Electrolyte Balance – vital to the proper functioning of a racehorse's system

Words - Dr. Cath Dunnett

Electrolytes are essential components of the racehorse’s diet as they are vital to the proper functioning of the body’s basic physiological processes, such as nerve conduction, muscle contraction, fluid balance and skeletal integrity. The major electrolytes, sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium are widely distributed within the body, but can be more concentrated in particular organs and tissues. For example, the level of potassium is very high in red blood cells but quite low in plasma, and the level of calcium in blood is low, but comparatively very high in bone and in muscle cells. The body has in-built mechanisms that work to maintain the correct electrolyte balance within the tissues, fluids and cells. These modify the absorption of electrolytes in the gut, or their excretion by the kidneys. These mechanisms are not foolproof however, and electrolyte loss through sweat can be a major issue for Thoroughbreds. The sweat of the equine athlete, unlike its human counterpart, is hypertonic; meaning that horse sweat contains higher levels of electrolytes than the circulating blood plasma. Consequently, the horse loses comparatively large quantities of electrolytes through sweating.

Although the electrolyte composition of equine sweat varies between individuals, on average a litre would contain about 3.5g of sodium, 6g of chloride, 1.2g of potassium and 0.1g of calcium. From this we can see that the majority of the electrolyte lost is in the form of sodium and chloride or ‘salt’. The amount of sweat produced on a daily basis and therefore the quantity of electrolytes lost differs from horse to horse and depends on a number of factors. As sweating is primarily a cooling mechanism, how hard a horse is working, i.e. the duration and intensity of exercise and both the temperature and humidity of the environment are all significant. Horses can easily produce 10 litres of sweat per hour when working hard in hot humid conditions. Stressful situations can also cause greatly increased sweating.

For example, during transport horses can lose a significant amount of electrolyte through sweating and the opportunity for replenishing this loss through the diet may be less as feeding frequency is reduced. Use of electrolyte supplements either in the form of powders or pastes is advocated before, during and after travel, especially over long distances. A number of air freight transport companies advise trainers to use a powdered electrolyte supplement added to the feed on a regular basis given for the 3 days prior to travel. As this helps offset much of the loss normally incurred during transport and subsequently the horses arrive at their destination in better shape. Electrolyte supplementation is a valuable attribute in the ongoing battle to reduce in-flight dehydration.

Electrolytes lost from the body in sweat must be replenished through the diet. All feeds, including forages, have a natural electrolyte content and in concentrate feeds this is usually enhanced by the addition of ‘salt’, which is sodium chloride. Forages such as grass, hay, haylage or alfalfa (lucerne) naturally contain a large amount of potassium, as can be seen from the table 1 below. In fact, 5kg of hay for example, would provide in the region of 75g of potassium, which largely meets the potassium needs of a horse in training. It is therefore questionable whether an electrolyte supplement needs to routinely contain very much potassium unless forage intake is low. Calcium is another important electrolyte, but it is lost in sweat in only very small amounts and its availability in the diet tends to be very good.

Calcium is particularly abundant in alfalfa with each kilogram of the forage providing nearly 1.5g of calcium. A kilo of alfalfa alone would therefore go a long way towards replacing the likely calcium loss through sweating. In addition, the calcium found in alfalfa is very ‘available’ to the horse in comparison to other sources, such as limestone. Calcium gluconate is another very available source of calcium, however, it has a relatively low calcium content compared to limestone (9% vs. 38%) and so much more needs to be fed to achieve an equivalent calcium intake. Interestingly, there is great variation between individual horses in their ability to absorb calcium, however, scientific studies carried out at Edinburgh Vet School showed that this variability was considerably less when a natural calcium source in the form of alfalfa was fed.

By far the most important electrolytes to add to the feed are sodium and chloride or ‘salt’. The levels of sodium and chloride found in forage are quite low and due to manufacturing constraints only limited amounts of salt can be added to traditional racing feeds. A typical Racehorse Cube fed at a daily intake of 5kg (11lbs) would provide only about 20g of sodium and 30g of chloride. As can be seen from table 2 this is a fair way short of meeting the daily requirements for these particular electrolytes by a racehorse in hard work.

It is therefore very important that supplemental sodium and chloride is fed. Ordinary table salt is by far the simplest and most economical electrolyte supplement, but the downside is the issue of palatability as the addition of larger quantities of salt to the daily feed can cause problems with horses ‘eating up’. As an alternative salt could be added to the water, but only when a choice of water with and without salt is offered. Salt should not be added to the water if it puts a horse off from drinking, as dehydration will become a problem.

Inadequate water intake can also contribute to impaction colic. Saltlicks are another alternative, although intake can be very variable and we rely on the horse’s innate ability to realise its own salt requirements, which is questionable. So addition to the feed is by far the best route for adding salt or electrolyte supplements to the diet. Splitting the daily intake between two or three feeds can reduce problems with palatability.

Mixing salt and Lo Salt can make another simple DIY electrolyte supplement in the proportion of for example 500g to 250g respectively. Salt is sodium chloride (NaCl), whilst Lo Salt contains a mixture of sodium chloride and potassium chloride (KCl). This formulation provides 3g of sodium, 6g of chloride and 1g of potassium per 10g measure. This DIY mixture will replace these electrolytes in the approximate proportions that they are lost in sweat. What are the implications of a racehorse’s diet containing too little or too much of an electrolyte and how can we assess this? An inadequate level of certain electrolytes in the diet in some horses may simply result in reduced performance. In other individuals, it can make them more susceptible to conditions such as rhabdomyolysis (tying up), or synchronous diaphragmatic flutter (thumps), both of which are regularly seen in horses in training. Conversely, an excess electrolyte intake is efficiently dealt with by the kidneys and is ultimately removed from the body via the urine.

Therefore, the most obvious effect of an excessive electrolyte intake is increased drinking and urination. For this reason, the use of water buckets rather than automatic drinkers is preferred, as whilst the latter are far more labour efficient, the ability to assess water intake daily is lost. Excessive electrolyte intake can also be a causative factor in diarrhoea and some forms of colic. There is also some recent evidence in the scientific press that suggests that repeated electrolyte supplementation might aggravate gastric ulcers. However, these early studies used an electrolyte administration protocol typical of that seen during endurance racing, rather than simply a daily or twice daily administration, which is more commonly used in racing.

Supplements that contain forms of electrolyte that dissolve more slowly in the stomach, however, may be less aggressive to the sensitive mucosa. Unfortunately blood levels of sodium, potassium, chloride or calcium are poor indicators of whether dietary intake is sufficient or excessive unless it is very severe. This is because the body has effective systems for regulating the levels of these electrolytes in blood within very tight physiological limits. A creatinine clearance test, which measures the electrolyte content of a paired blood and urine sample is a much more useful indicator of dietary electrolyte adequacy.

There are a large number of commercial electrolyte products available, with a wide range in the breadth of ingredients that they contain. Consequently, they vary enormously in the amount of electrolyte that they deliver per recommended daily dose, as can be seen in table 3. In addition, whilst some glucose or other carbohydrate can help improve palatability, its presence should not compromise the amount of electrolyte that is contained within the supplement. In humans, it is recognised that the uptake of sodium from the gut is improved in the presence of glucose, while this effect in horses has not been firmly established. Electrolyte paste products are also often used either before and or after racing or travel.

These products are useful as they allow rapid electrolyte intake even when feed eaten may be reduced following racing. These electrolyte pastes often provide a more concentrated form of supplement and it is extremely important to ensure that the horse has access to water immediately following their use. Failure to do this may mean that the concentration of electrolytes in the gut actually draws water from the circulating blood, which can exacerbate dehydration. Another disadvantage with paste supplements is that if they are not formulated well, with an appropriate consistency, they can be difficult to dispense from a syringe and the horse may also be able to spit most of the product out after administration.

Some simple rules of thumb for choosing a good electrolyte are that salt should be one of the first ingredients listed on pack, as all ingredients are listed in descending order of inclusion. Additionally, be wary of supplements that taste sweet, as they may contain a lot of carbohydrate filler and little electrolyte. Some electrolyte supplements also contain many superfluous ingredients such as vitamins and trace minerals. The inclusion of these latter ingredients is largely unwarranted and their presence could cause issues with oversupply if the electrolyte is multi-dosed daily. Some electrolyte products specifically marketed towards racing may also contain bicarbonate.

The theory behind its inclusion is sound as ‘milk shaking’, whilst outside the rules of racing, has some scientific validity. However, the limited amount of bicarbonate contained in such electrolyte supplements is unlikely to have the positive effect on performance attributed to the former practice. Other extra ingredients such as pre-biotics may be more useful as they may improve the absorption of some electrolytes. In Summary, electrolyte supplementation in one form or another is essential within a racing diet. Ensuring that you are using a good electrolyte supplement is important and the quantities fed must be flexible and respond to changes in the level of work, degree of sweating and climate.

Juvenile Jumpers - Is there a place in Britain and Ireland for a juvenile hurdle programme?

Words - Lissa Oliver

The racing industry can often be accused of living in the past. Horsemen rely to an extent on the sharing of knowledge and experience handed down from one generation to the next, yet trainers in particular are keen to keep up with the latest trends and innovations in the hope they may improve the performance of their horses. While we thrive on tradition, we still constantly chase the next best thing.

Rooted more deeply in the past is National Hunt racing, which could be described as the more accessible side of our sport. Within the ranks of breeders, trainers and amateur jockeys are a great number of hobbyists, who like to do things themselves in the manner they have always done.

So it’s perhaps no surprise that we now delve back to 2013, a year in which we posed just about the same question we pose here: Should National Hunt store horses be broken at time of sale? It was a question then that had emerged out of borderline panic, as British and Irish-bred National Hunt horses struggled to compete against the French-breds. As with most panic attacks, we looked to the most immediate and obvious cause and set about addressing the situation with a campaign to supply ready-broken stores.

Speaking at the 2013 launch of an educational DVD on the breaking of store horses, Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association Manager Shane O’Dwyer explained, “The view in National Hunt circles is that we need to change the way we do business, in that traditionally the store horse is broken at three and four, but the French system of breaking at two years appears to be a good alternative. The sales companies are pushing for horses to be broken by the autumn of their two-year-old career and then turned away to mature.”

That was 10 years ago. While the tide in results has since turned, the ideas put in place at the time have still yet to find favour. After a decade, 2022 sees the first National Hunt sale to cater for the new Junior Hurdle programme that will commence in Britain this autumn. Goffs UK August Sale at Doncaster in early August will feature a new National Hunt two-year-old session as part of the company’s support of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and Thoroughbred Breeders Association’s (TBA) National Hunt Junior Hurdle races.

The National Hunt two-year-old session at the sale will see all horses offered with pre-sale veterinary certificates, in the same way that stores are offered in the Doncaster Spring Sale, and the new National Hunt Junior Hurdle Races will be open exclusively to three-year-olds from October to December and four-year-olds from January to April.

However, if we look at the number of store horses offered broken over the past ten years, early breaking does not seem to have gained any popularity among breeders and consignors, despite drives by the TBA and ITBA. Nor does it have any obvious effect on sales.

Ten years ago, the three largest sales in Ireland and Britain in 2012 catalogued an average of 23% broken stores. 77.3% of the Land Rover Sale catalogue were unbroken, of which 74.4% were sold. 76.2% of horses listed as having been driven in long reins were sold; 71.4% of those listed as driven and backed were sold; and 70.3% of the broken horses found buyers.

Those 2012 figures were similar at Fairyhouse, where 77.8% of the Derby Sale catalogue were unbroken. Only 11 were listed as broken, but all 11 were sold. 79.5% of those driven and backed changed hands, and 80.3% of horses driven in long reins were sold. 83.3% of the unbroken horses found buyers.

Meanwhile, at the 2012 DBS Spring Sale, looking at the 208 stores catalogued on the final day, the picture was much the same. 62.5% were unbroken, of which 73.8% sold. 62.5% of the broken horses changed hands, 66.7% of the youngsters driven and backed were sold, and 72% of those long reined found homes.

A lot depends on the individual horse, and the sheer volume of unbroken horses limits the purchaser’s choice; but the comparative percentages show that having a horse prepared and even broken was certainly not a disadvantage, even then.

If we skip ahead to the current year, Goffs Land Rover Sale 2022 had 715 catalogued, of which only seven were broken, 0.98%. Tattersalls Derby Sale 2022 had 390 catalogued, four of which were broken, 1%. Goffs UK Spring Store Sale 2022 had six broken, from a catalogue of 313, 1.9%. That’s a total of just 1.2% of broken horses, quite a decrease from the 23% of broken stores on offer in 2012.

The French, of course, have a National Hunt programme designed to bring young horses to the track, with sales arising from racecourse performance rather than the ring. The Arqana Grand Steeple Sale 2022 had 38 catalogued, of which 19 raced over hurdles as three-year-olds (50%) and the remainder, bar four in training but unraced, ran on the Flat. 

The French system of early racing experience is popular with trainers, who are trying to satisfy the demands of impatient owners who want to go straight from the sales to the racecourse. It’s also a system that benefits its young National Hunt horses, who have a programme in place allowing them to develop and gain experience on the track. Until this year, no such development programme existed for British and Irish horses.

Junior National Hunt Hurdles in Britain are open to horses that have not previously run before 1 October of that season, nor previously started in a Flat race or more than three hurdle races. Horses will be allowed to run in a maximum of four Junior National Hunt Hurdles, with a penalty structure for wins in previous hurdle races.

There will be 10 Junior National Hunt Hurdle races in the 2022/23 season open to three-year-olds and run between mid-October and the end of December, with a similar number for four-year-olds from January to the end of the season, all run at Classes 2 to 4 under WFA terms. 

Wins by British-bred fillies nominated to the GBB (NH) scheme will generate bonuses just as they would for Novice Hurdles, which is £20,000 for GB-sired fillies winning fillies-only races and £10,000 for those winning any-sex races. Junior National Hunt Hurdle race winners will still be eligible to compete in Novice Hurdles during the following season, just as for National Hunt Flat races. It is hoped this will boost the sales of two-year-old National Hunt prospects.

“By adding these races to the programme, we’ll be able to gain a much better understanding of the impact of providing young jumping horses with the opportunity to start their careers at an earlier stage,” says Richard Wayman, Chief Operating Officer of the BHA. “Such an approach is already well established in France and to some extent as part of a vibrant Point-to-Point scene in Ireland, and we hope that owners and trainers will support the introduction of Junior National Hunt Development Hurdle Races and view them as an ideal opportunity for the right sort of jumping horse.”

Dr Bryan Mayoh, Chairman of the TBA NH Committee and co-breeder of black-type National Hunt winners, including Sizing John, told the National Trainers Federation, “This could be a long-term game changer for British Jump racing and breeding.”

He points out that “almost half of the horses gaining RPRs of 170 or more from 2009/10 onwards are French-breds” and argues the point, “top-class French-breds are far more likely to have run over obstacles at the age of three or by the middle of their four-year-old year. These horses had probably been schooled over hurdles several months earlier. The early racing of French-bred National Hunt horses, rather than any differences in pedigree, appears to be the single biggest factor generating the superior results of French-breds in recent years.”

Of course, it isn’t only the French-bred horses who benefit from early racing. Irish bred and trained horses are also now dominating the National Hunt scene, as their success at recent Cheltenham Festivals highlights. Once again, we could point to early racing as a probable reason for success, as so many Irish National Hunt horses have come from the Point-to-Point field. As trainer David Pipe tells us, “We do not get many orders for store horses, so tend to buy English or Irish Point-to-Pointers.”

Of the 30 races run at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival, 15 were won by Irish-breds, nine by French-breds and four by British-bred horses. Looking only at the 20 Graded races, only two of the winners ran as three-year-olds, both in France. Thirteen of the Graded winners debuted at four, five of them in Point-to-Points. Three didn’t start until the age of five, one as a six-year-old and one had run on the Flat at two.

The picture in 10 years’ time might be very different, with the trend in National Hunt horses debuting at four changing to a bulk of three-year-old appearances. But, overall, the knee-jerk reactions to stem the tide of rival breeding nations appear neither to have been embraced nor even to have affected the turnaround in results or the turnover at sales.

There is, however, another argument to early breaking and racing. Research by Ely, Avella, Price, Smith, Wood and Verheyen, published in the April 2009 Equine Veterinary Journal, found that ex-store horses were twice as likely to suffer tendon and suspensory ligament injuries as ex-Flat horses. The data collected from 1,223 horses based in 14 different British National Hunt training yards showed the recorded fracture incidence rate varied significantly by trainer, but not by gender or age. 

The tendon and suspensory ligament incidence rate also varied significantly by trainer, as well as by age, but not by gender. The findings are clear: Early breaking and training halves the incidences of tendon and suspensory ligament problems.

It has been shown that short, controlled pieces of work at regular intervals, between recovery turnout, allow tendons and ligaments to grow and develop strength in harmony with bone growth. When a young National Hunt horse comes into training from a background of controlled exercise it is far less likely to suffer suspensory ligament problems, and its career is significantly prolonged as a consequence.

Grange Stud has been breaking its stores for the past 20 years and in terms of physical development, it makes logical sense. “It’s the same for any athlete, be they human or equine; the sooner you start skills training, the better it is for their careers,” points out bloodstock agent John O’Byrne. “Look at top professionals in any sport: they had a ball, club or racquet in their hands nearly before they could walk.”

Clean Water and horses - the importance of this often forgotten essential nutrient

Words - Alan Creighton

The Irish Equine Centre monitors the environment in over 200 racing yards across Europe. That monitoring package includes air quality, feed and fodder quality and storage, stable hygiene testing, and indoor exercise hygiene testing. A further major portion of that environmental monitoring package includes regular water sampling both at source and water directly from buckets or troughs. Water is the number-one nutrient fed to any animal, and it is often overlooked both in nutrient programmes and in the diagnosis of health issues resulting from poor performance of racehorses. We often hear the excuse that “Ah sure, horses drink from dirty puddles and ponds; and they seem fine.” That may be true and even OK for horses on farms, where horses are on a break or at pasture, but it’s OK not for high- level stressed racehorses. Anything that affects the gut flora or metabolism of a racehorse can have a negative effect on performance.

By weight, horses consume up to three times as much water as food per day. If the water contains toxins, high levels of minerals or any other environmental contamination, nutritional and performance problems can result.

Horses should consume enough water to replace what is lost through faeces, urine and importantly for racehorses, sweat particularly due to exercise. Water consumption will depend on several factors. These factors can be variable and include temperature, humidity, feed and fodder quality, type and amount of feed and fodder, exercise level, stage of fitness and health. The average daily consumption for a 500kg horse would be approximately 45 litres per day in normal, average weather conditions. The same horse, when in full training, could consume nearly three times that or up to 125 litres of water per day. When racehorses are carrying out their conditioning or fitness work following a long break, particularly in warm weather, the sweat production can increase further, which in turn increases the water and electrolyte requirements.

At this stage of conditioning, there is a fine balance between water and electrolyte concentration, which is essential for appropriate muscle contraction and also in the cooling down process of the horse. An imbalance or a depletion of electrolytes can lead to premature muscle fatigue, reduced stamina, muscle cramps, poor post exercise recovery and tying up. These facts further highlight the need to ensure an abundant, safe supply of water to racehorses. 

Contaminated water will impact the performance of both. This is something that may be overlooked in all types of horse management. High bacterial content in water can affect all animals, and in particular young stock and under-pressure racehorses. High iron content in water can cause severe gut upset in horses, which builds up over time. High levels of nitrate, nitrite and aluminium can also have a large negative impact on horses. Water quality in farm wells can fluctuate greatly and require constant monitoring.

