of horse selection, striking a delicate balance between technology and intuition. As breeder Franca Vittadini notes, “AI will never help me feel the sensation a horse gives me when I look at it, or see the small flaws and qualities that make me think it’s the right one.” 

Yet, there is also recognition of the need for more objective strategies. As Spencer Chapman, co-founder of Equine Match, states, “we’ve got to find a more scientific way to select.” This blend of traditional expertise and modern technology is reshaping how the industry identifies and invests in future champions.

RACING 

The use of AI in racing recommendations is revolutionising how trainers, owners, and jockeys approach race strategies. Advanced AI tools analyse vast datasets, including past performance, track conditions, and competitor analysis, to provide insights that were previously difficult to obtain. 

HALO’s simulation video allows users to visualise a potential race scenario, predicting how a horse might perform under specific conditions such as pace, positioning, and track type. This technology helps trainers make informed decisions on race tactics, selecting the right race for their horse, and optimising performance on race day.

HORSE PERFORMANCE AND HEALTH 

The health and physical condition of horses in training play a crucial role, not only in achieving optimal performance but, more importantly, in ensuring a high level of welfare. 

In the racing landscape, new tech devices have emerged that assist in monitoring and preserving the health of horses. These tools are essential for analysing causes of underperformance, determining the ideal fitness level for racing, and, most critically, reducing the risk of injuries. 

The trainer’s job is extremely challenging, requiring them to understand, observe and analyse a horse’s physical and mental condition from all angles. They must assess the horse’s aptitudes, such as distance preference, track surface suitability, and the appropriate amount and type of work, all while trying to maximise the horse’s potential. This delicate task relies not only on the trainer’s personal observations, instincts and sensations but also on the feedback of riders.

The use of GPS devices opens a new frontier in modern training, providing real-time insights into a horse's performance and physical condition. These specialised tools work by attaching sensors to the horse, usually in the girth area, to capture data on various metrics such as heart rate, stride length, speed, and acceleration. 

This data is then transmitted to a connected device, like a smartphone or tablet, where it can be analysed by trainers and veterinarians. The GPS provides insights into the horse’s fitness level, recovery rate, and overall performance, allowing for precise adjustments in training programmes.

By continuously monitoring these parameters, GPS devices help detect early signs of fatigue, underperformance, or potential injuries, enabling preventive measures to be taken and ensuring the horse maintains peak condition while minimising health risks.

An example of this advanced technology is the Equimetre by Arioneo, a device used by multiple trainers worldwide and in collaboration with organisations like the Hong Kong Jockey Club, NYRA and Racing Victoria. 

Trainers like George Scott rely on Equimetre to gather crucial data that enhances their training strategies. According to trainer Scott, “We use Equimetre to collect data which I’m becoming increasingly more committed to. A basic starting point is the fractions. You can back up what you’ve seen with your eyes against the clock. Cadence is a great indicator on trip. Recovery taken at three stages after work and trot symmetry are also helpful.” 

This data allows trainers to corroborate their observations with objective measurements, providing a more comprehensive understanding of a horse’s condition. The influx of data from such devices is also giving rise to a new professional figure in the racing industry: the data analyst. 

To address this growing need, Arioneo has introduced the "Equiscience Programme," aimed at developing skills in data interpretation and analysis specific to equine performance. This program reflects a broader trend in the industry, where data-driven insights are becoming essential for optimising training and enhancing decision-making, complementing the traditional expertise of trainers and riders.

The primary goal of these companies remains the enhancement of horse welfare. As Coline Labadie de Faÿ, COO of Arioneo, states; “The vision has always been to collaborate with the industry and provide tools to improve horse welfare and prevent injuries on a global scale. Institutions worldwide are becoming more and more concerned by the social licence of our sport and are putting concrete measures in place to try to avoid all possible injuries.” 

This growing awareness is driving the adoption of advanced tech devices designed to monitor and protect the health of horses, even around the clock.

Among these technologies is the V-PRO by Equimetrics, which offers 24/7 monitoring of vital signs such as temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate, providing real-time insights into the horse’s well-being through a user-friendly app. 

Another example is EQUISYM, a veterinary tool that helps diagnose locomotor asymmetries by analysing gait and movement patterns, aiding in the early detection of potential issues. These innovations reflect the industry's increasing focus on comprehensive health management and injury prevention, supporting the overall welfare of horses in training.

While these advanced devices offer valuable insights, they are complementary tools that work alongside the hard work and expertise of trainers, veterinarians, and riders. They enhance traditional methods without replacing the essential human touch in horse care and training. As Labadie de Faÿ suggests; “It will never replace your eyes; it will just help to not miss some little things.” 

These technologies are there to support, not substitute, the critical role of human observation, judgement and experience in ensuring the well-being and performance of horses.

What tweaks would you make to NH pattern races / calendar?

Article by Daragh Ó Conchúir

Getting consensus in racing is much like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. So the changes to the Cheltenham Festival programme by The Jockey Club were lauded by many but criticised in plenty quarters too.

The press release announcing the six changes, headlined by the relegation of the Turners Chase from a Grade 1 to a Grade 2 novices’ handicap, said that they were made “with a focus on more competitive racing and a better experience and value for all”.

Everyone agrees with the focus. But Cheltenham is one meeting, THE meeting in terms of National Hunt racing. But if there is an issue of lack of competitiveness and entertainment, piecemeal measures don’t cut it. 

Speaking at the Asian Racing Conference in Sapporo on August 28, BHA chair, Joe Saumarez Smith said it was time to stop thinking in the short term in a bid to reverse fortunes. 

At the same conference, Hong Kong Jockey Club CEO Winfried Englebrecht-Bresges opined that fragmentation was a problem in British racing. It isn’t solely a British problem, given the number of interest groups, but it is made more acute by the lack of central control on a calendar and racing programme.

There is an African proverb that says, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ Unity is required to push past short-term goals in pursuit of the long-term future. Some would argue that given the niche element of national hunt racing, this unity of approach should extend across Ireland, Britain and even France as the three are interlinked in terms of competition and trade. 

Some amendments have been made to the NH programmes in Britain and Ireland in the last year or so, in a bid to address the dilution of the value of graded form. Bigwigs from Horse Racing Ireland and the British Horseracing Association met towards the end of September for a think-tank to discuss numerous issues of shared interest. A discussion on working together in relation to the programme was among the topics but a broad chat was all that occurred.

Meanwhile, I spoke to a variety of stakeholders on where jump racing is going, what it needs and what it doesn’t, and got some interesting responses.

Emma Lavelle (Trainer: Britain)

A former president of the National Trainers’ Federation, best known for guiding the spectacular career of 2019 Stayers’ Hurdle winner Paisley Park, Emma Lavelle has been concerned about the dilution of the product offered by British jump racing for a few years now.

Lavelle offers a cogent and clear argument for change. What is remarkable, in her view, is that while there is too much racing, the programme swelled while still not catering for every tier of horse.

“Changes should be about trying to make racing more competitive at every level,” says the boss of Bonita Racing Stables.

“There's no doubt that uncompetitive racing doesn't make for interesting viewing, good betting medians. You will always have the odd uncompetitive race and sometimes, small fields are competitive and exciting, but uncompetitive racing is a turn-off, and it's a turn-off for the practitioners as well as the general public. So I think ultimately, we've got to do something to shake it up.”

Lavelle recounts that watching Frodon win the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham, about 40 minutes before Paisley Park’s fairytale triumph in the Stayers, was as moving as it was exciting. Shishkin reeling in Energumene late on in a four-runner Clarence House Chase at Ascot three years later was on a similar level. That’s what needs to be encouraged.

Attempting to directly slow the growth and impact of NH’s major yards would be short-sighted she believes, punishing ambition and success. 

