When a horse runs badly, after lameness and respiratory disease have been ruled out, the heart is usually the next suspect. A new study, published in the Equine Veterinary Journal, provides significant insights into cardiac rhythm abnormalities that can develop during and after racing in standardbreds.

While several texts are available on equine orthopaedics and sports medicine, information relating to the racehorse - taking into account the practicalities of management peculiar to the racing industry - is often fragmented and contradictory. A new and hugely useful, if not indispensable, book by leading equine veterinary practitioner Pieter H L Ramzan, BVsc(Sydney), MRCVS provides a practical source of accessible information for the clinician, trainer and owner.

Professor Celia M Marr looks into the work carried out by the HBLB over the past 50 years aimed at the prevention and management of tendon and ligament injuries, most recently looking at research into stem cells. 

Fractures are relatively common injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses. This relates to the high athletic demands of racing and training, and the cumulative stresses imposed on the musculoskeletal system by the repetitive nature of race training.

The quest to own or train the perfect racehorse can have many starting points. For many people the search for the Holy Grail begins at the yearling sales, where horsemen from around the globe inspect and agonize over young horseflesh, dreaming and hoping of attaining that future champion.