There are three main sources of water available to racehorses: mains or municipal water, well or borehole water and finally running water in streams, if using outdoor paddocks daily. Yards in or close to towns usually draw their water from a public or municipal system that provides extensive purification and filtration services and also regularly tests its water for contaminants such as disease-causing bacteria and toxic chemicals including pesticides. The worries are less from this source but not eliminated. If there is damage to the delivery line or a problem with the plumbing on your own yard or farm, your water could still be compromised. Mains water can also be variable in the concentration of fluoride and chlorine, which means it requires regular monitoring as this may affect the palatability of water.

If your drinking water comes from a small group scheme or your own private well, then you are responsible for ensuring it is safe to drink. Many wells provide beautifully clean water, but there is also the potential for contamination. Man-made water sources are not free of issues; they require consistent maintenance.

Wells which are drilled correctly, sealed and more than 50 feet (15m) deep have less chance of becoming contaminated with bacteria. Water from an old or shallow well should be tested more frequently. Wells close together can supply water of varying quality. Even two wells side by side can draw water from separate aquifers (underground water sources) and yield very different results. Water quality from wells, both in terms of bacterial content and physical and mineral makeup, can vary greatly based on seasonal factors. Drought, heavy rainfall, local farming practices all can have a negative impact.

Trainers more and more are seeing the benefits of keeping racehorses in outdoor paddocks either for a portion of the day or permanently. If the water source is only a stream or river, then obviously a good flow is required. Ponds are usually problematic. Agricultural chemicals and other environmental contaminants can cause blue-green algae to bloom in the water. Not all algae produce harmful chemicals, but blooms are indicators of unhealthy or stagnant water.

Horse owners often forget to observe or clean water troughs in paddocks. If the water in a trough appears green or murky, it needs to be dumped and replaced. When cleaning a water trough, it is often necessary to remove algae by more vigorous means than rinsing alone. Stiff brushes and apple cider vinegar are two safe tools for removing algae and discouraging regrowth. 

Like us, however, their water intake can quickly be adversely affected if the water’s taste is unpleasant. Horses that refuse to drink from unfamiliar-tasting water sources are distressingly common. There is more and more evidence to suggest that horses are reluctant to drink low pH or acidic water. You may have a scenario where a horse is used to drinking a balanced pH water (6.5-7.5) and then travels to a racetrack were the pH may be much lower (4.5-5.5) and then refuse to drink, which would be a problem and lead to dehydration if stabled there for a number of days.

The most common problem we find in water is bacterial contamination. Testing your well’s water for bacterial contamination on a regular basis is sound practice. A total coliform test checks the water for bacteria normally found in the soil, surface water, and human and animal waste. Coliform bacteria are not, in themselves, considered harmful, but their presence in your water supply is an indication that your well or supply may be contaminated either from runoff from a manure pit, a nearby septic tank, or fertiliser or manure spread on a nearby farm. Coliform levels can vary greatly due to drought conditions or with sudden heavy rainfall. It’s also possible to have high coliform levels when the well has developed physical defects, such as a broken or missing cap that could allow debris, surface water, insects or rodents inside. Bacterial testing is a good idea whenever there is a noticeable change in the colour, odour or taste of your water, or if a group of animals become sick. 

If high coliform levels turn up in your well water, it’s possible your own manure management is the culprit. To protect your water, make sure you situate your manure pit in an elevated, well-drained location, not on the lowest spot on the property. After a rainstorm, watch the flow of water—it should go around your manure pile, not through it. Simply rerouting the flow of run-off water can improve your water quality considerably. 

The variability of bacterial levels in water supplies often results in trainers needing to install a UV filter onto the water inlet pipe, which feeds their yard. UV filters, once working correctly and maintained, are effective at reducing the bacterial load.

Blue-green algae in natural water sources can produce cyanotoxins, which are extremely dangerous for horses. Blue-green algae poisoning can cause muscle tremors, laboured breathing, bloody diarrhoea, liver damage and even convulsions and death. So it’s best to remove horses from a contaminated water source with algal blooms immediately. Algal growth is usually associated with large amounts of organic material in the water, often as a result of runoff from nearby fertilised fields.

Nitrate levels in natural or well water supplies are also a concern. Nitrate converts to the much more toxic nitrite in the rumen, which reacts with blood haemoglobin, reducing the availability of the blood to hold oxygen. Nitrites and ammonia should only be present in drinking water at very low levels. Ammonia may be present in supplies as a result of runoff from agricultural slurry, fertiliser or industrial waste. It rapidly oxidises to nitrite (which principally exists as an intermediate) and, in turn, to nitrate. Elevated levels of ammonia and nitrites are indicative of effluent contamination, and the source should be investigated and eliminated. For drinking purposes, removing nitrate is required and can be carried out by the installation of a reverse osmosis (RO) system.

When it comes to water safety, pesticides and herbicides are other worries. Though it can be expensive to test for these chemicals, it may be worth doing if you have significant concerns about the agricultural sprays being used in your area, or if you suspect solvents or other toxic chemicals have leached into your water from a nearby industrial facility. 

Until recently, the veterinary world had viewed iron toxicity in horses mainly as an acute condition and often only as a result of overdosing on iron supplements. However, research has shown that horses exposed to high iron levels in water, grass or hay over a prolonged period can accumulate the mineral in their livers, resulting in chronic iron overload. This iron overload can prevent the liver from carrying out its essential duties so vital to an exercising racehorse. High iron in water also can have a detrimental effect on the gut flora of horses, which can lead to all types of metabolic issues. Iron levels in well water vary greatly from region to region, and many hotspots have been identified over vast areas in different countries. Iron, like most minerals, can be filtered from water using filtration systems at the point of entry into the yard.

Once trainers have established a reliable clean source of water, they must then ensure that the distribution of clean water is maintained throughout the yard. That means placing covers on header tanks to prevent rodent or bird infiltration, cleaning water bowls, drinkers and buckets and finally flushing water lines to automatic drinkers on an annual basis. 

Then there’s the  question of which is better: watering using buckets or automatic drinkers? Both have positives and negatives. You can monitor the amount a horse drinks from buckets and then take buckets out of the box to clean as needed. The down side to bucketed water is that it’s labour intensive. Automatic drinkers are not labour intensive, but they do need to be checked daily to ensure they are working. They supply fresh water constantly, but you have no idea how much water a horse has drunk or not, and the systems need constant flushing and cleaning. 

Not all natural water sources are problematic, and not all artificially provided water is safe. Keeping a careful watch over the water your horses are drinking will allow you to detect contamination issues before they cause illness, dehydration or loss of performance.

Drinking water must be completely free from any microorganisms or contaminants which are considered a health risk.

The IEC provides water testing for equine, agricultural, domestic and commercial purposes. Water is tested for bacterial content including E. coli and total coliforms but also physical and equine-specific mineral profiles to an ISO 17025 standard. Water can pose a health risk for humans and animals when consumed, even though contamination may not be noticeable by taste, smell or even colour. 

Does jockey gender makes a difference to racehorse performance?

Words - Charlotte Schrurs (PGDip VetPhys, MSc)

Male jockeys have no more influence over the performance of a racehorse than female jockeys

Experts from the University of Nottingham have found that the sex of a jockey doesn’t influence any aspect of racehorse physiology and performance. 

The findings of the study, presently published as a preprint at Research Square, offer a new perspective on the possible balance of elite male and female jockeys on the start line of races.  

Studies assessing the effect of the sex of a rider on racehorse performance and physiology during training have not been reported, mostly due to the lack of available data for female participants within the sport. 

The racing of Thoroughbred horses has a tradition dating back to the 18th Century in the UK. However, it was not until the mid-late 20th Century that the first ladies’ race was held. In the present day, more than 90% of participating jockeys, in most racing nations, are men. This is likely an unconscious bias toward male jockeys being, on average, physically ‘stronger’, able to push horses harder, and thus performing better in races than female jockeys. 

In horse-racing, male and female jockeys compete against each other in the majority of races. This is because the competitive advantage is less on the physical attributes of the rider but more on skill level or ability to partner with an animal. Indeed, racing requires quick reaction time and agility from the jockey while being able to navigate the horse with dexterity across the peloton at peak speeds often exceeding 60km/h.

In the present day, more than 90% of jockeys, in most racing nations, are men. This is likely an unconscious bias toward male jockeys being, on average, physically ‘stronger’, able to push horses harder, and thus performing better in races than female jockeys.

This decade has seen a marked increase in participation of female jockeys at an elite level in the racing industry. In 2021, the Irish jockey – Rachael Blackmore – made history by winning several high-profile races. This year, she continued her remarkable rise by becoming the first female jockey ever to win the Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival. Success stories, like this, are shaping global betting behaviours on the racetrack and challenging the public’s confidence in the ability of male or female jockeys to win big races.  

In the UK and Ireland, previous research had suggested an underestimation of the ability of female jockeys to win races, as recorded in betting behaviour. 

In racing, a competitive advantage may lie in the ability of a jockey to control the horse, and/or less weight carried by the horse (i.e. weight of jockey plus saddle). 

An average racehorse weighs ~500-600kg, an average jockey, ~49-55 kg. Yet, a few 100g extra on the back of a racehorse has been shown to influence race performance. Therefore, weight carried by the horse (jockey, plus saddle and added weights where necessary) is used to further equalise any perceived performance advantage. This allows horses of varying levels to participate in so-called “handicap” races. In such races, each horse is attributed a predetermined weight to carry (jockey plus saddle, with added weights where necessary) determined by the racing regulatory board. Horses with better racing records are allocated higher weights in order to further equalise any perceived performance advantage. Hence, jockeys are weighed in before, and weighed out after, races. 

All being equal, would a racehorse during race-pace work-outs perform any differently when ridden by either a female or male jockey? Would that racehorse be more or less likely to win a race? 

Researchers from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science at the University of Nottingham, worked with Guillaume Dubois PhD Scientific Director at Arioneo Ltd – a company that developed a bespoke exercise tracking device for horses; and an Equine Sports Medicine specialist (Dr Emmanuelle van Erck-Westergren PhD; Equine Sports Medicine Practice, Belgium) to answer some of these questions. 

They monitored 530 thoroughbred racehorses, ridden by 103 different work riders, which were randomly allocated to a horse (66 male, 37 female) over a total of 3,568 work-outs (varying intensity from slow/med/hard canter to gallop) at a single racing yard (with varying tracks sand, fibre, turf) (Ciaron Maher racing) in Victoria, Australia. Variables such as speed, stride length and frequency, horses heart rate and rate of recovery were recorded with a validated fitness tracker (the ‘Equimetre’©). This tracker was specifically designed to monitor horses during their daily exercise routine with advanced data analysis services (www.arioneo.com).

The investigators found no effect of sex of the jockey on any objectively measured outcome variable, measured from slow-canter to hard, race-pace gallops. But would this lack of effect of sex of jockey in training, also translate to actual race results, where many other variables come into play?   

Analysing results from 52,464 races (combining steeplechase and flat races), female jockeys had a similar win percentage (of total race starts) as male jockeys in the UK (female, 10.7% vs. male, 11.3%). In Australia, male jockeys had a slightly higher win percentage (11.0 vs. 9.9%), but this was negated when considering a top three race finish. 

Taken together, the researchers found minimal effect of the sex of the jockey on both training and race outcomes. Some curious effects were observed. For example, recovery of racehorse heart rate after exercise appeared influenced by sex of the rider, but only when the usual training intensity on each track surface (grass or sand) was reversed. 

Male work-riders, more so than female, perhaps anticipated the ‘expected’ training-intensity (e.g. gallop on grass) and their proposed anticipation was transmitted faithfully to the horse, who responded with higher or lower heart rate. Further work is needed, however, to confirm this effect. When considered across all training sessions, then no difference in expected recovery rates of racehorses were noted between male and female jockeys.  

Ms Charlotte Schrurs (PGDip VetPhys, MSc), doctoral student and lead author with Professor David S Gardner PhD, said: “Our study is the first to objectively assess whether sex of the jockey has an influence on any aspect of racehorse physiology and performance. The data convincingly suggest the answer is no and offers a new perspective on the possible balance of elite male and female jockeys on the start line of races. Efforts to favour a more ‘inclusive environment’ would greatly contribute towards equal opportunities and the promotion of fair competition within this highly popular and fascinating sport.” 

The full study can be found here  - https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-1341860/v1

The business of standing thoroughbred stallions

Words - Alysen Miller

Foals gambol in 750 acres of lush green paddocks enlaced by pristine post and rail fencing while the sun glints off the chalky New Forest hills. It’s the sort of timeless vista that could have dripped straight from the brush of George Stubbs. But the bucolic scene belies the harsh reality that the small breeder in Britain is heading towards extinction. “We’re under so much pressure here. On the bad days, sometimes it is tempting to say, ‘Sod it,’” says Ed Harper, director of Whitsbury Manor Stud. “But I have a responsibility to the staff that have been with us for a long time and to my dad, who worked 50 years for this. I don’t want him to see us raise the white flag just yet, so we’re digging our heels in.”

Pressure is, after all, something the denizens of Whitsbury Manor are accustomed to. Harper’s father purchased the farm in the 1980s, having previously managed it for his uncle—the colourful bookmaker William Hill who died of a heart attack while attending the October Sales at Newmarket in 1971. A non-horsey child (“I couldn’t even put a headcollar on”), Harper briefly entertained a career in chartered surveying before the siren call of the breeding shed proved too strong. 

Since taking over the reins from his father, Harper has had to get creative in order to keep the bank manager at bay. “I believe that there are different reasons for doing things,” he explains. “I’m very pleased if very rich people want to spend money in our sport and don’t have to make it pay. The more the merrier. But we’ve never been able to do that. My father had to borrow money to buy Whitsbury Manor, and we’ve never been out of debt since. Our choice is not whether to be ultra-commercial or to do it their way. Our choice is to be ultra-commercial or not be in business at all.” He currently stands four stallions at Whitsbury Manor. He has also partnered with the National Stud to stand Lope Y Fernandez in Newmarket. “I think it was a perfect mix of us being very familiar with how to make commercial decisions, and them having the branding and the location,” he explains. “Hopefully Lope Y Fernandez is the start of a really good relationship that can benefit breeders.” But Whitsbury Manor’s flag bearer is undoubtedly Showcasing. After an inauspicious start, “we literally covered a couple of polo ponies with him in years two and three. We were dealing down to £2,500,” Harper says. Showcasing — the son of Oasis Dream — is fast establishing himself as a formidable sire. Currently standing for £45,000, his dance card is full for the current breeding season.

Showcasing’s success has allowed Harper to keep his head above water a little longer. “I think if Showcasing hadn’t come along when he did, we might have 10 mares here and no stallions; and I’d be doing all the mucking out,” he says. But ironically, it has risked pricing out the smaller breeders on whom studs like Whitsbury Manor traditionally rely. “We were dealing regularly with people that would breed one foal every other year, and we were delighted that they were coming to us,” Harper explains. “So it’s a delicate balance.” Harper is aware that in order to survive in the long term, he needs to cater to the smaller breeders as well as those who can afford a £45,000 nomination. “Very much at the front of our minds is that we have to keep the critical mass of breeders alive and breeding,” he says. “They need to have options. When they stop getting the options, they stop.” 

Harper’s fears are borne out by the statistics. At one end of the breeding spectrum lies a handful of large operations, many of which have more than 100 broodmares. But the industry also includes around 2,500 small breeders with just one or two broodmares, who operate on a recreational rather than commercial basis. These small breeders account for around a third of the British foal crop each year and so are fundamental to both the breeding and wider racing industries. But the number of small breeders decreased by 5% between 2013 and 2017, according to a 2018 Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association report (the latest year for which figures are available). Of those remaining, 66% were operating at a loss—up from 45% in 2013. It seems certain that if the current trajectory continues, even more small- to medium-sized operators will be forced out of the industry over the coming years. Harper is clear-eyed about what that means for the prospects of operations like his: “We don’t survive unless our clients survive,” he says. “However good our stallions are, if we don’t have clients, no one will know it, and vice versa. They need the opportunities to have stallions they can afford. It goes hand in hand. One can’t do it without the other.”

Of course, nobody ever said that breeding racehorses was easy. “It’s always challenging, even at the best of times, because there are variables that you have no control over,” says Pope McLean, Jr, business manager and co-owner of Crestwood Farm. Some 3,900 miles away in Kentucky, USA, McLean echoes many of Harper’s concerns: “We’re all trying to come up with a good horse that can carry the burden of what we do,” he says. “There are operators that are much smaller than we are who are struggling,” he acknowledges. Founded by Pope McLean père in the 1970s, the McLean family has owned and operated the 1,000-acre facility ever since.

But farms like Crestwood Farm have had to come up with some clever initiatives to support their stallions and the wider breeding industry. This has included jumping on the Share the Upside bandwagon. Originated by the aptly-named Spendthrift Farm in Kentucky, the simple yet innovative concept was originally designed to get more mares for Into Mischief who, in 2010, was entering his second year at stud, and another Spendthrift stallion, Notional. For an initial commitment of $13,000 over two years, breeders could obtain a lifetime breeding right in the stallion. Although met with scepticism from the market at first, both Into Mischief and the Share the Upside programme are now both firm fixtures on the American breeding landscape. “It’s something that’s tangible that can help the smaller breeder,” says McLean. “A lot of farms probably aren’t too keen on it, but I think it’s only fair. You have to have the breeders to move forward. If the stallion becomes successful and the breeders have helped you get there, that’s one way that you can reward them for helping you.”

The Share the Upside scheme has been a lifeline for smaller breeders in the states. Back in the UK, meanwhile, incentive schemes such as the Great British Bonus have started to improve return on investment for domestic breeders, although the potential upside is modest by comparison.

But it is not just a lack of flashy incentives that is driving smaller breeders out of business. The dominance of a handful of powerful owner-breeders means that only around 10% of the 4,000-odd foals born in Great Britain each year are bred primarily for sale, with the result that a dwindling number of breeders must walk an increasingly taut supply-and-demand tightrope. The polarisation between the haves and the have nots is stark. 

According to historical data from the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association report, the average filly sold at the Tattersalls Book 1 sale earned an estimated profit of £118,000. Those sold at Book 3 made an average loss of £23,500. “I suppose that’s the main difference between your market and our market,” says Sam Matthews, general manager of Swettenham Stud in Victoria, Australia. “A lot of the top-end horses—the Dubawis and Galileos of the world—might not have a huge amount of their progeny offered to the trainers and other people in the industry, whereas almost every horse that is bred [in Australia] is offered for sale in some way, shape or form whether offered as a weanling, syndicated privately or offered as a yearling. If a large farm is breeding 100 mares a year, at least 80 of them would likely be offered to the public.” This helps keep supply and demand for stallion services elastic: “It’s almost a year-by-year prospect,” says Matthews. “Certainly, if a horse becomes proven quite early on in their career, they do escalate to the increased service fees quite quickly. But on the flip side, if you don’t have much success, they do drop back quite quickly.”

The effect of a buoyant sales culture means that smaller breeders can still make a profit in an open marketplace: “From our point of view, the smaller breeders are the backbone of what we’re all doing,” explains Matthews. “If somebody can get a return off a $20,000 service fee and get $150,000 for their yearling or weanling, that’s an incredible result and that’s something that we hope to be able to help them to achieve.” It’s all about catering to the market. “There’s not much point in having a Bentley dealership in a low socio-economic area,” says Matthews.