“It’s just how the cookie crumbles,” as she describes the stunning resources now available to the likes of Willie Mulins. “But it’s why we need to find different ways of making sure that we can all be competitive. 

“I do think that our race programme needs to become more aspirational from the bottom up. Finding a race for that 130, 140 rated horse is nigh on impossible. You’ve just got one race here and there. If you've got a horse that's rated 100 you can run it six times a week, and somehow that just doesn't seem right. We need to maybe force or encourage some lower-grade horses to compete in mid-tier races off lower weights as an incentive. Otherwise you’re racing to the bottom.”

The over-provision of lower-tier races applies at graded level in Britain too, apart from in the three-mile division she knows so well, when Paisley Park drew swords with the same opposition in the Long Distance, Long Walk, Cleeve and Stayers’ Hurdles to thrilling effect on an annual basis.

“The pattern of this country has been shaken up this year and a little bit last year to reflect that maybe it had just got a little bit big. Hopefully that will just help them make those races a bit more competitive. I do think that the fine-tuning and the slimming of it is an improvement, and I think that needs to happen in Ireland as well. 

“The thing is, where do you send some of these horses if they miss some of the other races? And is it right that we're just turning everything into handicaps? You don’t want to take too many away, because otherwise, what's the point in trying to create a nice horse? So you’re getting the balance right and when you make changes, just seeing how they work.”

Giving alterations time to bed in and to determine their impact is critical, she feels, because there is no one silver bullet. Addressing some clear imbalances should be a starting point, however.

“We always talk about prize money. I If you're lucky enough to get a horse that's good enough to win mid-tier-and-up races. You deserve to be paid for that, and certainly to incentivise ownership, that’s important.

“We're always scared about really shaking up the programme. You look at the French system, a lot of their races are about how much prize money you've won up to a certain period or through a certain period. People are loath to try new things, and then you get a short run at it, because people don't really engage with it, so you don't get the runners, so the racecourses don't want those changes.”

The Wiltshire-based conditioner believes that a co-operative approach between the jurisdictions would benefit but doesn’t believe pursuing a uniform pattern is practical, at this juncture at least, with so much to be addressed on home territory first.

“It would make perfect sense if there was a centralised system of ratings, rather than how it is at the minute, where the Irish will get more weight when they come over here, etc. I think things like that would make sense.

“But the problem is, it's hard enough to get everybody in this country on the same page – and when I say get everyone on the same page, I mean where everybody is coming at it without self-interest, but for the good of the sport. So to think that you're then trying to join up with Ireland or other countries, I just don't know how that could happen. It would be wonderful if it did, but it would take some negotiating.”

If there is one factor, over any other, preventing the level of change Lavelle feels is required in Britain, it is the lack of central control of fixtures and programming. 

“It's so frustrating. Sometimes you just feel, ’Why can't people take a step back and take their own interest out of it and look at the bigger picture?’ ”

Peter Molony (Breeder/Trader/Sales Agent/Racing Manager: Ireland)

Peter Molony is involved in the industry from the start of the process as a breeder, right through to the destination point, as racing manager for Kenny Alexander, owner of the history-making four-time Cheltenham Festival victor and dual Champion Hurdle-winning mare, Honeysuckle, and on the flat side, Qatar Racing’s Irish representative.

The Rathmore Stud manager is an ardent supporter of the ramped up NH mares’ programme in Britain and Ireland in the past decade, which has had such a monumentally positive impact on the demand for fillies at sales and their participation in jump racing.

Molony reckons the mares’ programme could be used as a test case for the creation of a broader uniform jump racing pattern in the jurisdictions. And if it worked, you would have a template to implement a programme on a universal level.

“What we have has been a huge improvement, and it's added massively to the overall racing experience, the market, in every way,” says Moloney of the mares’ programme. “But it's kind of grown up in a sort of higgledy, piggledy, sort of way, with a listed race added here, and a listed race added there, and not the greatest natural progression.

“At times you’d be wondering where the next race is if you wanted to stick solely to the fillies’ programme. So, I've suggested many times that the Irish and British authorities should sit down together and hammer out a proper pattern for them. And to be honest, it would make a lot of sense if they did it on a wider scale. But they could start with the fillies and mares, see how that works, and then go from there.”

As a breeder and trader who has produced the likes of former Gold Cup winner Bobs Worth and dual Cheltenham Grade 1 winner Sir Gerhard, and a NH agent with Goffs, the importance of the pattern is not lost on him. Nor is the erosion of the value of the exalted black type.

“If it was set up properly and got established, I think one pattern would add huge value to everything. And if you started with the fillies, it adds value to their form as well as to the overall enjoyment of the racing fan, of the overall racing product.

“You don’t want too many easy options, giving horses the chance to avoid one another all the time. The mares’ programme has been attacked in the past, and this continues to be attacked, that it's taking away from competitiveness. My argument is that it is actually adding competitiveness, because it's adding a whole new group of horses into the pool that wouldn't be racing at all.”

There were three distaff winners of the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle before 2016. Annie Power, Epatante and Honeysuckle have doubled that tally in the blink of an eye. 

“Before the mares’ programme, the market didn’t exist. So you’d have none of those French mares. If you had a nicely-bred NH mare in Ireland, you just covered her. The racing mares are an exception. So the programme works but for it to be one programme would help it more.

“And then if that worked, bring it into the entire jump programme. In the flat game, people see progressions from your trials, into your Classics, and then into your later, all-age races with the clashes of the generations. People can see the progression, and that's great. It works well. It's easier to sell. I think if you had that in the national hunt game, it would be wonderful.

Willie Mullins (Trainer: Ireland)

There isn’t a sport in the world where sustained success isn’t at some point presented as a negative for the health of the sport. It must be tough to take even if criticism tends to be of a system rather than the winners’ magnificence.

He was crowned champion trainer in Ireland for a 17th straight year last season and became the first trainer since Vincent O’Brien 70 years previously to secure British honours. For context, Aidan O’Brien is on 26 consecutive native titles at the end of 2024 and a seventh British crown. 

Mullins, an ex-chairman of the Irish Racehorse Trainers’ Association, believes that there are plenty of opportunities through the levels in Ireland, pointing to the growth of Gavin Cromwell’s operation as just one sample. He doesn’t see a need for a standardised programme between countries.

“I think people should be very careful when they start messing around with the programme,” says Mullins. “When you do little tweaks with the programme, you don't realise the consequences that will have somewhere else. So that's a great legacy that (former HRI chief executive) Brian Kavanagh and Jason Morris (former director of racing, now director of strategy) gave to Irish racing, and we should cherish it.

“A few of us go to France. The French never come over here. Prize money isn't good enough for them. Our seasons are just slightly different as well. But I think the story about Irish and English jump racing is probably Ireland versus England. And for that to take place, you have to have an English pattern and an Irish pattern. And we're very lucky that we have a race meeting called Cheltenham, where it's nearly, for the want of a better word, a World Championships in our game and all roads lead to there and then to Aintree and to Punchestown.

“I think it's huge, the way it works at the moment. So if you want to break that up, I'm not sure it would be beneficial. 

“I also look at how racing has been put together by racing people, and I've seen, especially in Britain, over the last few years, people coming in from other sports, putting their imprint on racing, and they're not racing people. They don't realise how it works. They're in our sport for five years, and then they disappear off somewhere else. Meanwhile, they leave a fractured sport, putting in ideas that just don't take off or don't work.

“Racing is about breeding the best to the best, and hopefully get the best and taking on one another. And that's essentially it. That’s the core of racing.”

He considers the introduction of a team concept such as the Shergar Cup and racing League on the flat as ludicrous and argues that more focus should be on other factors in improving race-day experience for those in attendance than the action.

“When you have 35 minutes between races, it’s too long. I mean in the flat, it’s awful but even in national hunt. If you have a horse running in the first, and don’t have another till the last, it’s a long day. There are only so many cups of tea you can drink as there’s nothing else to do. It has been very boring for the public. They should look at that.

