Cover Profile - Guillermo Arizkorreta
In eight years with a licence, Guillermo Arizkorreta has been Spain’s champion trainer three times and has his sights set on a prime international target.
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Criquette Head - Chairman's message
I hope that you have all had a successful summer of racing. We have enjoyed some top-class action over the past months and I would like to congratulate the trainers of winners at all levels.
I welcome the movement of American trainers who are lobbying for the elimination of race-day medication in the USA. This subject has been discussed for many years and it is most satisfactory to see that so many leading American professionals are now lending their support to the proposal to phase out race-day medication, starting with two-year-olds from next year and for all horses from 2016.
“Drugs were in the news in Europe this summer with the positive tests for morphine in the UK”
On behalf of the ETF, I pledge our support for drug-free racing in America. It would be a great step forward for horse welfare and, above all, for the wellbeing of the American breeding industry as a whole if these new regulations could finally be adopted.
Drugs were in the news in Europe this summer with the positive tests for morphine in the UK. I was pleased to note the reaction of the British authorities, who recognised that the trainers concerned were implicated through no fault of their own and that, accordingly, they received no sanctions.
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THIS ARTICLE FIRST APPEARED IN EUROPEAN TRAINER - ISSUE 47
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Prohibited natural substances - The risks and responsibilities
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Shunted heels - Avoiding cracks with proactive management
Functionally adapted for speed and efficient use of energy, the thoroughbred foot is thin-walled and light compared to other breeds. This adaptation for speed renders the hoof more susceptible to hoof capsule distortions, or shape changes that interfere with the normal function of the foot, which are: support, traction, shock dissipation, and proprioception.
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Streptococcus zooepidemicus - The bug that can place bets
The Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) has invested over £7 million to protect racing and ensure horse welfare by disease surveillance and research on prevention of equine infections over the last decade. Infection with bacteria is one of the important causes. One bug in particular that can be found in many cases is Streptococcus zooepidemicus.
Respiratory disease affects a large proportion of young horses around the world, reducing performance with significant disruption to training and racing schedules. Inflammatory airway disease affects young horses in particular and it generally causes mucus in the trachea. Some estimates suggest that in British Flat racing yards, for every 100 horses, each month there will be nine cases.
Coughing and nasal discharge can last around eight weeks and some animals are affected again and again. All of which leads to significant cost to the racing industry. As a result, this problem has been a long-standing focus of attention for the Horserace Betting Levy Board’s (HBLB) veterinary research efforts.
Bacterial genetic code
One reason why bacteria from the same species might affect horses differently is that there are different strains within a bacterial species. This is rather like different breeds of horses – a Falabella pony is the same species as a thoroughbred – but it looks and acts very differently. All living things, from human to single-cell algae in the ocean, have a genetic code written in DNA. Understanding this genetic code can reveal how organisms live and function.
“In the same way as Strangles, a horse that has recovered from Streptococcus zooepidemicatus might no longer be outwardly affected itself but it may still carry the bug”
An HBLB-funded collaborative team working in Dr Andrew Waller’s lab at the Animal Health Trust and Professor Josh Slater’s lab at the Royal Veterinary College have set out to unlock the genetic make-up of different strains of Streptococcus zooepidemicus in order to understand better if some strains of this bacteria cause disease while others are relatively harmless. The researchers also looked at how different strains of Streptococcus interact with the horses’ immune system. The ulitmate goal of this research is to gain the knowledge which will lead to new vaccines.
A global research effort
The researchers started by developing a technique to produce a unique ‘genetic fingerprint’ with which to identify each different strain of the Streptococcus. They then tested samples from sick horses around the world and so far 318 different types of S. zooepidemicus have been identified with two particular strains being responsible for outbreaks of respiratory disease.
Insight from an ancient threat: Strangles
The researchers had some clues about what they might find in the samples from horses with Streptococcus zooepidemicus infection because they already had extensive experience in similar research in Strangles. Strangles is one of the oldest known, feared and most frequently reported infectious diseases of horses throughout the world. Typical signs of Strangles include abscessation of the lymph nodes in the head and neck, with swelling to such an extent that some horses are literally suffocated. It is caused by a relative of Streptococcus zooepidemicus, known as Streptotococcus equi. With Strangles, it is very clear that some recovered horses become carriers. Carriers show no outward signs and this hidden infection enables the bacteria to be spread around undetected.
S. zooepidemicus colonies grown on a blood agar culture plate
Silent carriers lead to infection in youngsters
In the same way as Strangles, a horse that has recovered from Streptococcus zooepidemicatus might no longer be outwardly affected itself but it may still carry the bug. For example, the particular strain responsible for the outbreak of respiratory disease in Sweden was found in a healthy horse eight months after the horse made a full clinical recovery.