By comparison, the UK racing and breeding industry can appear to be something of an ouroboros. Only six of this year’s Derby field had been through the sales ring at some point in their lives (including an honourable mention for the £3,000-yearling Glory Daze). Frankel and Galileo were responsible for five runners between them. Before Desert Crown’s win in this year’s Derby, you would have had to go back to 2017 to find the last winner of the Epsom Classic that was not bred by Godolphin or Coolmore or one of their affiliates. (Wings Of Eagles, bred in France but snapped up as a yearling for €220,000 by MV Magnier at the Arqana August Yearling Sale. He now stands at stud for Coolmore.) 

Back in Hampshire, Harper is clear that he does not believe that the big owner/breeders themselves are the problem: “They’re bringing investment in,” he explains. “[The big operators] want competition. They want to do well, but they also are racing enthusiasts at heart. People soon realise that three-runner races where they’ve got two out of the three runners is not good for anybody.” Like many smaller operations, Harper has adopted an ‘if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em’ approach. Of Whitsbury Manor’s four stallions, two—Sergei Prokofiev and Due Diligence—are operated in partnership with Coolmore.

But the consequences of the concentration of power in the hands of a small handful of owner/breeders are not only economic, but genetic. “We’re going down a black hole, genetically,” cautions Harper. “It’s very unwise.” Harper is putting his money where his mouth is: Between Sergei Prokofiev and Due Diligence, Harper reckons he has the highest concentration of AP Indy blood in his corner of the UK. “I’m a big fan of AP Indy blood,” he explains. “That hard knocking tenacity and toughness—the pedigree purists love to throw knives at us, but what they don’t realise is that we’re keeping the bottom half alive. I think it’s important we keep refreshing the genetics in Europe. I’m chuffed that we’re bringing those genes over for people to use. It’s characteristic of breeding in every country that people cherish what’s on their doorstep more than they look over the fence. But I try and have a more global look.” And then there is the pressure to produce early developing horses that trainers can sell: “They’re our shop window, and we’ll do our best to produce what they can sell. There’s no point in producing horses that the trainers are going to struggle to sell to their clients,” says Harper. “The new client is probably shared ownership, and they want instant action. We need to be producing horses that the trainer can sell and say, ‘Hey, look, lads: if you buy this horse, we could be at Royal Ascot in a couple of months’ time.’”

So what is the solution? It is clear that, in the wake of the double whammy of Brexit and COVID-19, the economic situation is more precarious than ever. While the largest operations are probably too big to fail, a swingeing recession could force even more small- and medium-sized breeders to cease their operations for good. In such a scenario, British racing is facing the very real prospect that it will not be able to sustain its racing calendar. Around 20,000 individual runners are needed to maintain the programme, according to the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association. With fewer races meeting the eight runners per race required for each way betting, the quality of the betting product will deteriorate, along with funding from the gambling industry and media rights payments; and the finances of all racing industry participants will be severely impacted.

Harper is pessimistic about his chances of being able to hand over Whitsbury Manor to the next generation. “I don’t think we will have the client base of small breeders to give our stallions a chance to compete in 25 years’ time if we keep going down this road,” he says. “Our goal is survival. And we don’t survive in this business without our clients. I’ve seen so many breeders stop breeding in this country. Not every foal we produce will make money. But if we can, we will continue to source stallions that we are able to stand at a fee that will give our small-breeding clients an opportunity. Because if we’re not solving that equation and they don’t have options, they stop breeding.”

Racing in Belgium

Words - Dr. Paull Khan

Belgium's Desert Orchid and French-trained Taupin Rochelais sail over the 'world's biggest water jump.' Credit: Photography Piet Eggermont Belgium.

The jumps track at the pristine little Flemish town of Waregem might just boast the shortest finishing straight in the world—the winning post being a matter of yards from the final bend. It is, however, the home of far and away the most valuable race in Belgium. The Grand Steeple-Chase of Flanders boasts a purse of €80,000 (€100,000 pre-COVID) and, August 30th will see the 154th renewal of this venerable 4,600-metre event.

“The race is part of the Crystal Cup,” explains course commentator Nicky de Frene, “thanks to the Gaverbeek—the largest water jump in the world at 6.5 metres—and the famous Irish Bank, which give this Steeple-Chase a little touch of a cross-country race. It’s recently attracted the attention of David Pipe and Jamie Snowden, but I fear that Brexit wasn’t a good thing for Waregem because of the extra travel costs.” 

Nowadays, the race is virtually the preserve of French connections (Although Germany can boast a couple of second places in recent years; and Kildagin did win it for Britain back in 1975). 

Nicky de Frene is in no doubt about its most remarkable winner. “In the last decade, we have seen the domination of the French trainer Patrice Quinton, who won the race 10 times in a row! That happened with five different horses, one of which was Taupin Rochelais, the near-white grey who won it four times running. At the time of his last victory, in 2018, he had to carry 76kg, (12 stone) and he beat a top-class horse from champion trainer Guillaume Macaire. That day, Waregem witnessed the highest-rated performance in its history.” 

“We’re not a racing nation…” continues de Frene, warming to his theme, “but he’s our version of Desert Orchid! I don’t know of a top handicap in the world with a winner of four successive renewals. Even Makybe Diva has just three Melbourne Cups; Red Rum, three Grand Nationals. So Taupin Rochelais deserves, in my opinion, eternal fame.”

However, the Grand Steeple Chase of Flanders is one of just four Belgian jumps races, all run on a single day at Waregem. Flat racing, by contrast, is held year-round. 

Belgian racing is, in fact, amongst the most open in the world. All of its races, including handicaps, are open to horses trained in all recognised nations. As long as an entry has a handicap mark in its home country, it will be assigned a mark in Belgium, which uses the same scale as in France.

Some 18% of last year’s runners were foreign-trained—the great majority from Germany, some from Holland and a smattering from France. Gone are the days when British trainers like Michael Jarvis made regular raids over to the seaside resort track at Ostend. This compares starkly with the number of foreign sorties made by Belgian-trained horses, which are almost as likely to run outside Belgium as within it.

Marcel De Bruyne, Belgium’s representative on the EMHF and director of the Belgian Galop Federation, explains the simple truth: “French racetracks are nearby, and the prize money at those favoured by Belgian trainers is more than double ours.”

Average prize money last year was some €4,700 per race, peaking at €12,800 for Ostend’s Grand Prix de Prince Rose, the country’s most prestigious flat race. It is named after the most celebrated Belgian-trained thoroughbred who ran third in the ‘Arc,’ went on to win the Gp. 1 Prix du President at Saint Cloud and become an important stallion—leading sire in France in 1946 and great grand-sire of Secretariat.

Neither can the pool of home-trained horses be said to be extensive, having fallen from 348 pre-COVID to just 318 last year. However, the fixture list which these horses are asked to sustain runs to just 30 meetings and 150 races; and this controlled offering certainly pays dividends as regards competitiveness. Field sizes would be the envy of many top-tier racing nations: 10.8 at Ostende, 10.6 at Waregem and 9.4 at Mons.

Let’s take a look at the country’s three racecourses:

1. Mons: Two thirds of Belgium’s races are run at Mons, on the same type of All Weather track as can be found at Chantilly and Deauville, some 50km southwest of Brussels near the French border. A left-handed track of 1,200 metres’ circumference which favours front runners, particularly in the sprints, Mons’ Hippodrome de Wallonie races fortnightly from mid-September to the end of April, with a limited menu of five distances: 950m, 1,500m, 2,100m, 2,300m and 2,850m.

2. Wellington Racecourse at Ostend: Belgium’s high-summer track, racing on turf every Monday, July through August. With a slight incline to the finish, races cover a full range of distances from 1,000m to 4,000m, either on the track’s 1,400m right-handed oval or its 1,000m straight.

3. Waregem: Not far from Ghent, Waregem now offers four turf flat meetings in May and June, including the St Leger over 2,700m, to add to its flagship jumps day.

Nearly half the horses in training in Belgium are owner-trained. There are 18 professional trainers in the country. Jockeys are also in short supply: just 14 professional riders (with a further seven gentleman riders and seven lady riders. 

The long-term sustainability of thoroughbred breeding in the country is, however, a concern for De Bruyne. The country produced just 24 foals last year. “Belgian-bred thoroughbreds are becoming an endangered species because owners prefer to buy race-ready horses; and Belgian breeders often breed in France to be eligible for French breeders’ and owners’ premiums.” 

The backdrop against which Belgian racing is attempting to thrive is one of serious under-funding. It's only betting-based income stems from the very modest sums that are wagered by racegoers at its three courses and from bets placed into the French betting operator; PMU’s pools on 100 or so qualifying flat races—the so-called ‘Premium’ races. It is therefore heavily dependent upon this latter income stream. The sport derives no benefit whatsoever from the great bulk of relevant wagering—neither from bets placed by Belgian punters off-course (either in the 3,500 retail outlets or online)—whether on Belgian races or otherwise, nor by punters in other countries betting online on Belgian races (outside the PMU system).

Baron Philippe Casier—former president of the Belgian Jockey Club and a long-time advocate of statutory funding for the sport from betting thereon—describes two recent body-blows to this ambition. “Last year, a law introduced two years earlier, which required betting operators licensed in the country to enter into a funding agreement with racecourses, and which covered betting on both foreign and domestic races, was repealed before a single Euro had been handed over. And in 2018, a tripartite agreement that the Belgian tracks had struck with the PMU and international betting operators, through which common pool betting on the French system had, for a few years, resulted in healthy income for them, also ended.”

So, despite the numerous European Commission precedents, which have established the validity of statutory funding, there seems to be no current appetite for this within the Belgian national government, of which betting is a competency. Racing therefore must look to the largesse of regional governments. The Walloon region has been persuaded of the benefits of supporting this rural industry, and grants Mons a yearly operational subsidy. Hopes in Flanders, where there is currently no such support and into which Ostend and Waregem fall, rest with a proposal to establish a similar subsidy that is funded by raising the tax rate on online bets from 11% to the 15% that already applies to other betting. Despite these impediments, optimism remains, and perhaps we should leave the last reflections to Guy Heymans, Belgium’s chair of the European Trainers Federation: “Because of the repression we had in Belgian racing, a lot of owners stopped owning racehorses. And lots of those who kept on started training their horses themselves. That’s why we have a lot of owner/trainers in Belgium and why there are only a few professional trainers left”.

Racing in Belgium is no longer on a regular basis, as it used to be—there is now a race meeting only approximately every fortnight. But Ostend and Waregem are becoming very popular with the general public, with thousands of spectators at those meetings. For an owner it’s a real pleasure to win a race at one of these meetings with such crowds and all that cheering!

“Belgium is a very interesting place to have horses in training. First of all there is the geographical location: we have easy access to a lot of French and German racetracks (e.g., Paris within only three hours’ drive). Secondly, the trainers have excellent facilities—some of them private, others based on the racetrack in Mons.

Furthermore, the cost of putting a horse in training is cheaper than in our neighbouring countries. That makes it an interesting proposition for foreign owners to put horses into pre-training with a Belgian trainer.

“Belgian racing has been evolving positively over recent years. We hope that this trend will continue in such a way that new and old owners will find their way to the sport.”

200 years of horse racing in Germany

Words - Lissa Oliver

Horseracing is the oldest organised sport in Germany and this year it celebrates a major milestone. The very first thoroughbred race in Germany took place in Doberan, on the Baltic Sea, 10 August 1822, this summer marking the 200th anniversary. Around 30 racing clubs have organised a total of 136 race days to mark the celebration.

German-bred racehorses are recognised internationally for their stamina and soundness, which is no accident and links directly to that historic day in Doberan. Breeding selection and breed improvement through tests of performance remains a mandate of the Animal Breeding Act, with the retirement of stallions to stud strictly governed. 

Organised racing in Germany was very quickly established. As early as 13 August of the same year, 1822, the Doberan Racing Club was founded, the first of the racing clubs created to oversee the contests. The Berlin Racing Club followed in 1828 and by the 1830s numerous new clubs had been formed across the country.

Today, the Düsseldorf Equestrian and Racing Club has the proud boast of being Germany’s oldest continuously existing racing club, founded in 1844, and in April Düsseldorf racecourse had the honour of hosting the first of the anniversary celebrations.

Another major milestone followed when, in 1858, the French casino owner Edouard Bénazet had the racecourse built in Iffezheim near Baden-Baden. Ten years later, Emperor Wilhelm I attended the official opening of the Hoppegarten racecourse in Berlin, 17 May 1868, which quickly developed into one of the most important racecourses in Europe. 

The oldest continuous race in Germany is the Union Race, first held in 1834. Created as a supreme test for three-year-olds it was eventually relegated by the Deutsches Derby. The Norddeutsches Derby, as it was originally known, was established at Hamburg in 1869, becoming the now-familiar Deutsches Derby in 1889. During the wars it was staged at Grunewald in 1919, Hoppegarten in 1943 and 1944, Munich in 1946 and Cologne in 1947. The great Königsstuhl, in winning the Henckel-Rennen, Deutsches Derby and St-Leger in 1979, remains the only horse to win the German Triple Crown.

The first commercial German bookmakers sprang up in the middle of the 19th century and, following the French model, a totaliser was set up in Berlin in 1875. From 1905 to 1922 bookmaker bets were banned in Germany, but since then the Tote and bookmakers have been competing with each other.

The early part of the 20th century saw racing clubs springing up as vigorously as the grass and in 1912 there were more than 100 racecourses in Germany. Obviously, world events saw that blossoming situation change drastically. The First World War represented a turning point in the fate of German racing, but it was the Second World War that had a lasting and damaging impact.

Appropriately, racing returned to West Germany after the war years on 12 August 1945 at Leipzig, but in the German Democratic Republic racing became, at best, a marginal sport. Hoppegarten was nationalised and one of only six racecourses hosting racing.

It was a brighter new start in the West and the racing season resumed in full at Munich in April 1946. A steady resurgence followed, and Cologne developed into the leading training centre, while Hamburg remained the home of the Deutsche Derby. 

As with other European racing nations there was little change in the ensuing years, but 1980 marked another significant milestone when Dortmund became the first all-weather track in Europe, for the first time making winter racing under floodlights possible.

Following the reunification of Germany, racing came more into focus with the public and Berlin’s Hoppegarten, in particular, enjoyed renewed popularity. In 2021, the Group 1 LONGINES 131st Grand Prix of Berlin received great international recognition when it was included in the top 100 of the world's best races. However, it is Baden-Baden that is regarded as the leading German racecourse, in terms of betting turnover and also from a sporting, social and international viewpoint, staging popular meetings in spring, summer and autumn.

As already mentioned, the breeding of German thoroughbreds has always been carefully regulated to ensure continuing success. The German breeding industry began around 1800, originally in Mecklenburg.  In 1842 the first Deutsche Stud Book was published. It contained 242 breeders who between them kept 779 broodmares. Less than 10% had more than 10 mares. This has hardly changed to this day; there are only a few large stud farms, but many breeders with only one or two mares. Currently, about 460 breeders have around 1,300 broodmares.

One of the great traditional studs is the Prussian State Stud in Graditz, near Leipzig, founded in 1668 and already dedicated solely to thoroughbred breeding by the first half of the 19th century. Twelve Derby winners were raised there from 1886 (Potrimpos) to 1937 (Abendfrieden) and Graditz-produced horses were esteemed to the extent that there were times when they had to carry additional weight to give their rivals a better chance. 

The oldest private stud farm is Gestüt Schlenderhan near Cologne, founded in 1869 by Baron von Oppenheim. From 1908 to the present day, Schlenderhan has bred 19 Deutsches Derby winners, most recently In Swoop in 2020. A great example of the success of small-scale German breeders is, of course, 2021 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Torquator Tasso, bred by Paul H. Vandeberg from his only mare, Tijuana; herself from Schlenderhan breeding.

The 200th anniversary of German racing is being celebrated across the country, with commemorative stamps produced by Deutsches Post. The highlight will be the festivities at Berlin-Hoppegarten racecourse from 12 to 14 August. The three-day anniversary meeting opens with an official ceremony at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski in Berlin and on Saturday evening, 13 August, the Hoppegarten racecourse invites everyone to a big anniversary party. Details available at: 

Milestones in gallop racing - German gallop (deutscher-galopp.de)

Gerald Leigh Memorial Lectures 2022

The 6th Annual Gerald Leigh Memorial Lectures were held at Tattersalls on Tuesday, 7th June and this year focused on Thoroughbred Reproductive Efficiency. The lectures were aimed at all those involved in breeding racehorses and were supported by the Gerald Leigh Trust in honour of Mr Leigh's passion for the Thoroughbred horse and its health and welfare. 

There were six lectures in total from four internationally recognised experts in their field with two discussions on mare and stallion fertility.

ACCESS ALL LECTURES FROM THIS LINK

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeWFdwB7poOQLBHXKlsdnQA/videos

Reproductive strategies of stallions and mares

The morning session was kicked off by Dr Dominki Burger, a professor at the Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, talking about his fascinating research on both mare and stallion reproductive behaviour and how social signalling affects reproductive strategies of stallions and mares.

“Breeding of horses in feral herds differs significantly from breeding under domestic conditions. The traditional concept of the equine breeding industry is to keep stallions and mares spatially separated which can lead to significant behavioural as well as fertility problems in both stallions and mares. Our studies demonstrate that the social environment of horses significantly influences their individual reproductive strategies. The perception of this social environment is influenced by various factors, including age and size-related traits or odours that reveal the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The MHC is a group of immune genes that has been found to influence olfactory communication and reproductive strategies in various vertebrates.”

Social signalling and its effect on mare reproduction

In mares, Dr Burger’s research group has shown that mares exposed to a stallion ovulate earlier in the breeding season than mares without male stimulation, and that when in season, mares show consistent preferences towards certain stallions. It is thought that the MHC or linked genes may influence equine female mate choice in a similar manner to previous observations in humans and other species. MHC-dissimilar mares and stallions have been shown to be more compatible and in fact, close proximity to a stallion with similar-MHC at the time of fertilisation; and early gestation can have a negative effect on pregnancy rates even when bred to an MHC-dissimilar stallion. The same group also showed that oxytocin levels have been shown to be significantly elevated in response to teasing, and multiple periovulatory inseminations potentially lead to an increase in fertility results per cycle, without causing increased inflammatory uterine reactions in healthy, fertile females. 

Social signalling and its effect on stallion reproduction

In stallions, they found that the MHC-linked signals influence testosterone secretion and ejaculate characteristics, both indicators of male reproductive strategies. Higher testosterone levels and higher sperm numbers were recorded in ejaculates from males exposed to MHC-dissimilar mares than when kept close to MHC-similar mares. 

How management strategies can increase reproductive efficiency

Dr Burger concluded firstly that exposing transitional mares to the proximity of a stallion is an easy and safe alternative to, for example, light programs or elaborated hormonal therapies, to start the breeding season earlier and to increase the number of oestrous cycles and possible matings in horses. Secondly, that optimal MHC-linked social signalling around the time of breeding has an effect of cryptic female mate choice and hence leads to better pregnancy results. Thirdly, optimal housing social conditions including the use of MHC-linked social signalling promises potential optimisations regarding sexual behaviour and semen output of stallions, and that introducing optimal MHC-linked social signalling around the time of breeding can lead to an increase of semen quantity and quality in the stallions’ ejaculates. 

Applying these new and practicable options in the field may result in improved management and well-being of both breeding stallions and mares as well as a more desirable economic situation for breeders.

Stallion fertility and reproductive efficiency

The second speaker of the day was Dr Charles Love, a professor in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Texas A&M. Dr Love is a world-renowned stallion expert and internationally recognised for his extensive and ground-breaking research in stallion fertility. He spoke on his work on record analysis systems for critically studying stallion fertility and ways in which we can improve stallion reproductive efficiency.  