“And when it comes to Cheltenham, it is just too expensive.”

Jonathan Garratt (Kelso MD: Britain)

Jonathan Garratt has overseen the growth of Kelso as a desired destination for jumps racing with an imaginative, ambitious approach to programming and prize money. 

Last year, Garratt was scathing in his criticism of the BHA’s premierisation policy which planned to “declutter” Saturday racing in Britain, warning it could destroy the sport’s grassroots. It is a policy, Garratt tells us, that ignores the uniqueness of jump racing.

“Each of the three codes (if I can separate all-weather flat racing from turf) have very different opportunities and different threats,” Garratt declares. “And yet the BHA lumps them all together in the fixture process and has encouraged them to compete for a two-tier funding system which they’ve christened ‘core’ and ‘premier’.

“While it’s fairly easy to see an elite strand of racing on the flat, which exists on a global stage, jump racing is a much more integrated environment, where top-class horses develop over time, frequently competing at a grassroots level on their way to the top. The best horses might compete in point-to-points, or bumpers, or both. Many will take in a handicap or two, some in relatively modest company.

“Even during the recent Willie Mullins domination, we’d be hopeful of spotting a future Cheltenham Festival winner, or a Grand National winner, at a Kelso fixture which has been allocated the ‘core’ label.

“My opinion is that jump racing has a more nuanced and interesting narrative than flat racing and so we don’t need these false labels. We should be encouraging racegoers to follow the action at all tracks, and enjoy the progression as horses move through the developmental races and become seasoned performers – at whatever level they eventually attain.”

The purpose of all-weather racing is to provide a betting product in time slots that are not available to jump racing, Garratt argues. The story of jump racing is far deeper and a key asset he maintains.

“Each code has its own strengths. One of jump racing’s strongest is its unique ability to create fantastic, romantic stories. While it’s flattering that so many people have credited Kelso with developing the jumps’ programme through the changes we made to the Morebattle Hurdle, the truth is that we simply tapped into strengths that already existed in jump racing – we increased the value of a high quality race which was close in proximity to Cheltenham, made it a handicap to give more runners a chance, and added a £100,000 bonus to tie us into the existing Festival narrative. We were very fortunate when The Shunter won it in the first year!”

Garratt doesn’t think a centralised pattern for the chief NH countries would work but never one to knock a suggestion without offering another, he makes a different, radical proposal.

“One idea which I’d throw out there, instead, is a unified trainers’ championship. At the moment, the top British trainers will favour races in Britain over valuable opportunities elsewhere because they want to win their Championship. I assume it’s the same in Ireland and France. I might be wrong, but Willie’s bid for the British Championship appeared to be an afterthought, it came into the reckoning after he’d already enjoyed a great Cheltenham.

“If a European Trainers’ Championship had a really good prize and was supported by the media, trainers might consider running in races throughout all of the countries which were part of it. I’m not saying it would work – but if greater international cooperation was considered beneficial to the sport, this might be one way to move it forward.”

Louisa Carberry (Trainer: France)

Louisa Carberry is a native of England from an eventing background who is based in France ten years, where she met and married Philip Carberry, the Champion Hurdle winning jockey from the famed clan that became the first Irish jockey to win the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris – the French Gold Cup - in 2006. 

She became the first foreign woman to train the winner of the Grande Steepe in 2020. Docteur De Ballon backed up 12 months later and with Louisa saddling Gran Diose to a third victory in five seasons last May, she is now in exalted territory.

The programme and prize money make France the most desired place to train for her.

“We have a lot fewer handicap handicaps over here in jumping,” Carberry explains. “What we do have is very valuable handicaps. There was a 100 grand handicap hurdle yesterday and that happens a couple of times a week, and they’re usually for horses rated from 0-130 and they’re highly competitive races.

“It’s a quite nice way of doing it. It might start off with a race for horses that haven't run three times or been placed twice. And then you might step up to races for horses that haven't picked up €20,000 this year. And then you get a kilo for every five grand you won. So you can sort of just step up and up and up. And then when you hit a bar, you change discipline. You go chasing.

“What I like is it's a very clear pyramid system here. For example, for chasers, five-year-olds and over, there’s one Grade 1 in the spring and one in the autumn. And so I think that's nice so the Grade 1 winner is essentially, hopefully, the best horse.”

With fewer jumps horses in training in France, there isn’t a need for the quantity of racing that exists in Ireland and Britain, but ensuring the best are taking each other on and that Grade 1s are not pieces of work should always be the target.

“Otherwise, it loses its importance, doesn’t it? We should have that stepping stone system, into a listed race if they’re capable and so on. You should be taking in a handicap on the way up unless, of course, the horse is clearly so super-talented that you don’t need to.”

She has little time for complaints about the dominance of Mullins et al.

“Everyone started somewhere. It should be more, ‘How can I compete with them more or, do as well as them?,’ rather than complaining. It’s easy to say that, of course, when I’m not in there. But you find what works. There are trainers that their business is based on selling one or two horses a year and if the horse goes on and runs well, they’re thrilled. Whereas I’d rather win a Gold Cup! But each to their own. I’d also be thrilled if the horse sold well and it went on to run well.”

Does being so prosperous within a French system remove the ambition of aiming for a Cheltenham Gold Cup, for example? Or would a uniform pattern, or at least something similar, bring travelling to one of the other two countries into focus for French trainers?

“Definitely, and we have gone to England and Ireland a couple of times. Happy to do more and are likely to do more. It's got to be worthwhile, that you think there's nothing more valuable over here. So it probably comes down to prize money, but then at the same time, God, I’d love to win a really good race, even if it was worth less than something over here. But over here, we know where we are, we've got our mark, their horse is going to do well, and it's worth a lot of money.

“I wouldn’t be against running in a nice handicap at Cheltenham either, by the way. It doesn't have to be a Grade 1. But you don’t know the horses you’re taking on, you don’t know the track, the racing style and the money isn’t great. So do I stick to what I know?”

Carberry believes more French-based trainers are looking beyond their borders, however. Current King George VI Chase favourite, Il Est Français (Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm) and Gold Tweet (Gabriel Leenders) made a splash in Britain in 2023. 

“I think it's important for us to show that we're keen and willing and able and capable of running them, but probably things like the season and the programme, a few little tweaks there might help. But that’s not something that’s going to happen overnight.”

Conclusion

This subheading may mislead. We have no definitive answers here. There is plenty of logic though and a few intriguing proposals  – take a bow, Jonathan Garratt with the idea of a European Trainers’ Championship!

Emma Lavelle’s championing of bands of racing for the mid-tier horse, and suggestions around adopting the French method of framing races around prize money, so well-articulated by Louisa Carberry, certainly appears to have a sound basis.

A single rating mechanism seems straightforward. Less so, perhaps, a NH equivalent of the European Pattern Committee that regulates the programme for flat racing, to avoid clashes in different jurisdictions, set conditions and ensure standard control i.e. that low-performing races have their status reduced and those constantly performing have them increased if they are not already Grade 1s.

One British course clerk, speaking off the record, had no doubt about the need for an overhaul of the pattern in some way. Of the circa 140 graded races in the jurisdiction, using three-year parameters, 54 of them are not performing. 

The pattern is supposed to be how we accurately measure achievement and status, with a variety of ways of eventually reaching whatever your ceiling. But if it is diluted and Grade 1s are thrown about like confetti, the entire product and system is devalued. 

Vin Cox, Yulong representative in Australia has discussed it in terms of a similar debate Down Under, about how the black type is the internationally recognised language but that its integrity is compromised by just adding another one “willy-nilly” i.e. without following a set list of criteria. 

Any thriving entity needs cohesion. We shall wait and see.