This persistence of S. zooepidemicus in thoroughbred racehorses that have recovered from respiratory disease allows transmission to susceptible animals and can occur when, for example, older recovered horses are mixed with the next year’s intake of young horses. It is likely that immunity to one strain of Streptococcus does not fully protect a horse from all the other strains, so young horses can often succumb to a succession of respiratory infections as they gradually build up immunity to mix of Streptococcus zooepidemicus strains that persist in that particular yard.
Bacterial balancing acts
In order to be able persist in recovered horses Streptococcus zooepidemicus must be able to survive despite the fact it is being attacked by the horse’s immune response, and at the same time, the bug must be ready to infect a susceptible animal should the opportunity arise. S. zooepidemicus strains have proteins on their surface and some of these proteins inactivate the horse’s immune response. Other proteins enable the bacteria to stick to the internal surfaces of the horse in order to establish the infection, almost like an ice climber clinging to the surface of a glacier with the crampons on his boots. If he loses his crampons, he is in big trouble.
Thus, these surface proteins play key roles for the bacteria, but they are also a vunerable point and can be targeted by the horse’s immune response to disable the bacteria. Therefore, balancing the array of surface proteins displayed with the particular requirements of the bacteria at any given time is critical if the bacteria are to successfully establish an infection and transmit to a new susceptible animal.
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THIS ARTICLE FIRST APPEARED IN EUROPEAN TRAINER - ISSUE 47
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Author: Celia Marr, Andrew S. Waller & Josh Slater
Tongue-ties - their place in racing in 2014
Tongue-ties (strips of material passed through the horse's mouth over the tongue and tied under the jaw) have been used for generations on racehorses worldwide as a method for the rider to retain control if his horse is prone to manoeuvering it's tongue over the bit. The use and efficacy of tongue-ties has spawned much debate and the Equine Veterinary Journal published reports in 2009 and 2013 evaluating use on racing performance and airway stability in thoroughbred racehorses.
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Cardiac rhythm - new technology brings new insights
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.
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The effects of routine morning exercise on muscle response in thoroughbreds
Timing is everything and nowhere is this more relevant than when preparing an elite equine athlete for a race. Here, Barbara Murphy reveals a fascinating insight into the circadian system of the racehorse and how timing daily exercise impacts equine performance.
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To water or not to water?
Everyone wants to see a good covering of grass on a racecourse but the watering of tracks is a highly contentious issue, even though it's essential for growth. With opinion split as to whether natural firm summer ground should prevail or artificial watering should be employed, the final word comes down to the Racecourse Manager, the Clerk of the Course and their highly skilled team of groundsmen.
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The Racehorse: A Veterinary Manual - Book Review
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.
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Equine Products UK - Trainer on the up - Harry Fry
After four years working as assistant to champion National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls, Harry Fry took the plunge and set up his own operation with the backing of his mentor and landlord Richard Barber in 2012.
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TRM Trainer of the Quarter - David Simcock
The TRM Trainer of the Quarter award has been won by David Simcock. Simcock and his team will receive a selection of products from the internationally-acclaimed range of TRM supplements worth €2,000, as well as a bottle of select Irish whiskey.
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David Crosse - Let TV continue to promote the positive
One of the hardest things about being a jockey is the constant split second decisions that have to be made. It’s part of what makes the game what it is but I can pretty much guarantee that the overwhelming majority of my decisions and those of my colleagues are made with the intention of winning or at least finishing closer in every race.
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RazerHorse
PROPADS
ProPad was designed with a flexible frog support to fill the void between frog and ground when the horse is shod. The flexible frog supports extends the frog and works as a shock absorber. It unloads the hoof wall and improves circulation in the hoof. ProPads unique accordion-like design allows the frog support to follow all movements of the frog without causing pressure at rest.
ProPads gives the horse a barefoot feeling when shod.When the horse is shod the bottom of the hoof is too high off the ground and will not get the proper ground contact, all weight will be on the hoof wall.
The ProPad Support Soft and Xtra-Soft have a softer material imbedded in the frog support and heel. This will effectively reduce shock and vibrations.