“There are many factors to evaluate in addition to the seasonal pregnancy rate and per cycle pregnancy rate. The breeding season (mid-February through the end of June) is a dynamic period such that the conditions (type of mare bred [barren, maiden, foaling], number of mares bred) vary considerably throughout the breeding season. For instance, a stallion’s fertility may decline in the middle of the breeding season when the number of mares he breeds increases, while early in the season he may do well. In contrast, stallions may do poorly early in the breeding season due to reproductively poor-quality barren mares, then improve once they start breeding foaling mares. The fertility of thoroughbred stallions may be affected by the cover (1-4) on which a mare was bred. A mare bred on a later cover (2-4) may receive fewer sperm than the mare on the first cover, therefore, evaluating the effect of cover can provide insight into a stallion’s fertility.”

The importance of monitoring testicular size

Evaluation of testes size and function is a fundamental part of the breeding soundness evaluation and in particular insurance examinations for first-season stallion infertility. The evaluation of sexually immature stallions that have recently retired from racing is challenging, because this can be a very dynamic period for testes growth due to the stress of racing as well as the immaturity of the stallion. Testes size can be measured by ultrasonography, and a volume measure can be attached to each testis. This provides an objective measure of the testes for all the parties involved and identifies those testes that are clearly very small and unlikely to produce sperm at the time of the evaluation. Measurements of the testes also allow the practitioner to re-evaluate a suspect stallion at a later stage to determine if the size is changing.

A common cause of stallion subfertility

Dr Love spoke about one of the most common conditions of the stallion, plugged ampullae or sperm accumulation. “This condition results when sperm back-up in the ampullae (an accessory gland located in the pelvis) and become non-viable (dead). The condition usually occurs in stallions with large testes (they produce more sperm) that have not bred since the end of the previous breeding season. Depending on the severity of the condition, the clean-out period, which requires frequent ejaculation to remove the accumulated sperm, can take from days to weeks. If stallions are bred during this time, subfertility may result because of the deposition of poor-quality sperm into the mare. Semen collection prior to the breeding season will help identify these stallions so they can be cleaned out before the start of the breeding season.”

Does reinforcement breeding improve fertility?

Reinforcement breeding occurs when a stallion finishes his cover, dismounts, and the “dripping” from the penis are collected into a container, mixed with semen extender and then passed (reinforced) into the uterus of the mare that the stallion just covered. Opinions vary as to how often this procedure should be applied (to select mares and stallions, only select covers, or all covers). One factor that plays a role is simply the number of sperm that are recovered in the dismount. The more sperm in the dismount sample, the fewer remain in the mare; thus, unless the dismount sample is reinforced, the mare may not receive an adequate “dose” of sperm. A study from Texas A&M University found that when >200 million sperm were reinforced, fertility increased almost 12% in those mares that were reinforced. Other factors that may affect the decision to reinforce include stallions that are physically limited (e.g., hindlimb/back pain, size disproportion [tall mare, short stallion]), resulting in a premature dismount and sperm deposited in the vagina or even outside the mare rather than the uterus.

Management of the barren mare for optimal fertility

Moving on to the mare, Dr Karen Wolfsdorf—a partner at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute Kentucky—gave the first talk on management of the barren mare for optimal fertility. Karen explained that “a broodmare needs to produce six foals every seven years and consistently produce viable foals to be economically successful. In order to achieve this, the mare needs to be in good physical condition, have regular oestrous cycles, mate, conceive, maintain pregnancy, give birth and raise a foal. If there is a breakdown in any of these areas, she will become considered a “problem” mare. Consideration of breeding practices and fertility of the stallion is important before all the blame of subfertility is placed on the mare. Therefore, to manage the mare appropriately, a complete reproductive examination is imperative in order to identify the potential cause of the mare’s infertility. Once this has been determined, specific therapy can be initiated. Practising appropriate breeding techniques, considering the mare’s inadequacy and then providing post-breeding treatments can aid in optimising pregnancy rates.”

Investigating the problem mare

As with any investigation, taking a thorough history of the past reproductive performance of the mare is essential. This includes age, breed, past and present reproductive status, cycling patterns, previous uterine infections and treatment, hormonal use, foaling problems, abortions and surgery.

Clinical evaluation of the mare starts by external examination. Good body condition and perineal conformation are essential for good fertility. Mares with extreme weight loss or obesity (equine metabolic or Cushing’s disease) have poor reproduction performance. The mare’s reproductive tract is composed of the vulva, vestibule, vagina, cervix, uterus, oviducts and ovaries. All work together to provide the most conducive environment for embryonic development and the birth of a healthy foal. The reproductive tract resides in the caudal portion of the body suspended from the body wall by the broad ligaments. As the number of oestrous cycles and foals produced increases, so does the laxity of these ligaments causing the reproductive tract to lie more cranial and ventral to the pelvis. Three major anatomical barriers protect the uterine environment. These include the vulva labia, vulvovaginal fold (hymen) and the cervix. Failure or compromise of these barriers leads to contamination by particulate matter, pneumovagina (sucking air in the vagina), cervicitis/vaginitis and endometritis. Perineal conformation involves the anatomic relationship between the vulva and anus. The presence of abnormalities and the degree of angular change may predispose to pneumovagina or urine pooling.  Several surgical procedures to correct abnormal perineal conformation have been described to include Caslick vulvoplasty and different types of perineal body reconstruction (vestibuloplasty, Gadd and Pouret’s technique).

Palpation of the entire ovarian surface assesses size, consistency, follicular activity and the presence of an ovulation fossa. Small ovaries with little or no follicular activity as in anestrous, transition or genetic abnormalities can be differentiated from normal follicular activity.  Normal ovarian consistency can be distinguished from large firm ovaries, which may be cystic in appearance related to ovarian haematomas or tumours. Examination of the uterus allows size, tone and location in the abdomen to be determined. Identifying the presence and amount of endometrial oedema as well as intra-luminal abnormalities such as fluid, hyperechogenicities, endometrial cysts or masses are also important in trying to differentiate the presence of inflammation versus other causes of infertility. Palpation and measurement ultrasonographically of the cervix allows direct correlation of length and width to stage of the oestrous cycle and pregnancy. Cervical tears must be definitively evaluated manually and during dioestrus when the cervix is closed. 

Uterine culture and cytology are useful tools in the diagnosis of endometrial inflammation and an indicator of bacterial endometritis. Bacteriological (culture) and cytological results obtained by endometrial biopsy are the most sensitive indicators bearing positive predictive value (a positive result is indicative of endometritis) compared to results obtained by endometrial swab. The use of low-volume lavage is a fast and accurate method to obtain endometrial samples for identification of mares with chronic or subclinical endometritis. 

Endometrial biopsies can be indicated in barren mares, repeat breeders, early embryonic death or abortion, pyometra and mucometra, genital surgery and fertility evaluation. They provide an endometrial biopsy score which is an accepted maker of uterine health and predicted fertility.  The endometrium is classified according to the presence of inflammation (type and severity), endometrial gland density, peri-glandular fibrosis and nesting, cystic glandular distension, lymphatic lacunae and angiopathies or angiosclerotic changes. As the number and severity of pathologies increase, so does the category classification and thus decreasing the potential of carrying a foal to term. Hysteroscopy (direct visualisation of the uterus) is a valuable tool when uterine abnormalities need further investigation or the cause of infertility cannot be determined by other diagnostic procedures. 

Endometritis: a leading cause of subfertility in the mare

One of the most commonly identified problems is inflammation of the uterus or endometritis. This can be caused by acute or chronic infections or persistent mating induced endometritis (PMIE).  The most common aetiological agents found to cause uterine infections are Streptococcus zooepidemicus and Escherichia coli as the result of faecal and genital flora contamination. Mares that fail to clear the uterus of bacteria are classified as susceptible to chronic infection and are believed to have a compromised uterine defence system. This is usually identified by the presence of intraluminal fluid on ultrasound for an excessive period of time. Chronic endometritis is a major cause of equine infertility in older and multiparous mares. Normal mares are able to clear their uterus of bacteria with their uterine defence mechanisms, inflammatory response, uterine contraction and lymphatic drainage. In susceptible mares when bacteria infiltrate and contaminate the uterus, a persistent or chronic endometritis persists. In addition, some bacteria are able to utilise methods to survive degradation by the host immune system and antibiotic therapy.  

Mares with chronic infectious endometritis will be treated with conventional methods such as appropriate antimicrobials (determined by culture and sensitivity) as well as uterine lavage, oxytocin and cloprostenol to assist the uterus to physically clear contaminants and inflammatory products.  Most importantly, correction of perineal conformation and the breakdown of external barriers by Caslick’s vulvoplasty or cervical repair is imperative. With the recognition of increased production of mucus with inflammation and the identification of biofilms, emphasis on treatment has become focused on new alternative therapies that can potentiate the effectiveness of antimicrobials. BActivate has recently been described as aiding clearance of dormant B. strep, allowing for identification and enhanced antibiotic therapy and treatment. Treatment is usually systemic for 10–14 days as well as intrauterine during oestrus. Chemical curettage with kerosene has been demonstrated to produce glandular activation in mares, with improved conception rates in treated versus control mares as biopsy grades increased from I to III.  

After identifying and resolving the cause of infertility, specific breeding strategies should be considered. A problem mare should be bred once within the oestrus period so inflammation is kept to a minimum.  

Modulating the mare’s immune response in cases of PMIE

Most therapies in the past for PMIE have been directed at aiding uterine contractions and uterine clearance; however, as more research is directed toward the abnormal immune response of susceptible mares, new therapeutics are starting to address the modulation of the inflammatory response.  

A significant improvement of pregnancy rates was observed when prednisolone acetate was administered to mares with a history of PMIE. When dexamethasone was administered within one hour of breeding in combination with traditional post-breeding therapies, mares with a history of fluid accumulation had increased pregnancy rates when three or more risk factors for susceptibility to endometritis were identified. 

Enhancement of cell-mediated immunity by a cell-wall extract of Mycobacterium phlei intrauterine or IV (Settle; Bioniche Animal Health - Bogard, Georgia) or Proprionibacterium acnes IV (EqStime; Neogen Corp - Lexington, Kentucky) also aid in clearance of inflammation experimentally and clinically increased pregnancy rates respectively. 

Intrauterine autologous plasma has been used to aid the immune response post-mating to clear spermatozoa and bacteria. More recently treatment with platelet rich plasma (PrP) has been shown to reduce the inflammatory response and improve pregnancy rates after breeding particularly in mares susceptible to endometritis.  

Biological treatments, such as autologous conditioned serum (ACS) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used in human and veterinary medicine for immunomodulation for over 10 years. Additional studies need to determine the effects of MSCs on problem mares affected by PMIE. 

Dr Wolfsdorf concluded that in order to manage the “problem” mare we first need to determine the cause of her problem.  Specific treatments have been illustrated for varying diseases however it is important to remember for best results or pregnancy it is imperative to have a non-infected, un-inflamed uterine environment into which the semen is deposited.

Managing the high-risk pregnancy

Dr Wolfsdorf’s second talk was on managing the high-risk pregnancy. A recent report estimated that the proportion of annual lost pregnancies in Thoroughbred mares ranges from 7.9% to 15.2% in the UK, Ireland and Kentucky. A recent study showed that the most common causes of pregnancy loss worldwide from 1960–2020 include EHV-1, placentitis, leptospirosis, twinning, congenital abnormalities, EHV-4, umbilical cord torsion and equine amnionitis/mare reproductive loss syndrome. When a mare becomes stressed, debilitated or her reproductive tract is compromised, inflammatory cytokines initiate prostaglandin release which can induce abnormal uterine irritability and potential pregnancy loss. Reproductive problems that arise during gestation, when diagnosed early and treated appropriately, can be overcome; and foetal viability increases, producing a live foal. 

Transrectal ultrasound monitoring

In mares that are considered to be high-risk for pregnancy loss, monitoring of the uterus, placenta and foetus by screening monthly with transrectal and transabdominal ultrasonography is a viable method for detecting abnormalities early. Foetal presentation, combined utero-placental thickness at the cervical star and orbital diameter and blood flow of foetuses in anterior presentation can be assessed. Normal values for the utero-placental thickness at 271–300, 301–330, and >330 days of gestation are <8, <10 and <12 mm respectively. Qualitative and quantitative assessment of foetal fluids can be monitored by trans-rectal ultrasonography. Fluids that have increased echo density are likely to have increased cellularity due to infection or inflammation and therefore should be noted. Increased foetal movement can also falsely increase cellularity of the fluid at that period of time due to the stirring affect. Integrity of the utero-placental unit at the cervical star region can also be monitored, helping to identify opening of the cervix, placental separation, placental or uterine oedema or the presence of exudate. Since ascending placentitis is one of the most common abnormalities identified, examination of this area is imperative.

Transabdominal ultrasound monitoring

Transabdominal ultrasonography is extremely useful in evaluating for multiple foetuses, foetal growth, activity, mobility, presentation, viability as well as placental abnormalities and foetal fluid volume and echogenicity. Normal values for heart rate and rhythm, foetal activity, size, stomach measurements, cervical pole and foetal fluid depth have been determined and therefore comparisons can be made. The foetal presentation can be identified by finding the ribs and thorax usually midline and cranial to the mammary gland.  Foetal heart rates can vary depending on activity, ranging from 70–100bpm with consistently low or high heart rates indicative of foetal stress or distress. Identification and examination of the umbilical cord can sometimes be assessed, depending on positioning of the foetus. It is important to always examine both sides of the abdomen completely to eliminate the possibility of twins (a differential for premature mammary gland development). Foetal activity and tone can be determined when monitoring heart rate and reaction to ultrasonography.

Biomarkers of foetal well-being

In the normal physiology of pregnancy, progesterone (P4) is synthesised by the ovaries until about 150 days of gestation. From then until 320–360 days, P5 is supplied by the foetus, which is converted into P4 by the placenta. During the second half of pregnancy, little if any P4 is present because it is rapidly metabolised into progestagens. These progestagens increase gradually during the last few weeks prior to parturition (>300 days) but decline within a few days or even hours of delivery. In the first trimester impending abortion is preceded by declining or low P4 levels. However, foetal losses or premature deliveries in late gestation, particularly those caused by placental abnormalities especially placentitis are associated with high concentrations of total progestagens. In mares where there was acute foetal distress (colic, uterine torsion) production of progestagens was dramatically reduced, indicating the importance of a healthy foetal-placental unit for progestagen formation.  

In general, the predominant oestrogens during pregnancy in mares in order of magnitude are oestrone, equilin, equilenin and oestradiol-17B. These hormones are produced by precursors from the foetus, metabolised by the placenta and act primarily on the maternal uterus. Measuring total serum oestrogens or more specifically estradiol-17B should help predict foetal viability and potentially help determine if therapy is successful.   Supplementing with oestrogens when total oestrogens are lower than normal is controversial at this time. Relaxin, a placental hormone, can be used as a biochemical marker of placental function and foetal well-being and as a predictor of pregnancy outcome in the horse. Serum Amyloid A has been identified to be increased in studies in which ascending placentitis has been induced. Unfortunately, this has not been translated into the farm situation in which subclinical placentitis or ultrasonographic changes are identified. In recent studies, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines have been identified within the different compartments of the foetal placental unit and serum of the mare. Especially oestradiol 17B and IL-6 may be of interest when commercial testing is available and not too cost prohibitive. Further studies are needed to evaluate uterine blood flow in the compromised pregnancy as well as identify a potential “diagnostic panel” for pre-clinical placentitis specific for inflammation and for the placenta.  

Treating the high-risk pregnancy to improve outcomes

Treatment to help manage and support the high-risk pregnancy is directed at resolving the microbial invasion if present, inflammation, providing good or improved blood flow to the uterus, diminishing uterine contractility and improving viability of the foetus. Systemic treatment can include antimicrobials, exogenous progestagens, anti-inflammatories and rheostatic agents. If a mare has vaginal discharge and the cervix open, speculum examination and culture of the exudate yields identification and sensitivity of the organism and allows for appropriate local treatment. Specific antibiotics have been documented as crossing the placenta and achieving therapeutic values in the foetus and foetal fluids. Anti-inflammatories use consists of Flunixin Meglamine and Firocoxib. Administration of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) improves uterine and ovarian perfusion and increases plasma progesterone concentration, but whether this results in increased uterine or placental perfusion remains to be determined. Extrapolation and use of pentoxifylline has also been utilised for similar reasons. 

Hopefully in the future, using a combination of these markers and techniques, the clinician will be able to identify abnormalities and initiate treatment early in the course of disease.”

Genetics of early pregnancy loss

Dr Mandi De Mestre, a reader in Reproductive Immunology from The Royal Veterinary College, London, spoke on her research into the genetics of early pregnancy loss. “Embryonic and foetal loss remain one of the greatest challenges in reproductive health with 5–10% of established day-15 pregnancies failing in the first two months. If they make it to two months, 5% of these pregnancies also fail to produce a viable foal. The underlying reason for these losses is variable, but ultimately most cases will be attributed to either a pathology of the mare (such as endometrial pathology, hormone function, aberrations in the immune response to pregnancy and egg characteristics) or the pregnancy itself (embryo/foetal-placental unit). Defects in the embryo can be derived from the stallion (sperm) or mare (eggs) or acquired during early embryonic development or in the case of abortion, later in pregnancy. In both cases, external factors such as pathogens, nutrients and environmental contaminants play a role, too. Whilst previous research has focused on factors that impact the environment in which the embryo develops, surprisingly little is known about defects of the embryo and foetus and how and why they occur. 

In early pregnancy, the most common reason for a pregnancy to fail is an abnormal number of chromosomes. When an embryo has either one extra or one less chromosome, the whole genome of the developing foal is disrupted which impacts critical events in early development. A number of outcomes can follow, ranging from loss of the embryo before it is even detected at two weeks post cover, to development of an embryo with no foetus, or development of a foetus with an abnormal cardiovascular or central nervous system incompatible with life. This condition can also be associated with abortion and stillbirth, but it is less common in later stages of pregnancy. Other genetic changes in the embryo such as single nucleotide polymorphisms and microdeletions are well described in other species and are likely to be revealed to be important for equine foetal health in the next couple of years.

What we have learned about umbilical cord torsion 

Dr DeMestre also spoke about umbilical cord torsion (UCT), which is the number one cause of abortion in the United Kingdom. “A recent study of a large population of mares in the UK and Ireland found for every 200 pregnant mares, there are three mares that lose a pregnancy due to UCT. The underlying cause of umbilical cord torsion is still being investigated, but its impact on foetal health and viability is likely related to the length of the amniotic portion of the umbilical cord and the degree of movement of the foetus between 100 and 200 days. In contrast, other causes of abortion are much less common with just three mares losing a pregnancy due to placentitis (infection of the placenta) for every 1,000 pregnant mares. A similar number of pregnancies are lost due to equine herpes virus infection and developmental defects of the foetus.

Genetics and late-term abortion

Whilst genetic causes of abortion are less common than during the early pregnancy period, they still contribute. Indeed, a single base pair change in DNA within the procollagen-lysine, 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase1 (PLOD1) gene leads to foals being born with extensive skin lesions due to abnormally thin and fragile skin, and other significant musculoskeletal abnormalities. A foal will only be affected by the disorder if it has two copies of the mutation, therefore it can be avoided with mating selection.”

Conclusion

The stallion talks really reminded us about what we can learn from nature and how we might be able to implement some management changes to improve reproductive behaviour in both the mare and stallion under domestic breeding conditions. Dr Love reminded us of the importance of good covering data and how monitoring both testicular size and dismount samples will help identify potential problems a stallion may encounter during the breeding season.