EMHF Update

Article by Paull Khan

This summer, to coincide with the Italian Derby, Italy’s Ministry of Agriculture (MASAF) and its Institute of Culture organised an event in Rome celebrating the role of the thoroughbred in culture. EMHF Secretary-General, Paull Khan was asked to speak on ‘the role of the thoroughbred in the development of human society.’ The text of his talk is repeated here.

I would like to start by commending MASAF and the Institute of Culture for conceiving of and delivering this event today. Because, in many ways, these are troubled times for our sport globally: the number of thoroughbreds foaled has fallen significantly over recent years, from over 123,000 20 years ago to around 86,000 today; just this year, racing will cease in Singapore, Macau and Greece, and our very social licence to operate – alongside that of other sports and pastimes that make use of animals – is being brought increasingly into question.

So there is no better time to shine a spotlight, for a change, on the enormous benefits that the thoroughbred has brought to human society in the relatively short time since its creation in England in the late-1700’s.  

I could look at the big picture – for example, the overall economic impact of racing (which we have calculated at no less than 21 billion Euros per annum across Europe alone) – but instead, in an attempt to convey the very varied contribution that thoroughbreds can make to society,  and with the ten minutes I have available to me, I am going to take three examples: of thoroughbred racing, first as a symbol of renewal and normalcy after conflict, secondly as a focus for unity and peace and finally as an economic and charitable powerhouse.

For my first example, I look to Libya. You will all remember how Libya descended into turmoil and civil war after Col. Gaddafi’s overthrow in 2011. War was raging in Tripoli as recently as July 2021. However, despite the chaos and conflict that has wracked the country, horseracing has staged a remarkable recovery. Seemingly at the very first races were being organised again. I liken it sometimes to those desert flowers which, after years of inactivity, at the first opportunity, bloom again. Today, there are several tracks that have not only been re-opened, but are being renovated and modernised, and one brand new track is under construction. Government has supported the sport’s funding generously, and racegoers have turned out in high numbers. Despite there being no betting, horseracing is second only to football in terms of attendances, (as in Britain, where I live). I firmly believe the reason for all this is that racing is a symbol of normalcy, and is seen to be by enlightened administrations. The Libyan Horseracing Authority is adopting a particularly socially enlightened approach – it has established the Social Solidarity Cup, which might be the first race meeting in the world designed especially around those with disabilities, special needs and autism spectrum disorders.

Secondly, I turn to Lebanon. Lebanon is a country of great religious diversity - however, for 15 years, from 1975 to 1990, some of you will remember, it was wracked by civil war. A ‘green line’ developed in Beirut, separating the Christian East from the Muslim West. And smack, bang on that green line was the racecourse. Two years into the war, it was decided to re-establish racing. And when they did, at the first race meeting, 12,000 people defied the dangers and went to the races. From then, rather than the racecourse becoming a no-go area, it actually became the only place where, for several years, people from opposite sides of the green line could meet each other, united in their love of the sport of racing. It became a symbol of the hope of national unity and of peaceful Christian/Muslim coexistence. 

There’s a wonderful short film, a German-made film, on Youtube, which describes it very well. It’s called ‘Stories from No Man’s Land’ and I urge you to watch it. At one point, there’s the story of a former fighter who was ordered by his boss, near the start of the war, to plant a bomb in the racecourse buildings. He went to check the place out – ‘do a reccy’. He’d never been racing before, never seen how people react at the finish of a race. And he says: “suddenly everyone got up, Muslims and Christians together, and started waving their arms around, and then sat down”. 

“I was troubled” he says, “all I saw were simple people, Muslims and Christians joined together”. He refused to carry out his mission – no bomb was ever planted on the course.

For several years, racing continued for most of the time. At the President’s request, race meetings took place during the worst of the civil war fighting – when the racing was on, the shooting would subside – only to start again once the spectators had gone home. 

Extraordinarily, there was never any trouble at the racetrack, and the course was even used as the venue for peace talks.

In 1982 the Israeli invasion completely destroyed the stands. But, after the war was over, they were quickly rebuilt in the 90’s and racing started up again – much like in my first example of Libya.

Just because the war was over, it didn’t mean the threats to the racecourse were over.  The civil authorities wanted to capitalise on its prime location – right in the centre of Beirut - and use it for a new presidential palace. But there was a concerted and spirited campaign to save the track, which attracted great public support, I dare say because it had become part of the fabric of society, symbolic of humanity’s better nature. 

And finally, to Hong Kong.

The richest Racing Authority on earth is the Hong Kong Jockey Club. It is a quite remarkable organisation. As you know, Hong Kong is tiny – you could fit five Hong Kongs into Rome. It has only two racecourses. But its Jockey Club employs nearly 20,000 people and is in the top ten charity donors, not only in Hong Kong itself, not only in Asia – but in the world. The Jockey Club is Hong Kong’s biggest taxpayer. 

In round terms, there are 37bn Euros bet with the Hong Kong Jockey Club. They take a little under 15% of that and, of their cut, they then give three-quarters to the state. And that amounts to 3.3bn Euros in tax and nearly a further billion Euros in charitable donations. 

So when it says on its website: “The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club that acts continuously for the betterment of our society”, you might think that’s just marketing speak. But it is not. In the last month alone, for example, they have been able to make these announcements:

Jockey Club donates HK$ 720 million to help low-income families in transitional housing become self-reliant and Jockey Club Expands to five districts the scheme bridging the poverty divide through holistic support for disadvantaged children and families

And what is at the core, at the heart, of this behemoth? It is the thoroughbred. Hong Kong is, I feel, a great example for the world’s Governments. Governments can choose to establish other ways of raising charitable funds through gambling – such as lotteries. And, more broadly, they can elect to put in place a legislative and taxation framework that favours other modes of gaming – roulette, slot machines, etc. But what none of these arid forms of gambling can do is what the thoroughbred does – support an extensive network of related jobs, which, in most jurisdictions around the globe, are primarily in rural areas; boost those rural economies and bring to society generally a point of cohesion, a sense of shared celebration, a recognition of continuing a great historical tradition. So, I say: “Governments: if you support horseracing with a benign legal and financial framework, our sport will repay you, and repay society, many times over”. 

It was Kemal Ataturk, the towering Turkish leader of a century ago - still revered by many in Turkey to this day - who said:

“Horseracing is a social need for modern societies”.

‘A social need for modern societies’….. I believe he was right. 

A BUSY SUMMER FOR THE EMHF

This summer saw a succession of EMHF events. Here is a quick summary.

General Assembly – Copenhagen, Denmark

Our General Assembly took place in Copenhagen in June. For the Federation this was a first – and highly successful – visit to Denmark. In recent years, EMHF annual meetings have evolved into mini conferences, rather than traditional general assemblies and delegates were treated to a wide range of presentations. 

• Horse Racing Ireland CEO, Suzanne Eade, kicked off a discussion on sustainability and what it means for racing authorities by explaining the approach being taken in Ireland, as part of the HRI’s broader strategy. 

• Di Arbuthnot, (Chair of the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses) outlined IFAR’s new membership-based model, under which interested organisations and individuals can show their support for aftercare by becoming a member or a supporter of IFAR and then and Teodor Sheytanov (Secretary-General of the European Equestrian Federation) discussed ways in which the thoroughbred and equestrian world’s could align in aftercare efforts.

• Paull Khan (EMHF Secretary-General) summarised the results of a survey of EMHF members on their experience and awareness of illegal betting, before Brant Dunshea, BHA Chief Regulatory Officer and a member of the Asian Racing Federation’s Council on Anti-Illegal Betting and Related Financial Crime, spelt out the concerning implications of its growth for European racing. 

• Darragh O’Loughlin (CEO of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board) gave a case study of collaboration between EMHF members, concerning a range of integrity initiatives.