Commonly pads are used on front feet, since most weight is on the front. But all hoofs work the same way, so it’s equally important to compensate for the suspended frogs behind.ProPad works on all breeds of horses. Don’t wait for injuries! Compensate for the lack of length and function of the frog with ProPad on your horse before an injury occurs. The ProPad comes in 3 density’s; Propad S (Basic Support), Propad SS (Support Soft) and Propad SXS (Xtra-Soft). They come in Small (fits 000 thru 0) & Medium (fits 0 thru 00) and the
Support Soft and Xtra-Soft also come in a Large (fits 2 thru 3.5). They can be used with any open-heeled shoe. For more information visit www.Razerhorse.com
Red Cell
STAMINA. PERFORMANCE. RECOVERY. GET THE COMPETITIVE EDGE!
Horse Health Products Launches Two New Red Cell® Performance Supplements
PHOENIX – June 9, 2014 – Regardless of the type of event, high performance horses require nutrients that are help improve stamina and performance to achieve peak results every ride. Now equestrians can keep their horses performing their best with the introduction of two new Horse Health™ Products: Red Cell® Competition supplement and Red Cell® Recovery paste. Horse Health Products is a trusted equine brand of Central Garden & Pet Company.
Red Cell® Competition supplement allows horses to perform longer* during training and key events by promoting and supporting stamina and peak performance. It contains two antioxidants that scavenge and reduce free radicals, which cause damage to cells and tissues. An overproduction of free radicals results in oxidative stress, causing a reduction in available energy and leads to fatigue. Supported by university research, this daily pre-performance supplement also decreases oxidative stress associated with strenuous exercise.
Red Cell® Recovery paste helps horses recover faster* after competitions, so they can resume their training regimen with the same intensity. It combines an antioxidant with branched chain amino acids and electrolytes to address the needs of the performance horse. Red Cell® Recovery paste, also backed by university research, supplies antioxidants that decrease oxidative stress associated with strenuous exercise. The branched chain amino acids aid in proper muscle function and repair, and maintain and minimize post-exercise muscle breakdown that occurs after intense training/competition. It also contains electrolytes to help replace fluid and minerals lost through sweat from training, performance and summer heat.
“Competitors and trainers who want their performance horses consistently training and competing at their top level will love the results of the new Red Cell® Competition and Recovery products,” said Alyssa Barngrover, brand manager, Horse Health™ Products.” “These two new performance supplements were scientifically formulated to support the horse before, during and after the event.”
Red Cell® Competition supplement is available in a 10.6-ounce jar, for a 30-day supply. Red Cell® Recovery paste is available in a convenient single serving syringe that is easy to use post-exercise without waiting until feeding time.
Viovet
NEW – Gastric ulcer treatment. Peptizole, from Norbrook, is the latest product for then treatment of equine Gastric Ulcers. It contains Omeprazole, the same active ingredient as other leading gastric ulcer treatments. Available as a paste in graduated syringe it will treat up to 700kg from a single syringe. It can be used for treatment of ulcers and as a preventative measure with a 1/4 dosage.
Available with a prescription from online veterinary medicines retailer VioVet.co.uk. Priced at £138.50 per 7 syringes or single syringes for just £19.99 it can offer a very cost effective alternative to more expensive treatments.
VioVet.co.uk is the UK’s number 1 rated online retailer of veterinary medicines and pet supplies according to Trustpilot, the independent consumer feedback site.
Started by an entrepreneurial 16 year old school boy Luke Cousins, the son of a vet,
just 8 years VioVet remain very veterinary focused and have a full time vet and two E-SQP’s on their staff . The company have shipped a remarkable 1.2 million orders
in that time saving horse owners a small fortune along the way. They now have a number of household names amongst their customers. Delivery is FREE on orders over £29 and most items are delivered next day from stock. Simply ask your vet for a prescription and you may save up to 60% on normal veterinary prices.
Use the voucher code 'Trainer' to save an extra 5% off your next order.
The definitive profile of Criquette Head-Maarek
Frances J. Karon visits the home of Criquette Head-Maarek and learns how and why she became France's First Lady of racing. From the foal that started her on the road to great success to her love of Treve, Criquette talks about her family and why she likes to keep training simple.
Northern Dancer - small in stature but a giant among thoroughbreds
Few horses were ever as animated and filled with a zest for life as the great racehorse and sire, Northern Dancer. Frank Mitchell looks at why this unfashionably bred thoroughbred went from being an unwanted yearling to one of the influential thoroughbreds of all time.
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THIS ARTICLE FIRST APPEARED IN EUROPEAN TRAINER - ISSUE 46
Treating sore shins - can current research make a breakthrough?
From the turn of the year, consignors on both sides of the Atlantic have been battling with the phenomenon of 'bucked shins' otherwise known as sore shins. Thomas O'Keeffe looks into the research being done to see if a breakthrough into the treatment of this condition is imminent.
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THIS ARTICLE FIRST APPEARED IN EUROPEAN TRAINER - ISSUE 46