Dr Wolfsdorf highlighted the importance of a thorough clinical examination and diagnostic workup of any empty mares at the end of the season to ensure time to treat any issues and restore the reproductive tract so that barren mares enter the next breeding season in optimal condition. Dr Wolfsdorf also informed us of the options for monitoring and treating any high-risk pregnancies during later gestation to help improve live foaling rates.

Dr DeMestra’s work has highlighted the role of genetics in early pregnancy loss and the importance of the continued research being done on umbilical cord torsion as we still have more to learn about the number-one cause of late term pregnancy loss in the UK.

Racing in the Channel Islands

Guernsey Race Club L'Ancresse meeting 2019. (C. Martin Gray)

By Dr Paull Khan

In a golden spell of several months earlier this jumps season, the exploits of a 12-year-old handicap hurdler named Kansas City Chief and his 21-year-old 7-lb claiming amateur rider Victoria Malzard seemed to be on British television screens almost every Saturday afternoon, ensuring that racing in Jersey (where Malzard is based and the horse is sometimes trained by her mother, Alyson) received perhaps unprecedented publicity. Channel Islands racing does not normally figure high in the consciousness of racefans in Britain—still less, doubtless, in the rest of Europe.

So, what is racing like on these small islands, lying close to the French coast, enjoying a complicated relationship with the United Kingdom? (The Channel Islands—not being part of the UK—were never part of the European Union, so ‘Chexit’ was never a thing.)

There are two Channel Islands racetracks: the CoinShares Les Landes on Jersey and L’Ancresse on Guernsey. The former traditionally stages some nine fixtures annually, bookended by Easter Monday and the late-August bank holiday. It is a left-handed turf track of one mile’s circumference. The usual pattern is to kick off with a hurdle race. The temporary hurdles are then moved off the track, clearing the way for four races on the level. Last year, most races were run for a £2,800 prize fund, with the feature race of the day worth up to £4,750. 

L'Ancresse is a temporary track, having to be laboriously set up and taken down each year. Like Les Landes, a turf course, it is by contrast right-handed, with a circumference of nine furlongs. In recent pre-pandemic years, the big race of the day has been the Ravencroft Channel Islands Handicap, which is over around six furlongs and billed as the richest race on either island, with a prize fund of £5,000.

L’Ancresse normally races on but a single day each year—on the early-May bank holiday. But these are not normal times. There has been no racing on Guernsey since 2019, and 2022 will be the third blank year in a row. What COVID-19 began, the island’s wildlife has conspired to continue. Trevor Gallienne, Guernsey Race Club President, picks up the story: “We’ve had an invasion of rabbits over the past two years and also massive crow damage to the grass.” 

No Guernsey-based trainer survives, and so the island is perhaps unique in the world in staging a race meeting; but having no domestic horses in training—a situation Gallienne himself describes as a ‘bizarre business model’. Therefore, even when trainers based in Jersey, or in the UK or France, have been tempted to enter, the meeting remains entirely dependent on the vagaries of the weather. 

“There are obviously wave restrictions on the boats bringing the horses over and, a few years ago, none of the horses were able to travel and we had to call the meeting off.” Nothing, if not resourceful, however, the Club averted complete financial disaster through persuading those booked into the hospitality marquee to attend a race night in a hotel, instead. Despite all this, there is a resolve to restart, in 2023, the tradition of racing on the island that began over 120 years ago.

A 30-kilometre hop southwest brings you to Jersey’s Les Landes, which has endured similarly turbulent times since COVID-19 struck. “2019 was a very successful year over here”, explains Bunny Roberts, Jersey Race Club President. “And then in 2020, we were hit slam-bang and we had a completely blank year, during which we were still having to pay wages and maintain the course. By 2021, we were in a dire position—the reserves were running out.”

Thankfully, the story takes a happier turn, and in 2022 the race club’s finances are healthy again, and a full and normal fixture list is planned. “We managed to pull it round. We created a very good committee, our patrons stepped up to the plate in a big way, and we are fortunate in that so much of what is done is done voluntarily by people who love the sport. Last year, despite government restrictions at each meeting, we managed to run eight of our nine meetings, albeit later than usual. We were unbelievably lucky with the weather. The crowds supported us, despite the public bar being closed. We allowed people to bring in picnics. For this year, sponsorship is buoyant, and we have eleven £5,000 races, with the minimum now up to £3,000.”

An absence of income from off-track betting or media rights means that the course’s survival depends on creative marketing, with multiple sponsorship offerings, merchandising and a golf day all critical to the financial mix. Roberts takes an upbeat view of the future for Les Landes generally and more specifically of landing the holy grail of media rights income in the future. “It will depend on field size and field quality. Last year the fields were great and the quality of horses in training on the island has improved; we have many rated between 65 and 80. I honestly believe we will get there.”

It is undeniable that, despite relatively modest prize money, there is a healthy interest amongst British-based trainers in taking horses to the islands. In the last pre-pandemic year of 2019, no fewer than nine made the voyage over to Jersey: Neil Mulholland, Phil McEntee, Eve Johnson Houghton, Michael Appleby, John O’Neill, Richard Guest, Colin Heard, Victor Dartnall and Natalie Lloyd-Beavis. Mulholland was well clear as the most successful, with 13 wins of around £30,000, at an impressive strike rate of over 50%.

In addition, four Brits: David Evans, Michael Appleby, Natalie Lloyd-Beavis and Brian Barr sent runners to Guernsey and collectively made a clean sweep on the day, with Evans picking up three of the day’s races, and Appleby the other two.  

What, then, is the appeal to these trainers and their owners? “For us it started about eight years ago”, explains Mulholland. “Jim Jamouneau (of Guernsey Race Club) came to the yard one day and said, ‘Why don’t you come to Guernsey?’ We had an owner, Mike Burbage (director of Dajam Ltd), who liked a weekend away, liked the fun, and going to Guernsey for the weekend appealed to him. On our first ever trip, we finished first and second. But every single year we’ve been to the Channel Isles, we’ve had at least one winner, which has made the trip worthwhile. We’ve been Champion Trainer twice. It’s a good weekend away, we enjoy it, and it’s pretty simple really. We go either from Poole, which is the fast boat, or Southampton. We did have to miss one meeting last year because of the weather.”

What kind of horse is suited to Les Landes? “You need something that travels and is well-balanced”, answers Mulholland. The view is supported by local trainer James Moon, whose yard is far enough from Les Landes that he does not use the training track which runs inside the main track, but rather has his own gallops designed to mimic Les Landes’ unique features. “You have to have an intelligent, balanced and tough horse to win round Jersey, with its undulating surface, stiff finish, hard back stretch with a drop-down and both tight and sweeping bends. It’s great for educating horses both young and old.” Another USP is that there are no starting stalls, with all races being started by flag, making it of particular interest to trainers with recalcitrant starters.

While Brexit has not been relevant to links with Britain, it has affected travel to and from mainland Europe and, for those like the Francophile Moon, it has not been welcome. “It’s totally ruined things”, is Moon’s blunt assessment. “It’s made it massively expensive and all the unnecessary paperwork to fill out—the Coggins test, customs paperwork. We took three over to Pornichet last August. It was a real faff—I’m glad we had a winner and a place.” The hassle, however, is not sufficient to put Moon off making future forays to France. “The prize money’s much better, there’s more choice of races and we have French-breds which qualify for the premiums. They pay out down to sixth place; they look after the owners and the breeders. Since Brexit and COVID, we’ve taken the decision that our breeding stock will stay in France.” 

For its part, the Channel Islands Racing and Hunt Club—the governing authority for racing on the islands—is keen to facilitate visiting connections. “We welcome them with open arms”, its honorary secretary, Jonathan Perrée points out, “and try to minimise the bureaucracy as much as possible.”

The low volume of races on the islands and modest prize money beg the question: How do Jersey-based trainers survive? Moon explains, “A lot of the yards over here have split operations, with livery in another yard. The liveries keep the yards buoyant through the winter months.”   

For Moon, there is one feature of Jersey’s geography that is of distinct benefit to its trainers. “We’ve got lots of lovely flat beaches, without rocks or holes, so a lot of the trainers will use the sands.” Plans to bring beach racing back to Jersey have been put on the back burner due to COVID-19, but it would be popular with Moon. 

“It would be a beautiful, perfect surface for the horses. It would probably ride a bit like Southwell. I think a lot of the trainers would be up for it. And it would be a great spectacle and would also encourage people to come up to the racecourse. It’s definitely the kind of thing they should look at.” The first ever Channel Isles races were on the beach, at St Aubin. Would there not be an elegant symmetry, were beach racing to return to the island, nearly 200 years later?

The enthusiasm and dedication of those who run Channel Islands racing cannot be questioned, and it is to be hoped that its dark days are behind us. I will make a prediction. I suspect that, over the next few years, more British trainers will discover that racing at these beautiful tracks provides all the ‘mini-vacation’ benefits for their owners without any of the Brexit-related costs and hassle. With a fair wind—and I use that term advisedly—we could see an explosion of keen international competition on the Channel Isles.

Equine infectious disease surveillance in Northern Europe

By Fleur Whitlock

Equine infectious disease occurrences remain an ever-present threat, irrespective of the country where a horse resides. With climate change and increased international horse movements, monitoring and surveillance of infectious disease is more important than ever. But how is this conducted in our equine population?

In Northern Europe and the majority of countries worldwide, there are three infectious respiratory diseases commonly found to be circulating in horse populations (referred to as ‘endemic’). These include the viral diseases: equine influenza and equine herpes; and the bacterial disease: strangles. It is essential that horse keepers and their veterinary surgeons remain vigilant and knowledgeable around how these diseases present to ensure rapid implementation of control measures if they occur and more importantly what actions to take to prevent them in the first place. 

Why is surveillance vital?

Identifying and controlling infectious diseases when they occur is important to limit both the number of infected horses on a premises and the disruptive and costly effects that disease can have on commercial enterprises,  as well as avoiding the spread of infection to the wider horse population. To optimise control and prevention measures, diseases are monitored at a national and international level, through surveillance activities. 

How is surveillance conducted?

There are two main ways that equine surveillance is conducted:

1. Statutory reporting of notifiable diseases 

Diseases that are notifiable under veterinary or human health legislation in horses may include (but are not limited to and will have country-specific designation): African Horse Sickness (AHS), Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM), Dourine, Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA), Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA), Glanders and West Nile fever. These diseases have been designated as notifiable, either due to their potential implications for human health, equine health or trade. Statutory reporting is required if a disease is suspected due to suspicious clinical signs or confirmed through diagnostic testing, such as those recommended by the HBLB International Codes of Practice before horses are bred each year. The specific approaches to their occurrences will be disease- and country-dependent but may include movement restrictions and testing of the in-contact population as a minimum. Information gathered from these outbreak investigations is evaluated and shared with the wider industry, through platforms such as the World Organisation for Animal Health - World Animal Health Information System (OIE-WAHIS) (https://wahis.oie.int). 

2. Voluntary disease investigation and reporting of positive laboratory test results for non-notifiable diseases

If a horse is examined and undergoes confirmatory diagnostic testing through a laboratory and either the veterinary surgeon or laboratory contributes to surveillance initiatives, the diagnosis may be reported (Figure 1). Alongside this, epidemiological data relating to horse-specific factors such as the horse’s age, breed, vaccination status and specific factors such as approximate geographical location, number of resident horses on the premises and history of recent horse movements may also be available. In addition to this, to increase our understanding about pathogens and how they are changing over time, further analysis of the pathogen isolated from the infected horse(s) may be conducted to determine factors such as the particular strain of the pathogen. Information such as this can then be utilised to inform factors such as vaccination requirements. However, given the necessary voluntary steps that are required for a confirmed disease diagnosis to reach the reporting stage through this surveillance method, reported cases may not reflect the true extent of disease in a particular region or country. Also, some bias in the type of outbreaks that get reported may exist as detection and reporting may favour more severe cases, particular groups that undergo required testing or be more likely to be sampled due to subsidised testing costs existing in a particular country. 

Figure 1: The pathway of surveillance.

Examples of surveillance initiatives 

Country-specific initiatives may be available to encourage diagnostic testing of suspect infectious cases through incentives such as subsidised laboratory fees. In the UK, equine vets can submit nasopharyngeal swab samples from horses with signs that could be indicative of equine influenza, for free PCR testing at a designated laboratory—with this scheme funded by the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) and overseen by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance (EIDS), University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. In addition to this scheme, EIDS maintains a surveillance network of all commercial laboratories conducting equine influenza testing in the UK, encouraging the voluntary reporting of positive samples and the sharing of associated epidemiological and virological information. Both schemes enable monitoring of equine influenza in the UK, and this is essential given that equine influenza viruses naturally change and adapt, giving the potential for new strains to be more infectious or to emerge beyond the protection imparted by current vaccines. In addition to equine influenza, the UK closely monitors laboratory-confirmed occurrences of equine herpes virus-1 (EHV-1), given its ability to cause neurological signs and abortion in pregnant mares and death of newborn foals. Strangles is also under surveillance with epidemiological and bacteriological data collected and analysed to improve our understanding of this frustrating contagious disease and contribute to improving its control and prevention.

What disease reporting platforms are available?

Figure 3: Examples of the international and country-specific reporting platforms monitored by the International Collating Centre (ICC): an interim email report issued by ICC and a recent embedded disease alert.

Country-specific reporting platforms exist worldwide, and these predominantly notify stakeholders—usually through email alerts—about laboratory-confirmed disease occurrences in the reporting country. Examples in Europe include France’s Réseau D'épidémio-Surveillance En Pathologie Équine (RESPE, www.respe.net), the Netherlands Surveillance Equine Infectious Disease Netherlands (SEIN, www.seinalerts.nl), Belgium’s Equi Focus Point Belgium (EFPB, www.efpb.be) and Switzerland’s Equinella (www.equinella.ch). 

Figure 3: Examples of the international and country-specific reporting platforms monitored by the International Collating Centre (ICC): an interim email report issued by ICC and a recent embedded disease alert.

Complementary to this, the International Collating Centre (ICC) is overseen by EIDS and supported by the International Thoroughbred Breeders’ Federation (ITBF) and International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and has for over 30 years collated outbreak reports from available country-specific reporting contacts and platforms worldwide. In addition, EIDS receives reports directly from veterinary surgeons and diagnostic laboratories (Figure 2). Collated reports are sent to registered subscribers on an almost daily basis through an email that contains embedded links to specific ICC outbreak alerts. A quarterly summary report is also produced and emailed to subscribers four times a year and is available in the resources and archive section of the ICC website (https://equinesurveillance.org/iccview/). Reported outbreaks are predominately made up of at least one case that has had the diagnosis confirmed through laboratory testing. It is therefore expected that those outbreaks that reach the reporting stage by the ICC will not reflect true infectious disease frequency within the international equine population; and a country with no reported outbreaks of a disease does not necessarily mean that the disease is not present in that country. 

Figure 3: Examples of the international and country-specific reporting platforms monitored by the International Collating Centre (ICC): an interim email report issued by ICC and a recent embedded disease alert.

There is an interactive ICC website enabling analysis of all international infectious disease outbreaks reported through the ICC, which was launched in August 2019; and outbreak data for all of 2019 onwards is available through this platform. Through the ICC, infectious disease outbreak information is shared with stakeholders throughout the world, ensuring people remain up to date through this active communication network. 

In addition to the ICC, EIDS has an equine influenza-specific platform, EquiFluNet (www.equinesurveillance.org/equiflunet), which presents influenza outbreak reports for the UK and worldwide.

A summary of the recent findings of surveillance initiatives

Equine influenza 

Figure 2: European countries reporting equine influenza outbreaks in Europe through the ICC for 2019, 2020 and 2021.

During 2019, Europe experienced an epidemic of equine influenza with widespread welfare and economic effects, including the temporary ceasing of horseracing in the UK. During 2021, influenza occurrences in Europe reported by the ICC returned to a more expected level (Figure 3). However, the potential of viral strain changes alongside international horse movements makes monitoring and surveillance of this virus essential.

Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1)

EHV-1 is endemic in Europe, and the ICC regularly reports on occurrences of EHV-1 disease. An example of an ICC report released during 2020 detailed an outbreak of EHV-1 neurological disease on a premises in Hampshire, United Kingdom, with multiple equine fatalities (Figure 4 – left panel). Another example of an ICC report included a widespread neurological EHV-1 outbreak that occurred in Spain at several international show jumping events during 2021 (Figure 4 – right panel).

Figure 4: The International Collating Centre(www.equinesurveillance.org/iccview) reports detailing outbreaks of equine herpesvirus-1 neurological disease in Hampshire, United Kingdom in January 2020 (left) and Valencia, Spain in February 2021 (right). 

West Nile fever (WNF)

Figure 5: European countries reporting equine WNV outbreaks in Europe reported through the ICC from 2019, 2020 and 2021.

WNF is caused by West Nile virus (WNV) by biting mosquitoes, with birds acting as sources of the virus. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning humans can become infected if bitten by an infected mosquito. The ICC has reported equine cases across Europe over recent years (Figure 5). Given that many countries in Europe remain ‘free’ from WNV, it is still possible  for horses to have neurological signs such as weakness and incoordination or even death following infection. Humans can also be affected if bitten by an infected mosquito, so monitoring and surveillance of equine WNF occurrences, alongside mosquito, bird and human surveillance are essential. By way of example, WNV was confirmed in birds and humans in the Netherlands for the first time in 2020, but as of March 2022, it has not yet been confirmed in horses.

Summary

Having an appreciation of how and why surveillance of equine infectious diseases are conducted helps to improve engagement with and encourage an increased contribution to surveillance initiatives. A well-informed view on equine infectious disease outbreaks worldwide ensures continued advancements in enhancing control and prevention measures. This in turn will help reduce the risk from disease outbreaks and ensure the industry can continue to operate to its full potential.

Sources for further information about equine infectious diseases and their control and prevention are available

More information about equine infectious diseases and prevention/control:

• Horserace Betting Levy Board’s International Codes of Practice 2021: https://codes.hblb.org.uk/

• Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance (EIDS) website, hosting the International Collating Centre (ICC) and Equiflunet: www.equinesurveillance.org

• Sign up to receive International Collating Centre reports by contacting EIDS: equinesurveillance@gmail.com

Jim Bolger - What he has achieved in racing and the thoroughbred breeding industry will never be replicated

By Daragh Ó Conchúir

Some interesting comments there from three behemoths of the racing and commercial bloodstock world that sum Jim Bolger up and though made in the past, they were emphasised once more in the present, by the exploits of Poetic Flare and Mac Swiney, and by risking the opprobrium of most of his training colleagues and the wider industry in claiming that doping is a serious problem in Ireland.

Coolmore titan, John Magnier referred to Bolger not being a mé féiner, which for our non-Gaelic speakers, is someone motivated only by self-interest. Bolger, he argued, had always had the best interests of the wider industry and people within it, at heart. Also, he was a straight shooter. 

Joe Osborne, MD of Godolphin Ireland, compared the Wexford native, who turned 80 on Christmas Day 2021, to Tesio and it was appropriate. There is no one else in racing now operating at the scale he does as someone who breeds so that he can race in numbers and quality. Unless the landscape of the industry alters significantly, there will never be another. Osborne spoke too of Bolger’s courage. 

And then there is the espousal by the man himself of the type of philosophy that doesn’t feature in too many self-help books. Don’t be afraid of doubling down if you think you are right, even if first impressions are that the initial call was an error or it went badly wrong on you. That is a testament to his self-belief. Some might call it stubbornness. Call it what you like, we know as a result of what he has built since starting off at Phoenix Park, that it can work – as long as you know what you’re doing.