• The European Pony Racing Association had considered what those in charge of mainstream racing might do, in order that pony racing could best provide the stars of tomorrow. Paull Khan, as EPRA Chair, set out this ‘wish-list’.

• Cathy McGlynn, (EMHF Political Advisor) summarised progress on the EU’s review of its animal welfare legislation and the continuing efforts of the EMHF’s Political & Legislative Committee in seeking to minimise the adverse unintended consequences of what is currently proposed.

• Peter McNeile (Director of EMHF’s Official Ticketing Partner, Future Ticketing) explored recent advances in the ways in which racecourses are making use of customer data.

• Finally, Paull Khan presented the results of the EMHF’s National Racing Survey, which were set out in the last issue of this magazine.

This was the third year of an arrangement whereby commercial organisations, relevant to racing in our region, are invited to join in the General Assembly and its social programme and, at their first attendance, make a short presentation to the delegates. What began with just three companies has expanded to 17 delegates from 12 companies. This year’s presentations - from European Horse Services, Steriline, Berlinger, Turftrax, Weatherbys and Cavago – underlined just how multi-faceted our industry is.

As last year, the General Assembly was followed by the EuroMed Stewards Conference, again organised by the British Horseracing Authority. Brant Dunshea chaired the gathering which, in just two years, has become a highly-valued event among the region’s Stewards and regulators. 

And so it was that around 50 attendees were invited to the following day’s racing action. Klampenborg, on the northern outskirts of the capital, is one of European racing’s success stories. Bucking the general trend, attendances are buoyant and the demographic vibrant. It is perhaps only to be expected that the experience of racing at Denmark’s premier racecourse would be the very embodiment of its concept of hygge. With its architecturally pleasing stands, treed surroundings and proliferation of comfy chairs, it delivered a garden party atmosphere that will live long in the memory.

European Pony Racing Association Annual Meeting – Ascot, England

Following the first two annual meetings, in Budapest and Chantilly, the EPRA Annual Meeting swung into Ascot in July. Britain’s Pony Racing Authority (PRA) kindly hosted us in Ascot’s Berystede Hotel. As well as representatives from several European countries, we also welcomed - in a nod to the Eurovision Song Contest – Australia! Tracey O’Hara gave a fascinating account of how Pony Racing, under Pony Club Australia, which has only been in existence for little over a year, is developing fast. There are lessons to be learnt by all and we are delighted that Australia has become an Associate Member of the EPRA.

The following day allowed our visitors to see how Pony Racing is conducted in Britain, and what better venue than Ascot to showcase this? For the young riders, their experience is wonderful, from their course walk under the tutelage of dual Grand National-winning jockey coach, Carl Llewellyn, to donning real racing silks and mounting their ponies in the storied paddock, to the race itself and, for the winning rider, an interview in the winner’s enclosure, overlooked by the crowds and the towering stands. If they do not remember that for the rest of their lives, it would be a surprise.

Our party was royally looked after and our thanks go out to Howden Group, who generously made available their box, and to stalwart pony racing supporters, Richard and Dawn Prince, who provided the dinner.

​Outgoing PRA Chief Executive, Clarissa Daly was made an Honorary Member of the EPRA - meaning that we will have the pleasure of seeing her at future annual meetings. Speaking of which, next year’s EPRA Meeting will be held at the unique ‘Nationaldagsgaloppen’ racing event that is staged in a park in central Stockholm on Swedish National Day – June 6th – in front of crowds of up to 50,000 people.

​European Beach Racing Association – Loredo, Spain

Loredo and Laredo enjoy many similarities. Aside from just their names, both are resorts on Spain’s Cantabrian coast, (separated by less than 40 kilometers) and both have for many years staged official beach race meetings, featuring the Loredo and Laredo Derbies, respectively.

Since COVID, Laredo has, sadly, been unable to stage a meeting, although the signs are good that a return to action in 2025 may be on the cards. So, it has been left to Loredo to fly the Cantabrian Beach Racing flag. We were thrilled when Loredo offered to host our Seventh Annual Meeting. Grateful thanks are due to Antonio Sarabia, lynchpin of Cantabrian racing, from whom we learnt much about the history of beach racing in the region, and to Loredo Neighbourhood Council and Ribamontan al Mar City Council for their kind hospitality.

Sarabia explained that Beach Racing at Loredo would reach its 70th Anniversary in 2026. Initially it involved farmers with the carts they would also have used to transport their produce. It was in 1975 that races for thoroughbreds were first organised and in 1983 when they became Official races. Today, these races constitute a significant draw for local tourism - in 2019 a record crowd to date of 18,500 attended. Races are confined to Amateur Riders and the meetings are important events in the Gentlemen Riders' calendar.

This year's meeting was not without its challenges. Inclement weather forced organisers to amend the configuration of the track. The two thoroughbred races, of 1,500m/7.5f and 2,000m/1m 2f respectively, were to have been run round one and two bends respectively. However, in the event they were run over a straight course.

In addition, two Pony Races (the first for riders aged 8 to 11, the second for those aged 12 to 16) were run, together with a Pony Racing Challenge Match between two 13-year-old girls, considered stars of the future. Cantabrian Pony Racing has produced significant numbers of amateur and professional jockeys, trainers and owners.

European Parliament ‘Mission’ – Brussels, Belgium

This year being an election year for the European Parliament, 2024’s EMHF ‘Brussels Mission’ took on extra significance. To help maintain racing’s profile and influence in Europe’s corridors of power, we stage an annual visit to its Parliament and Commission to talk to the key decision-makers on the burning issues of the moment. Currently, this means the review of European animal welfare legislation and, most topically within that, welfare in transport. While, in the current proposals for the new legislation, vital exemptions from many of the administrative requirements have thankfully been secured for thoroughbreds travelling to race or for training, there is still much to do to convince the legislators of the need to extend those freedoms for breeding and sales travel. 

All EMHF EU Member Countries are invited to send appropriate delegates to these ‘missions’, which are led by Paull Khan and arranged by the EMHF’s Political Advisor, Cathy McGlynn. 

We were excited to see that, among the rookie MEP’s, is a certain Nina Carberry, the celebrated Irish Grand National-winning jockey – daughter of multiple Irish Champion Jump Jockey, Tommy Carberry and sister-in-law to another great champion, Ruby Walsh - with whom we had a most productive discussion.

Nina Carberry sits on the Transport and Tourism Committee - highly relevant to the current review. Another key Committee for this dossier is that for Agriculture and Rural Development, and we also met with former Irish Agriculture Minister, Barry Cowen, another new MEP.

The Missions allow us not only to meet with new 'movers and shakers', but also to build relations over time and we were delighted to meet up again with former EP First Vice-President, Mairead McGuinness and MEP's Sean Kelly and Billy Kelleher.

The EMHF delegation had a strong Irish flavour this year, with Horse Racing Ireland's Chief Executive Officer, Suzanne Eade, Equine Welfare & Bloodstock Director, John Osborne and Director of Communications & Marketing, Paula Cunniffe making the journey. The team also met with Pat O'Rourke, Advisor to Ciaran Mullooly, MEP and Kevin Foley-Friel, Agricultural Attache with the Irish Permanent Representation to the EU. These national permanent representations are an important group in the next phase of the review’s passage.

Tanguy Courtois, Head of Public Affairs for French racing, represented France and met with Céline Imart (EPP - France), Maria Noichl (S&D - Germany), and Valérie Deloge (Patriots - France), as well as the Permanent Representation of France.

Finally, Paull Khan and Tanguy Courtois joined EMHF Political and Legislative Committee Member and European Horse Network (EHN) Secretary-General, Florence Gras in an EHN planning meeting with MEP Horse Group Chair, Hilda Vautmans, MEP.

All in all, a packed and highly valuable series of meetings. 