Galileo, who died last year after a decade of dominance in the stallion stakes, wasn’t even a second thought for breeders until Bolger intervened. Some of that, of course, was necessity. He could not afford to access the commercially popular routes, so had to be creative.

The result was an unprecedented dominance by one stallion but even though he long since has been priced out of sending his mares to the Coolmore record breaker, the proud son of Oylegate was reaping the benefits still in 2021. 

Bolger bred and trained Teofilo to an unbeaten champion two-year-old career in 2006 before injury prevented the colt from attempting to translate that brilliance into classic glory. That success and the Irish Derby victory of Soldier Of Fortune, who also came into the world and was reared at Bolger’s Redmonstown Stud before being sold to Coolmore, rewarded the support of a sire whose first crop had failed to deliver. New Approach emerged from the third crop, out of Bolger’s first Champion Stakes winner Park Express, to be champion two- and three-year-old, emulating his sire to win the Epsom Derby.

Teofilo is the damsire of Mac Swiney, who followed up Group 1 success as a juvenile by edging out stablemate Poetic Flare in a thrilling renewal of the Irish 2000 Guineas last summer. Teofilo is also the sire of hugely impressive Ascot Gold Cup victor, Subjectivist, bred by Bolger too. Of course the now Coolcullen resident bred and trained Mac Swiney’s grand dam Speirbhean, and his dam Halla Na Saoire. 

It wasn’t just the backing of Galileo that marked Bolger’s outside-the-box thinking. See Mac Swiney’s pedigree for evidence of a lateral approach – the first Group 1 winner inbred to Galileo, in this instance, 2x3. It just isn’t the done thing but that wouldn’t ever put the man off. 

Last year he sold a Teofilo filly at Goffs who was 2x2 to Galileo and 3x3 to Danehill. To the non-pedigree gurus, that means Galileo is both her paternal and maternal grandsire, while both her grand dams by Danehill. It isn’t that the rule book wasn’t read, it’s just that the bits that didn’t add up to him have been ignored. And the results keep coming. 

Poetic Flare and Kevin Manning were effortless victors of the St James’s Palace Stakes

There would have been no Poetic Flare without that initial support of Galileo either. Again, the Newmarket 2000 Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes winner’s dam and grand dam, Maria Lee and Elida, were bred and trained by Bolger, but so was his sire, who had preceded him on both those rolls of honour. Dawn Approach, grandson of Galileo and Park Express, now stands at Bolger’s Redmonstown Stud.

There was a week in October 2020, when Bolger bred four juvenile stakes winners, two of them Group 1 winners, and he trained three of them, who ran in the colours of his wife Jackie.

When Poetic Flare prevailed in a ding-dong battle with Master Of The Seas at Newmarket last May, Bolger was the first since John Barnham Day in 1844 to breed, own and train the winner of the mile classic. It would have been eight years earlier only he sold Dawn Approach to Godolphin towards the end of the horse’s juvenile campaign. 

That places context on his training and breeding feats in 2021. That his 54-year-old son-in-law Kevin Manning was still in the plate, as strong as an ox in Newmarket, cool as a breeze at Royal Ascot, was surely the cherry on top of the cream. They have shared glory all over the world together. The trainer isn’t the only one of them for whom age is no barrier to attacking a day and any challenge that comes with it, with vigour.

Courage, conviction and he would argue, a sense of fair play for all, were behind his decision to speak out about his suspicion that doping is a major problem in Irish racing, initially in an interview in The Irish Field at the time of his spectacular breeding success in October 2020.

He discussed the issue in greater depth in interviews with Paul Kimmage in the Sunday Independent and in other interviews, in print and podcast, though some demanded more detail.

While there was some support from trainers, most notably Ger Lyons, Johnny Murtagh and Richard O’Brien, and a handful more that expressed such support below the radar, by and large, his peers were outraged.

He decided not to accept an invitation to appear before the Joint Oireachtas Committee to look into the claims. That was prudent legally and while the Twitterati scream for names, you can know things and not be able to prove them. That failure to show or offer hard evidence has been interpreted by the majority within racing as meaning he has nothing and is engaging merely in “pub talk”, as Aidan O’Brien, his former assistant put it. The leadership of the Irish Racehorse Trainers’ Association, of which he is no longer a member, was more scathing.

The raid on a stud farm just outside Monasterevin is concerning however, though details remain sketchy, not least surrounding the identity of substances confiscated from John Warwick.

That a conversation began, that media outside racing media took an interest, that bodies outside of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Body took an interest, that measures to beef up dope-testing were beefed up considerably albeit that such measures had been mooted for some time, that the IHRB now faces inevitable changes of governance and structure as a result of recommendations for the Joint Oireachtas Committee that arose from his comments, will have pleased him.

But if there is doping, the cheats need to be rooted out. And if there isn’t, the system needs to be robust enough to ensure that there is confidence in this being the case. But Lance Armstrong passed 500 tests. Most forms of enforcement are reactive, the cheats, the criminals lead the way. 

Mac Swiney’s narrow success under Rory Cleary over Poetic Flare in the Irish 2000 Guineas represented a stunning imprimatur of the Bolger methodology

That’s where retrospective testing comes in and given the samples are kept, one hopes that this might happen. It is all for the benefit of the sport and business in the end. Bad publicity that might come from unearthing cheating is something to be proud of because it is something you can stand by. As Murtagh said, “The guns are out… This will be good for Irish racing.” 

Prior to the Irish Champion Stakes, Bolger told Johnny Ward, of this parish, in an interview in The 42 that what marked Poetic Flare out was talent and robustness. “I’ve trained nothing as hardy as him.”

Fashioned in his maker’s image, it seems. Completely durable. Suffice to say, in his four score years, the boss of Glebe House and Redmonstown Stud has left his mark and continues to do so. 

Nigel Tinkler - A Full Circle, or Full Steam Ahead?

By Mark Rowntree

Four decades have passed since a youthful Nigel Tinkler started training racehorses at Boltby, North Yorkshire. But the unbroken will to succeed through tried and tested methods burns stronger and brighter than ever.

The Tinklers have always been synonymous with success, with Nigel’s mother, Marie Delfosse, landing showjumping’s prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Wembley in 1953 prior to going on to forge a successful career as a point-to-point jockey. His father, Colin Sr, was raised in Nottingham, working as a stable employee to the North London-based Delfosse family before becoming a car dealer in Scarcroft (Leeds) and then a trainer. Older brother Colin Jr—father to jockeys Andrew and Nicky Tinkler—was also drawn to explore the family lifestyle of choice, namely training racehorses.

Nigel explains, “Basically, I knew nothing else other than horseracing from about the age of seven. Watching the Derby and the Grand National became like a drug to me, and my memory could easily chart the entire history of those great races. For the current generation of youngsters, history is often seen as less important than the present, even with the distinct advantage of Google or Wikipedia.”

Since 1666—instigated by King Charles II—the Newmarket Town Plate has been a similarly fiercely contested annual event. With the lure of a string of Newmarket sausages to the winner, Tinkler, then aged 12, first took to the saddle to compete over a demanding three-and three-quarter–mile circuit. Just over three years later, at Sedgefield on Boxing Day 1973, Nimble Joe became Tinkler’s first winner as a full-fledged jockey.

Tinkler went on to notch an impressive 200-plus winners in the saddle, but the lack of a steady income from riding gradually edged him closer toward the training ranks. Citing the frustration of being taken off horses on the biggest of all stages, he says, “I broke a few bones and all, but the main thing I broke was my heart. I probably did too well too early and wasn’t quite mature enough to deal with the bigger jobs. When I was younger, I was quite ignorant—a cocky bastard—although I did have a lot of enthusiasm to improve and learn.”

Initially Tinkler took over the training licence from his father, saddling his first winner over hurdles (Just Jet) at Wolverhampton in early November 1980, but it soon became clear that he needed his own space. 

“I decided to move into training and quite honestly thought that with a dozen or so horses, and if I gambled on them, I could earn as much in one day as in one year as a jockey. I didn’t view this as taking a punt; it was more akin to investing, and that’s how I set off as a trainer, buying the yard and building the stables.”

“The property at Langton (near Malton) was a market garden when I bought it for £49,000. I was told that I was crazy, but I couldn’t keep training from Boltby; my father was getting sick of me.”

“I looked at yards in Middleham and various other properties elsewhere, including the Camacho’s, Roger Fell’s and Malcolm Jefferson’s; but after a year or so of searching, I settled on Woodland Stables. I've never sought to move as I love northern racing; our local racecourses are a lovely way to spend a summer afternoon.”

Tinkler doesn’t seek to mask the fact that gambling played a pivotal role in developing and building the business. “In the early 1980s, I’d be having £2,000 on just four or five horses per year. It was very difficult to lose, and this helped me to build the yard. Ironically, I hardly bet nowadays.”

For the Tinklers, progress didn’t occur by chance. An insightful vision from Colin Sr—long before syndicate ownership was viewed as an acceptable form of ownership—led to the creation, rise and expansion of the Full Circle Syndicate.

“When I first started training, if someone called and said, ‘Can I have a half share in a horse?’, I’d say no, but please do come back when you can afford a full share. Frankly, I was doing alright before my father set up the Full Circle.”

“However, Full Circle provided the opportunity for anyone to buy a horse; my father was well before his time when you look back with Highclere, Middleham Park, Elite Racing and Ontoawinner—all among the current list of successful syndicate operators.”

Tinkler Sr faced an uphill battle in launching the Full Circle Syndicate, having firstly to go to the Jockey Club to seek a change in rules, which at that stage permitted only 12 individuals to own a horse. Shared ownership, even in quarter shares, was considered unusual, and he wanted to have 360 shareholders per horse: hence Full Circle. 

Nigel explains; “I said we’d get approximately 100 shareholders—at £450 per year—but after a Cheltenham Festival winner (The Ellier) and a Grand National third (Monamore), we ended up drawing in £13,000!”

Without a shadow of doubt, the rise of the Full Circle Syndicate captured the attention of those closely associated with racing, but perhaps more importantly also the imagination of the general public at large. Far from resting on his laurels, and as outlined by Tinkler Jr, Tinkler Sr was ever so swift in capitalising upon that initial success.

“My father ran a premium-rate tipping line adjacent to Full Circle and was soon receiving weekly dividends of £10,000. For clarity, the Full Circle shareholders had their own ordinary (non-premium rate) telephone number to call for private and confidential information.”

“In those days, before a bar was placed on such premium-rate services, people were simply going to work and calling the tipping line, or in some cases, the sex line! He’d say to me, ‘I’ve got terrible trouble with the phone line; can you give it a ring to check’? Thank you; that’s working fine, and another £2 goes straight into the coffers.”

Partly after stricter regulations were introduced on 0898-style phone numbers, the success and the allure of the Full Circle ebbed away until the syndicate eventually ceased to operate. Nevertheless, as Tinkler is keen to stress, Full Circle played a major role in changing the overall landscape of racehorse ownership.

“Times have certainly changed for the better; racing was once known as the sport of kings, but now it’s the sport for all. In 2022, a small share in a horse with Middleham Park Racing can have you standing in the paddock next to Her Majesty the Queen.”

For Tinkler, National Hunt Racing was always his first love, with horses such as The Ellier, Rodeo Star, Bank View, Sacre D’Or and Satin Lover propelling his training career forward at a rapid rate of knots. The Ellier (under Gee Armytage) took the Kim Muir Chase at the 1987 Cheltenham Festival, while a mere six year later, Sacre D’Or plundered the Mildmay of Flete over those same hallowed Prestbury Park fences.

Ironically, in 1991, it was the ill-fated State Jester for whom Tinkler harboured Cheltenham Festival aspirations. After a couple of years of searching for the perfect replacement, Sacre D’Or emerged. Tinkler recalls: “An owner with John Mackie was seeking funds, so Sacre D’Or became available prior to Cheltenham for £22,000. After viewing the horse, my owner said, ‘We’ll offer £20,000’; but I was adamant that for the purposes of luck we should offer the full asking price. When he went on to win the Mildmay of Flete, the first thing I said to my owner was that it’s a good job you gave the full £22,000!”

By the late 1980s, Tinkler was also beginning to make his mark as a flat trainer, even though by his own admission, and despite notching a combined total of nearly 80 winners (1988-89 season), he’d become a little blasé. “Looking back and being self-critical there was no reason to be running horses worth £15,000 in sellers. I’m totally different now, and I’ve never been as dedicated to training as I’ve been over the past few years.”

“I knew two years before I stopped training jumpers that the flat would eventually become my life. The type of horse that I was buying off the flat could only go so far over jumps. They’d win their novice hurdles and then a novice chase or two, but being flat-bred, they weren’t strong enough to sustain multiple seasons over obstacles.”

“To train jumpers, you’d need to aspire to be competing at Ascot, Cheltenham and Newbury, and unless you had £100,000 plus to spend on a single horse, it was very difficult to do that. For not a lot of money, I’ve had runners at Royal Ascot in addition to horses winning at most of the major flat festivals.”

“My horses have a nice, easy life which surprises some people as it’s not like my general attitude. When I’m with horses, a year is like a click of the finger. I’m lucky with loyal owners who basically throw me the rope, and say, ‘Look, just do whatever you think is best.’”

At a sprightly 36, Rodeo Star remains very much the boss of his plush retirement pad at nearby Wetherby. Bought from Sheikh Mohammed at the Newmarket Sales, and with Martin Pipe acting as underbidder, he was knocked down to Tinkler for £26,000. Tinkler speaks fondly of Rodeo Star.

“He won first time out for us at Newcastle before winning a Tote Gold trophy and a Chester Cup. We took him to Chester on the Monday prior to the race in midweek and worked him around the track under Nicky Carlisle. Immediately afterwards, I said, ‘Right, let’s go and celebrate him winning with a Bucks fizz and champagne breakfast.’ He was a good horse—a very good horse.”

Despite those vividly fond memories, Rodeo Star wasn’t the best horse to pass through Tinkler’s hands at Woodland Stables.

“Sugarfoot was the best horse I’ve ever trained. He won first time out at Ayr as a two-year-old before taking a break. I kicked James Lambie (of the Sporting Life) out of the pub one evening when he had the [audacity] to suggest that the horse must have an injury. I said, ‘He isn’t injured, but he’s our horse and we can do what the f**k we want with him.’

“We backed him each way to win a lot of money (at 40-1) in the 1998 Royal Hunt Cup. He finished fourth under Royston French, but had he been drawn on either side of the track he’d have won that race. He carried 7st 12lb there but was a proper group horse in the making.”

“The next summer he was 107-rated, and with York’s Bradford & Bingley being a 0-105, I rang up the handicapper and said, ‘Look, I’ve got a real problem here. The owner is very unwell (he sadly passed away the following year), and with a real lack of races in which to run, it would help enormously if I could have 2lb back from you in order to race at York.’ I called again from the gallops at 10am the following Tuesday; 105 [rating]. Result: I’d seen him working at home knowing full well that he was a 110-plus horse for the future, and the race at York was ours for the taking! With none other than Kieran Fallon booked to do the steering that afternoon, [he] gave his seriously ill owner such an immense thrill.”

Tinkler’s training methods have demonstrably stood the test of time, and despite recognising that he’s probably become “a little OCD”, that can only be attributable to a deep passion and enduring admiration for the racehorse.

He eludes, “When Ubettabelieveit went to the Breeders’ Cup, I took him, I rode him, I led him up. When I have a runner at Ascot, I’ll go and walk up with the horse from the stable yard. The other trainers staff know what I’m like, but I do think some of them have respect for what I do.”

“When the press approached me for interview straight after Acklam Express had finished second in Dubai, I said, ‘No, I must go and see the horse first.’ The horses are my best friends.”

As a man who has saddled well over 1,000 career winners, Tinkler acknowledges a certain element of change has occurred with regards the training of racehorses, but his spark and vigor for life continue to be fueled by searching for the highest possible level of performance from each individual horse within his care.

“With training nowadays, the big difference is that you can win a 0-60 handicap with an arm in a sling. When I first started training, you’d have a horse entered for a race a month before, and after he’d run, he’d have a few days break before selecting the next target. You trained every single horse to suit his or her individual needs.”

“Some will state that Martin Pipe revolutionised the training of racehorses, but when the five-day entry system was introduced, most started training their horses on a higher rev-counter. Horses are now usually fit and ready to race but, in my opinion, horses being trained on a higher rev-counter leads to more injuries and therefore a shorter racing career.”

“You can’t have a horse spot on for a race if you make the decision to compete only 48 hours before. It’s like making a Christmas lunch and saying we don’t know whether we’re going to eat on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day or a week later.”

It is testament to Tinkler, that although driven firmly by the strength of his own convictions, he seeks to heap praise upon those to whom he is closest, stating, “I wouldn’t swap my staff.”

“My secretary Samantha (Mark Birch’s daughter) has been with me for 28 years. Helen Warrington has been with me for 22 years. She’s one of the main work riders. My wife Kim—I probably should’ve mentioned her first—rides out four or five lots every single day, and I’d be lost without her.”

“Kim and Helen feed off each other, and I’m just there to pick up the pieces. They train the horses as much as I do. It’s not Nigel—it’s the whole unit.”

Despite such praise, Tinkler is vociferous in expressing his opposition to the recent introduction of joint licences in Britain. “I don’t believe in joint licences, and in any case, I’d have to have the entire team listed as the trainer. How far down the line do you go?”

“If ever you were to get into trouble, how do you penalise or suspend two people? A single-named person must be held accountable. A lot of the time owners don’t like to have horses with people who are older than themselves, so perhaps this is a reason for the greater involvement of the younger generation (i.e., Mark and Charlie Johnston).”

Wife Kim is a qualified jockey coach—a form of mentoring, which had it been available in the early 1980s, Nigel believes it may have prolonged his riding career. Kim is a massive influence behind the scenes at Langton.

“Kim coaches our jockeys, and it’s down to her that our riders have finesse. She not only focuses on their riding style, but also advises on their diet and way of life.”

“Many people think that Kim was lucky because she was small and light, but she was only light because she controlled her diet and exercised properly. At 18, she got to 9st 2lb, but by the time she reached 20, her regular riding weight was 7st. That didn’t happen without a fair bit of effort! She was a dedicated rider (the leading female jockey), and she rode us many, many winners.”

“Jockeys have always had a problem with weight. It hasn’t suddenly become an issue, and it always will be an issue. Wherever you place the line, there’ll be a jockey struggling to make the weight.”

Even in the days when female jockeys were under-represented in the sport, Tinkler recognised added value and was willing to offer competent riders mounts. He explains: “My mother was a jockey; she was leading amateur a couple of times, and I soon realised she had a lot of ability and that horses ran for her. I think the horses like the girls, and some ride a good race and are conscientious.”

Harking right back to the Graham McCourt era, a stable jockey has always been viewed as a necessity to Tinkler. “Graham’s determination to win was simply unbelievable—far exceeds any other jockey that I’ve had riding my horses since. He was so strong that he won on horses that shouldn’t have won.”

Hawick native Rowan Scott, described as being “very chilled”, is the current stable jockey at Langton. Tinkler says, “Rowan is a natural horseman, and it makes no difference to him whether he’s riding in a Gp2 in Dubai or a seller at Redcar. He finds it very easy to ride horses as he’s such a natural.”

Understudy to Scott is the bubbly Lancastrian Faye McManoman, who has flourished with an increased exposure to professional race-riding and the ongoing support offered by jockey coach Kim. 