Suppressing unwanted hormonal behaviours in training

Article by Kate Dugher

The desire to suppress unwanted behaviour in the horse can present for many different reasons. The behaviours that we are talking about can be anything from poor performance to hyper-excitability, distraction, discomfort on girthing up, not responding to the jockey, bucking, rearing, squealing, kicking or aggression.  

Often it is assumed that overt behaviours are hormonally driven; however, it can be easy to discount many other possible causes of these behaviours, especially those that are related to pain.  A full clinical examination by a veterinarian is always warranted when considering unwanted behaviour in the horse in order to appropriately identify the cause and consider the most appropriate treatment options. 

Common causes of abnormal/unwanted behaviour can include: 

• Musculoskeletal pain (lameness)

• Gastric ulceration

• Dental disease

• Poorly fitting tack

• Stress

• Hormonal influence

• Learnt behaviour 

There are also many reasons for normal and abnormal behaviours that can be associated with the reproductive system. Some of these could be identified as undesirable behaviours when associated with performance. 

The equine reproductive cycle

Horses are seasonal long day breeders and are influenced by daylight length. This means that the majority of mares have inactive ovaries in the winter and do not exhibit oestrus behaviour during this time. In comparison, in the summer months, they exhibit a reproductive cycle that lasts an average of 21 days. They spend, on average, 5-7 days in oestrus, ‘in season’, and 14 days in diestrus, ‘not in season’. 

In the spring and autumn months the mare undergoes a transitional period. During this time, oestrogen concentrations are variable, and oestrus behaviour can be seen irregularly. Whilst stallions are also affected by seasonality, they still exhibit reproductive behaviour all year round. The mare’s reproductive cycle can also be influenced by artificial light and therefore, it is worth considering that performance horses who are exposed to stable lights beyond the normal daylight hours in spring, autumn or winter may cycle for a longer period of the year or even throughout winter. 

Puberty

Timing of puberty in the horse is varied and affected by both genetic and environmental factors. Not only by age but also by time of year in which they were born, body condition and social cues. Puberty in fillies is usually at around 12-19 months compared to colts at around 10-24 months, however, there are wide variations from these reference ranges. 

Normal reproductive behaviour in the mare

Normal oestrus behaviour occurs under high oestrogen and low progesterone influence. Commonly associated behaviours include receptivity to stallions/geldings, vocalisation, increased frequency of urination and presentation of hindquarters in a wide based stance.

Normal diestrus behaviour under a dominant progesterone state includes repulsion to the stallion and can occasionally be associated with aggressive behaviour to other horses. During pregnancy, the mare will also be under a dominant progesterone influence and is unlikely to exhibit oestrus behaviour particularly in the first trimester. Later in gestation a peak in testosterone and oestrogen levels may be associated with changes in behaviour. 

Abnormal reproductive behaviour in the mare

Ovarian pain

Many mares will show an obvious reaction upon rectal palpation of the ovary when close to ovulation, suggesting that the dominant follicle/ovary can sometimes be tender at this time. Comparatively, humans often describe some ovarian pain around the time of ovulation. Therefore, it can be assumed that some mares could also experience discomfort around the time of ovulation. 

Other possible causes of ovarian pain that can occasionally occur in normal cyclicity include ovarian haematomas and haemorrhagic anovulatory follicles. It is also a consideration that external pressure placed onto the lumbar region close to the ovary around the time of ovulation could rarely elicit a painful response in some individuals.  

Vaginal pain

Vaginal pain has occasionally been associated with conditions such as vaginitis and pneumovagina. These conditions describe inflammation and/or air in the vagina. These are most commonly associated with poor perineal conformation and can be evident in some performance mares. 

If vaginal pain is suspected due to poor perineal conformation, then placement of a caslicks vulvoplasty may prove to be beneficial. If concurrent infection or urine pooling is suspected, then further intervention may be required. 

Reproductive tumours 

Reproductive cancer affecting the ovaries is one of the most common causes of cancer in the mare, the most common being the granulosa theca cell tumour (GTCT). These are generally locally invasive and are unlikely to cause any further health problems if the affected ovary is removed. They are often identified with a change in behaviour. On rectal examination a common finding would be to identify one enlarged and one small ovary. 

Depending on which reproductive hormones the tumour secretes is likely to influence the associated behaviour. This can include stallion-like behaviour, aggression, persistent oestrus behaviour or complete absence of reproductive behaviour. The severity of this often depends on the stage at which this condition is identified. Other types of ovarian tumours are less common but depending on if/which hormones are secreted will dictate which hormonal behaviours are associated. It is suspected that occasionally there could be ovarian pain associated with some of these cases particularly when the ovary is very large in size. 

Reproduction related treatment options

Mares

To have the most successful outcome in controlling reproductive hormonal behaviour in the mare, it is important to understand whether the unwanted behaviour is being exhibited all year round or just in the summer months and whether it is related to a particular stage of the oestrus cycle. 

Whilst it is commonly assumed that most behaviour problems are associated with the mare being in season, occasionally some mares can show unwanted aggressive behaviour under the influence of progesterone – when they are not in season. 

Furthermore, it can be tricky to interpret this when trying to link hormonal behaviours to performance based unwanted behaviours and these signs can often be very individual. Keeping records of behaviour versus stage of the reproductive cycle can help to try and decipher whether reproductive hormones are likely to be playing a part in the unwanted behaviour. However, this does require careful monitoring and, most likely, multiple reproductive ultrasound examinations. 

The other consideration is that unwanted behaviours are related to reproductive pain or abnormal hormone production due to pathological conditions of the reproductive tract as previously described. 

Ways to mimic the diestrus state and suppress oestrogen related behaviour

Progesterone/Progestins 

Progesterone is the dominant hormone produced by mares in diestrus. There are a multitude of systemic progestin (progesterone-like medications) available for use in horses in injectable and oral formulations. 

Altrenogest is a synthetic progestin commonly used to suppress oestrus behaviour by acting as a progesterone agonist. This means that the horse is likely to exhibit normal diestrus behaviour for that individual whilst it is being administered. Altrenogest is molecularly very similar to the anabolic steroids trendione and trenbolone. Occasionally the product may contain trace levels of these anabolic steroids. Therefore, its use for horses in training is to be taken with extreme caution and withdrawal times adhered to. It is banned for use in racing thoroughbreds in some countries. 

There is also evidence to show that altrenogest can exhibit a reduced stress response and sedative-like effects in some horses, particularly mares. This effect may be beneficial in anxious individuals in training circumstances. However, arguably, dependent on the individual, a reduced stress response could have either a positive or negative effect on performance. 

Injectable progesterone applications have been used in racing thoroughbreds with appropriate clearance times before racing. These are often available in oil-based preparations which are commonly associated with injection site reactions and therefore, many trainers would avoid administering these within 3 days of racing. 

Upon cessation of progesterone supplementation, many mares will present with oestrus signs 2-7 days after treatment, as this mimics normal luteolysis at the end of the diestrus phase. Therefore, the timing of administration and cessation of progesterone/progestin treatments is a crucial consideration when being used for the prevention of oestrus behaviour.

Intra-uterine devices (IUDs)

IUDs have been historically utilised to mimic early pregnancy in the mare with varying success. These require an ovulation to act upon to extend the life of the corpus luteum by blocking the hormonal release that normally brings them back into season. Therefore, they are only useful once the mare is already cycling. 

Glass marbles have been the most used IUD historically; however, these are no longer recommended due to multiple evidenced side effects including risk of glass fragmentation in the uterus. The use of PMMA spheres or magnetic devices such as the iUPOD would be a preferable and safer alternative if an IUD was going to be used.

Interestingly, in the author’s experience speaking with clinicians who have administered these devices, there is surprisingly positive client satisfaction despite the inconsistent and variable evidence of the success of these devices in the literature. 

Oxytocin

Administration of the hormone, oxytocin, at specific time points when the mare is in diestrus can extend diestrus by up to 60-90 days. This technique is evidenced by multiple studies. For optimal success, reproductive ultrasound would be used to identify ovulation and carefully plan the timing of injectable administration. 

However, some studies have also evidenced successful extension of the diestrus phase without known timing of ovulation. The major downside of this technique is the need for administration of multiple injections/multiple reproductive examinations to time ovulation. 

Immunological approach

Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) is a hormone produced by the brain that is responsible for stimulating follicle growth in the ovaries and activation of a hormonal cascade to bring the mare into oestrus. 

GnRH vaccinations generate an immune response against GnRH, suppressing the hormonal cascade and ovarian activity and therefore, oestrus behaviour. An equine licensed product has previously been available in Australia. However, this is no longer in production. We have the option of a swine formulation, Improvac®, which has commonly been used in equids off licence. 

Major drawbacks for the use of this are common adverse injection site reactions, risk of anaphylaxis and concern over extended length of ovarian suppression. Therefore, this option would not be recommended in mares with a future breeding potential. 

Surgical approach

Ovariectomy is a treatment option for hormonal behaviour in mares. The ovary is the only supply of progesterone in the horse but is not the only supply of oestrogen. 

Ovariectomy has been associated with good client satisfaction in many cases to resolve unwanted hormonal behaviour. However, in some mares, whilst removal of the ovaries would prevent cyclicity, it can occasionally result in persistent oestrus behaviour in the absence of progesterone produced by the ovaries. This is also a permanent option that will remove breeding potential.

The techniques discussed so far are not exhaustive and there are many other methods that have been used to affect cyclicity or hormonal behaviour including pregnancy, induction of diestrus ovulation, GnRH analogue medication and infusion of intrauterine medical grade plant oils. 

Colts/stallions

There are a few medicated options for hormonal manipulation in males. Progestagen administration e.g. oral altrenogest administration can quieten stallion like behaviour in males but is banned for use in racing and training. 

Immunisation with off licence GnRH vaccines such as Improvac®, suppresses pituitary-gonadal hormone production aiming to cause a ‘chemical castration.’ However, results can be variable, particularly in mature stallions. As mentioned previously with mares, the downside of these vaccines are injection site reactions, risk of anaphylaxis and risk of prolonged sterility in future breeding animals.

Occasionally nutritional supplements have been used with effect in stallions such as L-tryptophan, a precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin. This has induced calm and fatigue-like behaviour in a number of species. 

Synthetic preparations of calming pheromones based on an equine appeasing pheromone produced in perimammary gland secretions of lactating females have also been used with such success. Of course, the use of these to calm behaviour vs the desire to generate an athletic performance animal is a consideration and results are likely to have wide individual variation.

GVQ-EQ business of racing update

Article by David Sykes

How is technology being used to ensure that the social licence to operate horse racing is maintained?

Social licence is a poignant topic previously covered within the magazine where we have looked at its meaning and why it is so important. 

In this issue, David Sykes, the founding Partner of specialist management consultancy GVS EQ, takes a look at the power of technology on social licence and practical steps trainers can take with the help of these technologies. 

Social licence is not something that is going to go away and so as an industry, using the modern tools available could prove to be a ground-breaking shift in measuring equine wellbeing and welfare.

So, what are we doing differently to maintain our Social Licence to Operate (SLO) in horseracing?

SLO is based on trust, transparency and an engagement with stakeholders (and non-stakeholders) and is essential for maintaining a positive relationship with the community involved in the horseracing industry and those who are onlookers from afar.

There is not a racing industry in the world that is able to act with full autonomy, including from its jurisdiction’s Government, and nor should there be. Part of the challenge, highlighted at the recent Asian Racing Conference, is that, rightly or wrongly, political decision-makers are legislators increasingly acting in relation to community sentiment, rather than evidence. This makes matters around the sport’s social licence all the more important.

This article leaves aside the direction of travel with regard to betting regulation, and focuses on matters more directly in the sport’s control, and its responsibility to its key participants.

The social licence to operate in horse racing is affected by animal welfare concerns, the public perceptions of the sport, how horses are treated, transparency and accountability of the horseracing industry.

And so how are we going about addressing concerns, perceptions, transparency and accountability?

Well, lots of different things but increasingly we are using technology to help us. Technology, increasingly including Artificial Intelligence (AI), is being used to gather the facts that help tell our story: how well our horses are treated and looked after, to address the concerns that would endanger our SLO.

Technology gives us the real time numbers, the data that supports better research and tells the story to help maintain racing’s social licence and monitor our horses’ wellbeing.

How do you measure happy?

There are lots of steps to assessing horse wellbeing. Historically this has often been subjective. Examples are “he looks happy” and “he’s moving well.” But we know we need to assess those traits in a measurable and repeatable way. Having repeatable objective assessments of wellbeing allows researchers to develop benchmarks against which we can measure how well our horses are doing. 

Your horse cannot tell you when they have a fever and sore throat which then turns into a cough and nasal discharge 24 hours later. They cannot tell you about the sensitive tendon the day before the lameness appears and they cannot tell us when they are lonely or bored.

But various technological advances can forewarn us. 

Much technology (like the smartphone apps) is widely available to horse enthusiasts and will give you a “leg up” to monitoring the health and wellbeing of your horse.

Additionally, these benchmarks provide feedback that allows for early intervention, prevention of poor outcomes, education and even regulation where wellbeing is assessed as less than optimal, and of course celebration when it is all going well and the result being a better life for your horse.

How can we systematically recognise and measure these behaviours that equate to wellbeing?

This is where these new technologies come into the picture.

Technology helps us by recording various physiological parameters and tracking metabolic status, then looking at this massive amount of data, rapidly analysing the complex information and quickly providing feedback to us. 

Here are some examples of current technologies that can help provide objective measures that, as proxy measures, assess welfare and therefore perhaps serve as early indicators of welfare change.

If we can reliably tell a story using these facts – “my horse is performing well because his well-being is high – you can see it here” – then our social licence to operate is better protected.

Here are some advances

Continuous remote body temperature monitoring & temperature variation warning systems

Early and rapid recognition of temperature variations in horses in training is an excellent wellbeing management tool.

Measuring a horse’s temperature once or twice a day is common in many well organised equestrian facilities. It allows for the early detection of a potential disease or health problems. It is an indicator of wellbeing (or disease). Quarantine stables internationally record temperatures twice daily to monitor for infectious diseases. 

Recent research suggests that horses who are strenuously exercised whilst having an elevated temperature or virus infection may develop heart rhythm abnormalities later in their careers. 

Temperature Monitoring systems not only allow for individual horses to be automatically identified, and temperatures recorded and measured accurately after only 15 seconds but for any variation of more than 0.2 degrees from the running average trigger an alarm. This allows the trainer and staff to make an immediate decision on training, or exercise and put in place protocols within the stable process to assess if this is a minor change or if there is a medical reason for the temperature difference. By having the whole stable recording temperatures many infectious diseases such as respiratory viruses can be monitored and preventative quarantine measures put in place immediately.

There are also temperature recording systems that are associated with implanted Bio Thermal microchips. These chips continuously record body temperatures which are transmitted and evaluated automatically.

Automatic Appetite Monitoring Systems

Technology is now available that automatically records the amount of food not ingested by a horse for each feed. Notification alerts for food left are configurable by the trainer or owner. This feed left data is cross referenced with the temperature data to help figure out and understand any cause for periods of inappetence. 

Behaviour and Sleep monitoring and pattern analysis systems

Current research is only now beginning to allow us to understand and recognise the needs of our horses when stabled for lengthy periods. Technology has allowed data to be amassed and analysed on sleep patterns and REM sleep. Horses lie down for an average of only 4 hours every day. When they are lying down, they experience REM sleep for about half of that time. REM sleep is as important in the wellbeing of horses as it is for humans. The research from this analysis has shown that stable size and design has a significant impact on the willingness and safety that a horse feels in lying down. Stables need to be large enough for horses to lie down to get their REM sleep. 