“When a horse comes home after, say, Faye McManoman has ridden them, they’ll usually eat their dinner. Often under more forceful handling, horses can come home and sulk. It’s no problem if a jockey (male or female) is less forceful than a counterpart, so long as there is consistency. The important thing is the horses enjoy their race.”

“When Faye first started riding, she was very moderate. She has worked her socks off to improve. She now rides a good race, and her percentage of winners for the quality of horses she rides is solid.”

“For most races, I’m more than happy for Faye to ride, and the owners love her. In truth, I’m very easy to ride for as long as you try to do it my way. It’s not difficult.”

Tinkler is a hearty advocate of placing a supporting arm around an individual in times of need, but he equally craves strong and rigid leadership from the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). Discussing a recent high-profile disciplinary case, Tinkler says; “To think that a jockey fails a breathalyser test in May, but the case isn’t heard until the following February isn’t good enough for the individual concerned, the other jockeys that are riding or indeed the horses competing in those races.”

“It’s not a greatly expensive job to test riders daily. The BHA are testing a few horses per day on a racecourse, and if a horse is unable to produce a simple urine sample, the costs incurred are significant. Given the amount spent on testing those horses, and without having a go at anyone at all, a jockey who is known to have an issue should be tested daily until the authorities are satisfied those issues have been resolved.”

“It’s basically common sense that we should be testing jockeys more often. Plenty of jockeys have needed support in the past, and plenty will continue to do so in the future, but we can’t have the situation where riders are competing under the influence of alcohol, drugs or whatever.”

So, what of the future for a resurgent Tinkler?

“I’d been doing okay training 20 or so winners per year until I got a contact in Hong Kong which resulted in me shifting the emphasis to selling some of the better horses before they’d raced. Obviously, I was doing very nicely out of selling these horses abroad, but some people began to question my skills as a trainer as the total number of winners fell. I addressed that, and the winners have flowed again in recent years. 2021 was my best tally on the flat (41 winners), and as a result, I’ve gained more and more new clients. It’s all snowballed.”

Ubettabelieveit (centre, red cap) was Nigel’s first runner at the Breeders’ Cup and finished third to Golden Pal in the 2020 Juvenille Turf Sprint

“In 2020, we were lucky to buy Ubettabelieveit because in an ordinary year he’d have gone to the breeze-ups, but given the COVID situation, the vendors were in a difficult spot in that they didn’t know what was going to happen. There were two horses that we liked, and I didn’t know which one to pick, so I rode them both myself and chose Ubettabelieveit, which turned out not to have been a difficult decision!”

“It wasn’t easy for us getting into America to see Ubettabelieveit compete at the Breeders’ Cup. We had to change flights in Atlanta, and the customs officer wouldn’t let me proceed. So I asked Max Pimlott [International Racing Bureau] to pass the papers, which stated I was the trainer.”

He said, “We’re in Atlanta; I don’t think anyone will be bothered about what is happening in Kentucky!”

“During the coronavirus pandemic, you couldn’t simply walk in the United States. I was placed in a room for over an hour while all the paperwork was checked and double-checked.” 

“The Breeders’ Cup was a brilliant experience though, and Kentucky is simply out of this world. If you had three or four lives, you’d have one of those in Kentucky.”

With an evident sparkle in his eye, and a glowing smile across his face, Tinkler offers a typically frank and forthright assessment of current stable star Acklam Express: “We knew his three-year-old season would be difficult, so we thought we’d be better off running during the winter. At his age, we knew that facing the top sprinters would be like banging his head against a brick wall.”

“He did run a good race in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot (10th), but we thought, Where are we going to take him next? He needed a little time off to mature, so we took him to Cliff Stud (Helmsley) and turned him out with a view to running in three races at Meydan in early 2022. After that, we’ll certainly think about running him in the United Kingdom during the summer—with the King’s Stand a possible starting point. But we won’t make any firm decisions until the end of April.”

As Tinkler’s playful mind turns to a second or third life somewhere exotic (prior to Kentucky), he also acknowledges the long-standing haven of Malton, North Yorkshire as home away from home. With ambitious local trainers Brian Ellison and Julie Camacho equally instrumental to the ongoing improvements at a shared gallop, and with first-class facilities already on offer at Woodland Stables, the future for any prospective Nigel Tinkler inmate remains rosy.

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The story of Never Say Die

By James C. Nicholson

The first Kentucky-bred winner of the Epsom Derby would earn a place in Thoroughbred racing lore and even played a small role in the early history of the most successful musical group of the twentieth century. But he nearly didn’t survive his first night of life. 

In late March 1951, John Bell and his wife returned from a night out to find that a new foal had arrived at their leased acreage outside Lexington. Its mother, an undersized daughter of American Triple Crown winner War Admiral named Singing Grass, was exhausted, as was the barn foreman who had helped her with a difficult delivery. 

Never Say Die

The unusually large chestnut colt, by Irish-bred stallion Nasrullah, was having trouble breathing as he lay beside his mother. His right foreleg was tucked awkwardly under his body. Concerned that the newborn might not make it, Bell retrieved a bottle of bourbon whiskey from a desk in the tack room. He took a quick nip for himself and poured the rest of the bottle’s contents down the throat of the struggling foal. The elixir revived the woozy colt, which, fittingly, would be named Never Say Die. 

After being taught to carry a rider by Bell and his Jonabell Stables team, the colt was sent to the Newmarket training yard of seventy-two-year-old conditioner Joe Lawson, who had twice been British flat racing’s Champion Trainer, and had captured most of England’s top races, but for whom the Derby had proven elusive. The colt’s owner, Robert Sterling Clark, heir to the Singer Sewing Machine Company fortune, split his horses between Lawson and another trainer named Harry Peacock. Peacock had won a coin flip to determine which man would receive first choice of Clark’s horses that year. Though he liked the look of Never Say Die, he was not interested in training a son of Nasrullah. Nasrullah was well on his way to one of the most outstanding stud careers in history, but the memory of the stallion’s inability to run to his potential because of temperamental idiosyncrasies was still fresh for many British horsemen. 

Never Say Die had been a gangly foal, but he filled out to become a lovely, compact, balanced young colt with a slightly better disposition than that of his notorious sire. Though he never displayed the mental peculiarities on the racetrack that Nasrullah had, Never Say Die did develop a reputation for moodiness and difficulty among the humans that cared for him. 

A turf writer for the Daily Express observed that Never Say Die had “an excellent, strong, straight pair of hind legs, even if the joints appear to be somewhat rounded. The captious critics might say that he is over-long of his back. Undoubtedly his best points lie in front of the saddle. There is a rhythmical quality about the set of his neck, shoulder, and powerful forearm which is carried down through the flat knees to a hard, clean underpinning.” The handsome colt’s most notable feature was a prominent white blaze that ran the length of his head—from above his eyes to the tip of his nose.  

After some encouraging performances as a two-year-old, including a win in the six-furlong Rosslyn Stakes at Ascot and a third-place finish in the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood, Lawson held guarded hope for Never Say Die at three, and believed a talented young rider named Lester Piggott would help the American colt reach his potential. 

John A. Bell III at Jonabell Farm. Never Say Die’s success helped Bell establish Jonabell Farm as one of the leading Thoroughbred operations in America

If anyone was ever destined to become a jockey, it was Lester Keith Piggott, born in 1935 on Guy Fawkes Day in Oxfordshire. The branches of Piggott’s family tree were littered with jockeys and equestrians, dating back to the 1700s. His grandfather Ernie Piggott had won the Grand National three times as a jockey. Lester’s grandmother came from a long line of riders that included her two Derby-winning brothers. Lester’s father, Keith, was a successful jockey, winning five hundred races over a thirty-year career, before becoming a champion trainer of jumpers. Lester’s mother, Iris, also descended from a long line of top-notch jockeys and trainers and was an accomplished rider in her own right. 

Lawson took his time with Never Say Die early in his three-year-old season. With eighteen-year-old Piggott in the irons, the colt began the year with a respectable second-place finish in the Union Jack Stakes at Aintree. He regressed next time out, starting slowly in the seven-furlong Free Handicap at Newmarket, and never factoring in the race. But when stretched out in distance two weeks later for the Newmarket Stakes, Never Say Die gave a performance good enough to convince his owner to give him a shot in the Derby. Though he had tired in the late stages to finish third, he was beaten just a half-length and a head in the ten-furlong test.

Piggott had chosen to ride at Bath that day, and Lawson was inclined to remove him from the Derby-bound colt for his disloyalty. Fortunately for Piggott, the trainer’s first three choices to replace him already had Derby mounts. With the “boy wonder of the turf” again aboard, Never Say Die joined twenty-one rivals on a chilly and damp afternoon at the starting line for the 175th running of the Epsom Derby. Top contenders included Darius, the Two Thousand Guineas victor; Rowston Manor, winner of the Derby Trial Stakes at Lingfield; and the Queen’s colt, Landau. Bookmakers listed Never Say Die as a 33 to 1 long shot. His odds would have been even higher but for the popularity of his young rider and the charm of the colt’s name.    

Never Say Die was away quickly from the starting barrier and fell in just behind the first group of front-runners in the early going. He maintained his position, clear of trouble, into Tattenham Corner. Rounding the final turn, Piggott bided time, well off the rail and just behind Rowston Manor, Landau, and Darius. Early in the final straight he eased his mount to the outside. Passing tiring rivals, Never Say Die roared to the front in mid-stretch and strode on for a two-length win, to the astonishment of hundreds of thousands in attendance and millions listening to the BBC radio broadcast. 

With his colt’s Derby conquest, Sterling Clark became the first American owner to win the renowned race with an American horse that he bred himself. In the Derby’s long history there had been only one American-born horse to win—Pennsylvania-bred Iroquois, in 1881. No horse born in Kentucky, the commercial breeding center of the American Thoroughbred industry, had ever won the British Classic.  

American horsemen were overjoyed. In The Thoroughbred Record, a Kentucky-based weekly publication, columnist Frank Jennings noted that, prior to Never Say Die’s victory, “repeated failure on the part of Americans in the English Derby not only was becoming monotonous but was downright discouraging. Men of less determination and means than Mr. Clark gradually had become reconciled to the idea that a score in the big race at Epsom was virtually impossible with a colt bred and raised on this side of the Atlantic. Never Say Die did a great deal toward changing this thought and at the same time [demonstrated] that American bloodlines, when properly blended with those of foreign lands, can hold their own in the top company of the world.”

The seventy-six-year-old Clark had lived a remarkable life. He had served as a U.S. Army officer during the Spanish-American War and the Boxer Rebellion, led a research expedition through rural Asia, and built one of the finest private collections of European painting masterpieces in the world. In his later years, he created the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute near the campus of Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. But nothing provided him greater satisfaction than that historic Derby triumph.  

Clark learned the race result via telephone. The winning owner was in a New Your City hospital, having chosen not to postpone some scheduled tests. But he was often reluctant to attend the races even when circumstances did not preclude his presence. Large race day crowds made him nervous. 

An impromptu champagne celebration was organized in the hospital room, and Clark proposed a series of toasts. A small group of friends and family first drank to Piggott and Lawson. Then they saluted Bell, the young Kentucky horseman whose fast thinking had helped the Derby champion survive his first night and at whose Jonabell Farm the colt was raised and introduced to a saddle. For Bell, born into a wealthy Pittsburgh family that lost its banking and coal fortune amidst scandal when he was still a child, Never Say Die’s Derby score provided a vital piece of early publicity for his fledgling equine operation that would eventually become one of the most respected in the world and, following a 2001 sale to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, home to Darley’s North American stallions. 

In Liverpool, two hundred thirty miles northwest of Epsom, a middle-class housewife named Mona Best listened to the BBC broadcast of the Derby on the family radio. When the results were announced, she jumped for joy. Mona had pawned her jewelry to finance a bet on Never Say Die because she fancied his name. With her winnings, she put a down payment on the house she had long admired, a large fifteen-room Victorian at 8 Hayman’s Green in the West Derby section of Liverpool.  

Before it was fixed up, children called it “Dracula’s Castle.”  But it had an unusually spacious cellar where, after renovations, Mona opened the Casbah Coffee Club as a place where her son Pete and his friends could congregate. The idea proved much more popular with the neighborhood youth than she had imagined, however, and soon the club had a thousand members who paid an annual fee of 12 ½ pence. 

A group of teenaged musicians called the Quarrymen played the opening night in late August 1959, after helping to paint the walls and the ceilings that summer. Their set included American rock n roll favorites such as Little Richard’s “Long Tall Sally” and Chuck Berry’s “Roll Over Beethoven.” The group’s name was a nod to Quarry Bank High School, which their lead singer, John Lennon, had attended. Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ken Brown rounded out the lineup.  

Mona was sufficiently impressed with the four guitarists to offer them a weekly engagement at the Casbah. Their compensation was to be three pounds cash, and all the Coca-Cola and crisps that the boys could consume. Soon the young musicians dropped Brown, changed their name to the Beatles, and were looking for a drummer to join them for an extended booking in Germany. Pete became the Beatles’ first regular drummer and played with the band for two years, including their three formative stints in Hamburg, before being replaced by Ringo Starr at the precipice of international celebrity.   

Whereas the Beatles were four lads from Liverpool who took America by storm with music that had distinctly American roots, Never Say Die was an American-born horse with a pedigree dominated by European influence that won England’s greatest horse race. Although Never Say Die’s Derby victory did not have the immediate impact on Thoroughbred racing that the Beatles had on western culture, his win at Epsom in 1954 was an important signal of change that had been taking place for decades. Vast fortunes with roots in the American industrial expansion of the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries had made it possible for wealthy Americans and their heirs to purchase many of Europe’s top Thoroughbreds from their aristocratic owners and import them to America for breeding purposes. By the 1970s, American racehorses produced from those European bloodlines would be winning Europe’s top races with some regularity, and with lasting ramifications for the international Thoroughbred industry.          

Spain back in the Black Type big time new policy offers hope for other ‘smaller’ racing nations

La Zarzuela racecourse, Madrid

By Dr Paull Khan

This year’s winner and placed horses in the Gran Premio de Madrid—run on Saturday, June 25th at Madrid’s La Zarzuela racetrack—will qualify for ‘black type’ in sales catalogues. This follows a decision by the European Pattern Committee (EPC) to approve a new ‘flagship race’ scheme designed to give ‘emerging’ EMHF racing nations a leg up in their quest for international recognition of their best races.

When news of the decision broke, the deadline for entries for this historical race—run on turf for three-year-olds and up, over 2,500 metres with a prize fund of €68,000—was days away. So, the track extended the deadline by a few days, while its new status was publicised. This paid dividends, with two additional entries received from Great Britain and France. There is still ‘room at the inn’, there being a Supplementary Entry stage on June 20th. 

La Zarzuela’s director-general, Alvaro Gutierrez

La Zarzuela’s director-general, Alvaro Gutierrez, gave his reaction to the development: “For La Zarzuela, who have just celebrated 80 years since opening, and for the whole Spanish horseracing industry—to get back a Black Type race means a lot. We have been working over recent years to be more international and develop our races in quality and level. We have very good tracks and very good professionals that demonstrate, whenever they compete abroad, the quality of our horses. Our local Category A races are really well-situated in prize money terms. We deserve to be recognised by IFHA again with a Black Type race—it will help us to continue developing and improving our horse racing program.”

The Spanish Jockey Club’s Paulino Ojanguren, an EMHF executive council member, agrees: “Black Type races mean good horses, good trainers and good jockeys; and that is what people want to see at the racetrack. A race like the Gran Premio de Madrid is a very good reason to attend the meeting and also a reward for everybody who has been involved in horse racing during the last difficult years.”

La Zarzuela is certainly a striking racecourse. Its signature ‘rippled’ grandstand roof, designed way back in the 1930s by pioneering structural engineer Eduardo Torroja, seems to float almost weightlessly above you. But how does its grass track ride?

“La Zarzuela is one of the most beautiful racetracks in Europe”, says Gutierrez. “It is a monument in its own right, which is in the running for World Heritage by UNESCO on the strength of its architecture and legacy. Also, the facilities are really good and the turf track always has the best of care. Horses here need to be fast because the pace normally is strong, they normally need to be suited by fast ground and to be tough, as the 3-furlong final straight is demanding, with the last furlong uphill. So, in essence, quality horses appreciate our racetrack.

“In 2020, before COVID started, we organised an international female jockeys championship and the feedback from jockeys and trainers was universally really good about our facilities and organisation. Prize money payments are made within 21 days. That’s why we have been visited in recent years by international horses and trainers, such as: Carlos Laffon-Parias, Mauricio Delcher-Sanchez, Christophe Ferland, Andrew Balding, Ed Dunlop, Jean-Laurent Dubord and Nicolas Caullery.”

So, what exactly is this ‘flagship race’ policy, how did it come about and what does it mean for other smaller European racing nations? 

Jason Morris

Europe has long led the way when it comes to the quality control of its pattern. It laudably applies the rules by which races are designated Group I, II or III or Listed with a strictness that is unparalleled around the world. But there has long been the feeling that, for those countries without Black Type races, this makes entry into the Black Type ‘club’ unduly difficult. In recent years, the EMHF has been inching closer to finding a proposal that ‘squares this circle’ to the EPC’s approval. It was Jason Morris, racing director at Horse Racing Ireland and newly appointed chair of the EPC, who came up with the formula which got the idea over the line and met with unanimous EPC support. He explains:

“The EPC supported a proposal from Ireland to take supportive action for the development of racing in the smaller EMHF racing nations. Growing the importance of racing in more EMHF countries will potentially produce political, promotional and commercial benefits for the industry throughout Europe. Helping to stimulate interest in racing in more European countries, improving the quality and standards of the racing and breeding industries within a broader swathe of the EMHF, growing potential export and ownership markets, and encouraging greater international participation and political recognition are all potential benefits.”

“Leading the way in quality control will remain the EPC’s strong ambition. However, pushing for that objective should not prevent us from assisting the development of the smaller EMHF countries. So, in order to move forwards, the EPC agreed to adopt a more liberal approach and agree to a lower Listed rating requirement on the basis that this would only apply to one race per smaller country.”

The full criteria are these:

• An emerging country must adhere to basic EMHF-defined administration/integrity standards and be a member of the EMHF.

• A maximum of one qualifying race is permitted per emerging country which qualifies on the basis of a lower rating parameter/tolerance level.

• This lower parameter/tolerance level is 5 lbs below the normal Listed race levels (i.e., 95 lbs, rather than 100 lbs, with the exception of fillies/mares and two-year-old races, where the thresholds are lower). 

• A race from an emerging country must have achieved this required (lower) rating at least twice in the past three years, meaning that races must have been run at least twice. 

• The race’s prize fund must be a minimum of €50,000.

• A qualifying race is given three years to establish itself before being subject to review and could be downgraded if falling below the lower ‘exceptional’ parameter/tolerance level thereafter (with the general principle being that it must either achieve the 5-lb lower average race rating over three years or the annual rating in two years out of the three renewals).

• If a country wishes to seek Listed status for more than one race or Group status for any race, all Black Type races from that country must meet the full normal rating parameters; and the country would then become an associate member of the European Pattern Committee.

Trainers can thus get a good handle on the likely winnability of these Black Type races from knowing that the average rating of the first four home over recent renewals will have been between 95 and 100.

“An aspiration for the EPC”, Morris continues, “would be that the award of Listed status to one race would serve as a catalyst to improve their race programme and horse population, hopefully propelling them to become associate members in time (allowing more than one race to achieve Listed status if reaching the standard rating parameters).”

No fewer than five countries made applications under the new scheme, despite having only a few weeks in which to do so. In this, the first year, Spain was the only country whose chosen race rated highly enough, but it is our strong hope that, with more time in which to plan, other countries will be successful in the future.