As they are flight animals, they are more secure and relaxed when they can see surrounding areas when they lie down. Soft deep bedding is important but also the ability to see their neighbours and surroundings is a safety point. Stables built with high solid walls do not meet this social wellbeing requirement, however new stable designs with bars, grills and open areas between adjacent stalls allow for visualisation, direct contact, opportunities to socialise, better ventilation and less stressed healthier horses.

Gait analysis systems

Over the last two years there has been considerable investment into gait analysing software programs to aid veterinarians, trainers and owners. This technology allows the monitoring of gaits of horses consistently and repeatedly. There are several examples of this technology ranging from handheld smart phone recordings to sensors attached to saddle cloths that can record and transmit information instantaneously during exercise.

Gait asymmetry analysis

A gait asymmetry analysis program using AI and a smartphone allows veterinarians and trainers to record and have analysed a repeatable trot up video of their horse. It is non-invasive, builds a history bank of gait symmetry and movement and allows for the recognition of changes in the symmetry of a horse’s gait. It describes exactly “how this horse goes” today, and yesterday and the day before. It analyses phases of steps on each leg analysing push off and landing. 

Gait changes can be a proxy measure for pain or discomfort and recorded changes over time can aid owners, trainers and veterinarians to build a picture to inform diagnoses and response to treatments. Recognition of a sudden and significant gait change can allow time for changes in planned training loads and patterns to avoid potentially serious injuries occurring. 

Racing stride analysis

This technology allows sensors to analyse the gait of a horse under race conditions to help identify musculoskeletal injuries and /or gait changes that may lead to a significant injury. Reports supplied to trainers and can identify a horse at an increased risk of a significant musculoskeletal injury.

A 100 gram GPS and accelerometer in a saddle cloth is the sensor used and attached before racing or fast work. Data is collected when the horse is galloping at racing speeds. Sensors collect data at 7200 times per second. The data shows that each horse has a unique way of moving at high speed much like a “fingerprint” and it is a change in this fingerprint that is used in a predictive model for injury or unsoundness diagnosis. It is a proactive management program to prevent training and racing catastrophic injuries through early detection.

Race condition speeds, heart rate and ECG and motion analysis

Other compact sensors are capable of live data transmission. Fitting inconspicuously into the riding tack and tracking GPS location, training speeds, Heart Rate, ECG tracing and locomotion analysis during training. They can assess cardiac variability with workloads such as maximum heart rate and rhythm during exercise and recovering heart rates post exercise. They also can be used for the detection of early signs of lameness. Training sessions can be shared worldwide through live tracking.

Gait symmetry apps provide an opportunity to follow a horse’s gait. Gait change is often the earliest indication of current disease or injury (pain and lameness) and combined with veterinary supporting diagnostic techniques can be useful in assisting the prediction or even prevention of future harm.

Advanced Imaging technologies

Computerised Tomography (CT) Imaging 

New imaging technologies and equipment have led to the development of CT scanning techniques that are more suitable for horses. Previously horses had to be anaesthetised to have this imaging. The latest development of standing CT scanning systems has revolutionised the speed and safety of acquiring images of horse’s limbs whilst they are standing and sedated. 

The complete process takes around 20 minutes from start to finish with the actual scanning activity taking less than 30 seconds. The upside is that this technology allows for superior images and more sensitive details of skeletal structural changes than was previously available.

The images from CT show more lesions than radiographs because of the increased image clarity. The research from this new technology indicates that the skeletal changes seen occur as a response to training workloads. Current research suggests that the horse’s skeletal system is remodelling under training loads to become more resilient, however during this process there are periods of time whilst remodelling occurs, that the horse is at a higher risk of a small lesion developing into a major injury. The early identification and recognition of these small lesions allows for a change in the training workload or a period of rest to allow the bone to catch up, remodel and protect itself from becoming a more serious injury. 

This is an example of how technology from human medicine has been refined for horses and allows for the earlier detection of what might become a serious injury and allows changes in training patterns and workloads that might help prevent it. 

PET imaging or Positron Emission Technology 

This is like CT scanning; however, it gives a dynamic imaging of injury in distal limbs rather than a static view. This nuclear medicine technology involves the injection of a small dose of radioisotope which is taken up by the bone in areas where there is increased active remodelling occurring. These remodelling areas are an indication of the bone attempting to cope with the stress of training and protect itself from further injury. Because of the nuclear medicine this imaging allows for an interpretation of the severity of a lesion depending on the uptake of the isotope. 

“Hot lesions” take up more radioactive isotopes and therefore the scan reflects the relative acuteness of the lesion being viewed. Potentially repeat PET scanning allows for accurate interpretation of when lesions are healing and a horse can return to full activity safely. Like CT, PET, allows for the early identification of changes that the horses’ bones are undergoing, assess the severity of them and modify the training regimens and workloads as a preventative measure, potentially avoiding severe injury.

These are just a few examples of the rapidly developing potent tools for health monitoring that may provide a ground-breaking shift in your horses’ healthcare. Hand in hand with good horseman skills and observations, technology and AI are allowing the collection and interpretation of information that can be used to understand and measure equine wellbeing and welfare. This information when collated becomes a benchmark for the industry and allows for transparency, accountability, overcomes poor perception and allows the industry to maintain its Social Licence.

TopSpec Trainer of the Quarter - Noel Kelly

Article by Lissa Oliver

When six-year-old gelding Size Five landed the recent Join Racing TV Now Handicap Hurdle, a Go North Brindisi Breeze Series Qualifier at Perth, Scotland, he also landed his County Derry-based trainer Noel Kelly with our TopSpec Trainer of the Quarter award. It may not have appeared to be a significant win, but Size Five was returning from an injury that had kept him off the track since 26th December 2022, a break of 640 days.

It was a major gamble in more ways than one for Kelly, as the gelding had been well backed by punters and romped home by 20 lengths under amateur jockey Oran McGill. Despite earnings of just £105 from four previous starts and rated 92, Size Five  had been working well at home and Kelly had been confident with his first runner in Britain since December, at his lucky track Perth.

The Northern Ireland trainer said on the day, "He does nothing but stay, he just keeps galloping. He's not had much mileage but he shows a wee bit of class at home. I had seven others out and he would gallop all over them.”

Kelly’s base in Draperstown is perfectly positioned to access all of Ireland’s racecourses and allow for British raids. His first winner was Mighty Whitey in 2010 and the predominantly National Hunt stable has gone from strength to strength since then. 

Speaking of Size Five, Kelly tells us, “He’s a gorgeous big horse, 16.2, but last year he was still a bit weak and he needed time. He’s a lot of horse. We were gentle with him at four, but at five he had a wee bit of tendon trouble, not that big, but he did a bit of damage so we limited him to three or four months of just road work.”

Perth wasn’t a specific plan, but as Kelly says, “We knew we had him ready to come back and he had to run somewhere. We didn’t have a lot of summer racing options here in Ireland and some of the tracks were too tight for him and the ground was too firm. So we just waited for the rain to come and sent him over. I walked the track and we chanced him on it and it worked out well.”

Kelly doesn’t yet know if Size Five will be qualified for the Final of the series, having now gone up in the weights 17Ib, which also presents difficulties in planning the gelding’s next race, although he has come out of the Perth race sound and has been working well back at home. 

“He won very easily, but there wasn’t a lot of depth in the race and it’s a bit unfortunate the handicapper has put him up such a high mark, when what did he beat?” But Kelly remains full of praise for the imposing gelding and will be giving him plenty of time and patience to fill his frame, with the promise of more to come.