“It is very pleasing that Spain has already been able to achieve the required level for Listed status to be awarded to the Gran Premio de Madrid and that several other countries were keen to put forward races, which will hopefully qualify for future consideration. The EPC will work with the respective rating authorities on trying to standardise their rating file levels with European norms to facilitate future evaluations.”

“An emerging country with aspirations for a race to be awarded Listed status by the EPC, but not yet achieving the rating requirements, will hopefully take encouragement to target the key race(s) within their jurisdiction for the future with enhanced prize money and promotion to boost the quality of the races. For races in an emerging country to be successful, strong communication of the opportunities internationally and incentives to encourage high quality overseas participation will be important.”  

This European scheme could form a blueprint for the development of smaller racing nations in other regions of the globe. Your correspondent represents emerging countries on the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities’ Executive Council, and discussions with counterpart ‘ExCo’ member for the Asian Racing Federation, Bruce Sherwin of New Zealand, have revealed an interest in its adoption in Asia as well.

Racecourse Fracture Support System

By Ian Wright

Figure 1: The fracture support system is provided in two mobile impact-resistant carrying boxes that protect the equipment and allow it to be checked before racing. All boots and splints are permanently labelled with individual racecourse identification to ensure return of equipment that may have left the racecourse. 

The year 2022 heralds a major step forward in racehorse welfare and a world first for British racecourses. With a generous grant from the Racing Foundation and additional support from the RCA, ARVS and NTF, all British racecourses are to be provided with fracture support systems (Figure 1). These consist of two compression boots and two flexion splints—both for use in the forelimbs—and a set of aluminium modular adjustable splints. One size of each compression boot and flexion splint fits the majority of flat racehorses and the other larger jump racehorses. Together, these provide appropriate rigid external support for the vast majority of limb fractures that occur during racing. The general principles are that management of all fractures is optimised by applying rapid and appropriate support to provide stability, reduce pain and relieve anxiety. 

In the last 25 years, there have been major improvements in fracture treatment due to significant advances in surgical techniques (particularly with internal fixation), minimally invasive approaches (arthroscopy) and the use of computed tomography (CT). Arthroscopy and CT allow accurate mapping and alignment of fractures, which is important for all horses and critical for athletic soundness. All have contributed to improving survival rates; and it is now safe to say that with correct care, the vast majority of horses that sustain fractures in racing can be saved. Equally importantly, many can also return to full athletic function including racing. 

Fracture incidences and locations vary geographically and are influenced by race types, track surfaces and conditions. There is good evidence that the majority of non-fall–related fractures (i.e., those occurring in flat racing and between obstacles in jump racing) are caused by bone fatigue. This is precipitated by the absolute loads applied to a bone, their speed/frequency and the direction of force application. As seen with stress or fatigue, failure in other high-performance working materials such as aeroplanes or formula one cars—in which applied forces are relatively consistent—fractures in racehorse bones occur at common sites, in particular configurations and follow similar courses. Once the fracture location has been identified, means of counteracting forces that distract (separate) the bone parts can therefore be reliably predicted and countered. 

Worldwide, the single most common racing fracture is that of the metacarpal/metatarsal condyles (condylar fracture). In Europe, the second most common fracture is a sagittal/parasagittal fracture of the proximal phalanx (split pastern). Both are most frequent in the forelimbs. In the United States, particularly when racing on dirt, fractures of the proximal sesamoid bones (almost always in the forelimbs) are the most common reason for on-course euthanasia. They occur less frequently when racing on turf but are seen at increased frequency on all-weather surfaces in the UK. 

There is no specific data documenting outcomes of horses with sustained fractures on racecourses. However, there is solid data for the two commonest racing injuries. The figures below are a meta-analysis of published data worldwide.

CONDYLAR FRACTURES

• Repaired incomplete fractures; 80% returned to racing

• Complete non-displaced fractures; 66% of repaired fractures returned to racing

• Displaced fractures; 51% raced following repair

• Propagating fractures; 40% raced following repair

SPLIT PASTERN

• Short incomplete fractures; 65% returned to racing

• Long incomplete fractures; 61% returned to racing

• Complete fractures; 51% returned to racing

• Comminuted fractures in most circumstances end racing careers but with appropriate support and surgical repair, many horses can be saved. There is only one comprehensive series of 64 cases in the literature of which 45 (70%) of treated cases survived. 

Figure 2: Newmarket Compression Boot.

The science behind the development of fracture support systems comes from two directions. The first is data collected from racecourse injuries and the second, improved understanding of fracture courses and behaviour. Data collected from UK flat racecourses between 2000 and 2013 demonstrated that 66% of fractures occurred in the lower limb (from knee and hock down); and of that, over 50% of fractures involved the fetlock joints. Condylar fractures are most common, representing 27% of all reported fractures; and of these, approximately two-thirds occurred in the forelimbs. Split pasterns were the second most common, accounting for 19% of all fractures with three quarters of these occurring in the forelimbs. These fractures have predictable planes and courses which means that once recognised, they can effectively be immobilised in a standard manner that is optimal for each fracture type. For condylar fractures and split pasterns, this principally involves extension of the fetlock joint. By contrast, in order to preserve soft tissues and blood supply to the lower limb, fractures of the sesamoid bones (which represent 7% of recorded fractures in UK flat racing) require fetlock flexion. 

Figure 3: Compression boot fitted to a horse with a condylar fracture, allowing safe comfortable movement.

The compression boot (Figure 2) is readily applied “trackside” and can be used to stabilise most distal forelimb fractures sufficiently for horses to be moved off of the course. It is the temporary immobilisation of choice for forelimb condylar fractures and split pasterns (Figure 3). Radiographs can be taken with the boot in place (Figure 4), and this can be maintained for transport. The boot is a rigid construct of fibreglass made from a single mould. The divided front portion is contiguous with a foot plate on which the back of the boot is hinged. Removable foot inserts are provided to make minor adjustments for hoof size. The boot is lined with foam rubber and has a rubber sole plate, which protects the shell and provides a cushion grip for the foot. When the boot is opened, the injured limb is placed into the front of the boot while the back is closed and secured by sequential adjustment of ski boot clips. When the boot edges are opposed (it cannot be over-tightened), immobilisation is secure. It is made with a fixed fetlock angle of 150o which counteracts distracting forces and allows horses to weight-bear and load the limb to walk. 

Figure 4: X-ray of horse with a condylar fracture (arrows) taken with a compression boot fitted.

Figure 5: a & b) Fitted flexion splint. c & d)  X-rays of horse with bilateral sesamoid fractures taken before (c) and after (d) fitting a flexion splint, correcting hyperextension (dropping) of the fetlock and closing the fracture gap.

Flexion splints (Figure 5) are critical for the survival of horses with breakdown injuries such as sesamoid fractures. They are also suitable for other lower limb injuries, which are supported by fetlock and pastern flexion. The splints are made of aluminium with a secure footplate and conjoined foam-lined front splint, which is angled at 30o at the level of the coffin joint and extends to the top of the cannon. There is a shallow foam-covered concavity in which the upper cannon sits, allowing the horse to lean into the splint and load the leg while flexed. The splint is secured to the leg with nylon and Velcro straps. 

The aluminium splints (Figure 6) are lightweight, adjustable and modular to fit individual horse and regional needs. They are spring-locked and light but rigid, secure and are tolerated well. In the hindlimb, the reciprocal apparatus that combines stifle, hock and fetlock joint positions precludes use of a compression boot. However, modular splints provide rigid support for condylar fractures and split pasterns in hindlimbs and are secured over a bandage to create a parallel sided tube, on the inside and outside of the limb. The splints can also be adjusted and assembled to splint fractures that occur less commonly above the fetlock (Figure 7). 

Figure 6: Adjustable aluminium splints and application to a hindlimb to splint a condylar fracture.

Figure 7: Modular use of aluminium splint suitable for splinting (a & b) knee and (c) forearm fractures.

Appropriate immobilisation effectively stops fracture progression (i.e,. getting worse), which not only improves the horse's prospects for recovery but also provides effective relief from pain and anxiety. As flight animals, loss of limb control or function is a major contributor to stress. The relief provided by effective immobilisation is substantially greater than provided by any pain killer or sedative. It is also recognised that when fractures occur in the high adrenalin environment of racing, horses exhibit latent pain syndrome. Application of appropriate rigid support at this time (i.e., on the course) limits pain generation and allows humane movement for considered evaluation, X-ray, etc. away from the racetrack. 

Techniques for application of the boots and splints are taught to racecourse veterinary surgeons at annual seminars facilitated by the Association of Racecourse Veterinary Surgeons (ARVS). The RCA has provided forms to record use and to collect data centrally which, in the fullness of time, will determine impact and help guide future welfare strategies. The equipment is currently being rolled out and will be available at all British racecourses at the start of the 2022 flat race season. 

The initiative has been widely welcomed by the industry. “This new equipment will provide the best possible chance for an injury to be properly assessed while discomfort to the horse is significantly reduced [to] give the best chance of future rehabilitation.” Caroline Davies, RCA Racecourse Services Director.

“The fracture support kit is a major advance in the treatment of horses on the racetrack. It allows immediate effective support to be applied to an injured horse, resulting in pain control and stability, facilitating safe transport from the racecourse to a centre of excellence without risk of exacerbating the injury. This will optimise the chance of horses to return to athletic function. This innovation must be seen as a major step forward in horse welfare for the participants in racing and all other equine disciplines.” Simon Knapp, Horse Welfare Board

“As a clerk of the course, my number-one priority is the safety of the horses and riders who participate in racing, and we constantly seek ways to improve in that area. The equine fracture support kits are an excellent addition to the equipment available to racecourse veterinary teams and a vital step forward in horse welfare. It is so important for both the immediate comfort and long-term prognosis of a horse who suffers a fracture that the injury is immobilised, and the fracture support kits provide that stability quickly and effectively.” Andrew Cooper, Clerk of the Course, Sandown Park and Epsom Downs

“The introduction of these boots and splints to all racecourses in Great Britain represents a major advancement for the welfare of racehorses. This demonstrates the collective desire of all the sports participants to show to a wider society the ambition to continually improve racehorse welfare.” James Given, BHA Director of Equine Health and Welfare

“The importance of the fracture support kits cannot be overstated. In providing stability and support, it gives horses the best possible chance of recovery.” Emma Lavelle, NTF President

“I have no doubt that in time no racecourse in the world which purports to take equine welfare seriously will be without a set of fracture support kits.” Marcus Armytage, Daily Telegraph

Have horse, why travel?

Alpinista with Luke Morris wins the Longines 131.Grossen Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten racecourse, 2021

By Lissa Oliver

It used to be a case of “have horse, will travel” for some globetrotting trainers, when internationally renowned races and global competition could really put them, and their horse, on the map. We didn’t know how good the southern hemisphere sprinters were until they arrived at Ascot; and we didn’t know how good the European middle-distance and staying horses were until they travelled to Australia or were exported to Hong Kong. Now we’re seeing Japanese horses as a force to be reckoned with, and they’re not travelling for prize money. The big stage establishes the big player.

But still, global competition was only for the big players and stardom was the attraction, not money. The Gp. 1 champions competing abroad had earned their airfare already. Those below simply couldn’t afford to travel to take them on.

With the two recent problems—the global pandemic and the more localised Brexit—travel should have become harder and, indeed, we’ve seen from past pages here that travel between France, Ireland and Britain—the busiest thoroughbred routes—has decreased quite significantly as a result.

For many trainers, however, those problems have not been a deterrent. The lucrative prizes abroad are worth the added effort and paperwork to plunder. Whether there are smaller yards trying to target better prize money to pay their way or owners seeking black type for their horses, a more flexible approach to the programme can pay dividends—especially for those who think out of the box and look further afield or to lesser-known countries.

Sir Mark Prescott is a prime example of using the European race programme to enhance the stud value of his horses. He is already synonymous with working backwards from a big handicap target to ensure the most efficient and beneficial preparation possible. Now he is transferring those tactics to target what might be perceived as Europe’s less competitive Gp. 1 races.

The race of the season in 2021 turned out to be at Hoppegarten at the beginning of August when Alpinista won the Gp. 1 Grosser Preis von Berlin for Sir Mark Prescott and owner-breeder Miss Kirsten Rausing, winning €106,900 as well as enhanced black type.

More interestingly, finishing second that afternoon was Torquator Tasso, trained by Marcel Weiss. And we all know what he did next, taking the Gp. 1 Grosser Preis von Baden en route to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. In third place was Charlie Appleby’s Walton Street, who won the Gr. 1 Canadian International on his next start. Alpinista meanwhile continued on her unbeaten season to claim the Gp. 1 Preis von Europa at Cologne in September and the Gp. 1 Grosser Preis von Bayern at Munich in November, taking her earnings to €509,314 in the process.

That was a nice case of black type and prize money, but even for the lower grade horse that doesn’t aspire to Pattern level, there are lucrative opportunities beyond Britain where many trainers are struggling to cope with what amounts to the ‘poor relation’ in prize money terms.

Amy Murphy is just one of several British trainers to open a satellite yard in France, where she describes the prize money as ‘out of this world’. Gay Kelleway and Paul George are among those to also cite prize money as the motivation, as well as the additional temporary fix of avoiding Brexit issues with French runners.

Over-wintering horses in Dubai is popular with those that can afford to do so, but France also offers a more cost-effective chance to get winter sun on their backs while competing for prize money that is higher than the average British winter all-weather handicap. Marie-Laure Treal, assistant director at Cagnes sur Mer, tells us, “Until 13 March, the Winter Meeting of the Hippodrome de la Côte d'Azur offers 59 race meetings. Trainers may rent boxes for the period at €50 per box per month and accommodation is offered for stable staff, allocated according to the different requests and availability.”

While France is the obvious choice when looking for increased earning potential, other nations are also trying to attract international attention with eye-catching purses. As Irish trainer Adrian McGuinness points out in relation to Meydan’s Gp. 1 Al Quoz Sprint, “There's €700,000 on offer to the winner. I could win more in one race than I won in the whole season in Ireland last year, despite the fact I had the best campaign of my life.” He also points out that the runner-up prize of €300,000 is higher than the winner’s purse in the Gp. 1 Prix de l’Abbaye.

With emerging countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia and even Libya using money to secure their instant place in the international calendar, trainers need to be more broad-minded than ever when planning campaigns.

The Belgian Galop Federation has many racing opportunities with prize money from 5000-800 Euros

Many opportunities for an average rated horse are much closer to home and easier to target. The prize money might not be eye-watering, but neither is the competitiveness in comparison to similar races at home.

Marcel De Bruyne, MvG, Belgian Galop Federation, tells us, “Our showpiece—the Prince Rose, a National Listed Race over 2100m—will be run in Ostend in August with total prize money of €12,800, with €8,000 for the winner.

“This race is open for three-year-olds and older who have never been placed in the first five of a Pattern race. The weights are 52.5kg for three-year-olds and 56kg for four-year-olds and older. Horses that have won or been placed second or third in minor races will have to carry extra weight.

“Some other races can be interesting for foreign runners in Ostend. The four races I highlight each have a total prize money of €8,000, with €5,000 for the winner. Three conditions races in July and August are the Miler Cup, 1600m; the Prijs Half Oogst & BFG Galop, 1800m; and the Prijs BFG & Nymphenburger, 2200m. 

“They are for four-year-old horses and older without a handicap value or a value equal or lower than 30kg (66 lbs) and they carry 55kg (121 Ibs). Penalties for prize money received for wins and places since 1 July 2021 are 1kg per €1,000.

The Gr.3 Stockholm Cup - Sweden’s major race, run at Bro Park in September and worth 155000 Euros

“Then we have one handicap, the UAE Sprint Cup over 1000m in August for four-year-olds and older with a handicap value equal or lower than 30kg.”

See the the complete list of races and conditions here: www.bgalopf.be/Meetings.htm

Scandinavia offers a great deal of potential and Svensk Galopp highlights for foreign visitors the 2400m Gr. 3 Stockholm Cup—Sweden’s major race—run at Bro Park in September and worth €155,000. The Svensk Derby is worth €120,289, the Listed Zawawi Cup €48,282; and supporting races include the Listed Lanwades Stud Stakes, Listed Bro Park Sprint Championship and the 1400m Appel Au Maitre Svealandlöpning—the latter being Sweden's most important two-year-old race, often attracting foreign runners. Svensk Galopp is a rising star in the racing world with plans for another new course project in Skåne.

Norway’s Ovrevoll hosts the Norsk Derby in August with a value of 121970 Euros, and the Oslo Cup in Junne with a value of 53000 Euros

In Norway, the Norsk Derby at Ovrevoll in August has a value of €121,970 and the Gp.3 Oslo Cup in June a value of €53,000.

Spain is another country on our doorstep but perhaps off the radar. The Madrid Grand Prix over 2500m at the end of June is the major summer highlight, worth €60,000. They race most of the year, with a break from 29 December to 6 March. 

The autumn-winter season begins 11 September, the highlight being Champions Day 16 October. The Champions Day card includes the Gran Premio Memorial Duque de Toledo, over 2400m with a value of €68,000; and the Gran Premio Ruban, over 1200m worth €40,800; as well as a strong supporting card and lucrative added premiums of €5,000 for Spanish-breds.

The premiums are always a boost, and every European country contributing to the European Breeders Fund also hosts a wide range of races aimed to improve opportunities at a grassroots level. 

Rachael Gowland of the British EBF tells us, “If a horse finishes sixth or better in any of the EBF races in Britain, it will be eligible to enter for one of the two finals. Each final is run over 7f and has a value of £100,000, with prize money down to eighth place. 

“The colts’ and geldings’ final will be at York Friday 7 October and the fillies’ final at Goodwood Tuesday 6 September. The EBF is contributing £50,000 for each race, and we were very lucky that York and Goodwood both came back to us and offered to match our prize fund.

“The EBF is a cooperative, and all member jurisdictions benefit from a pool of international stallion registrations; an EBF-registered horse is qualified to run in EBF races in any member country.”

Simon Sweeting, chairman of the British EBF, explains, “With a reduction in racing in 2020, came a small surplus of funds for the British EBF. The trustees were keen to make sure that this money was re-focused to do the maximum good it could for the industry. This series not only provides tantalising prize money targets but also aims to add the EBF’s weight to encouraging owners to re-invest at the yearling sales. With no early closing stages and over 100 chances to qualify a horse, we hope that owners and trainers will support this new initiative.”

In Ireland, the Median Sires Series consists of 26 races each worth a minimum €25,000. The Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes is the showcase.

The Irish EBF Auction Series for two-year-olds bought at auction for €72,000 or less is worth a minimum of €20,000 per race and has two finals, the main one worth €120,000. The Connolly's Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Hurdle Series and Irish EBF Auction Bumper cater for the National Hunt horses in a similar fashion.

Vive La France - Why is France becoming the fashionable place to train?

By Katherine Ford

The French racing industry has always attracted an international profile of professionals and continues more than ever to do so in the 21st century. The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe was once again crowned Longines World’s Best Horse Race for its most recent edition, and the very sport of horse racing as we know it was brought to the country by an English lord two centuries ago. 

Indeed Chantilly’s destiny as the headquarters of French racing was shaped in the 1800s by the arrival of British training families such as the Carter’s, Cunnington’s and Jennings’. Brothers Tom and Henry Jennings still hold the record for the number of wins in the Chantilly Classics with respectively 10 Jockey-Club successes for the former and nine Diane victories for the latter, whose family tree descends directly to Alec Head and his offspring Criquette and Freddy. 

While the Head family is now firmly “tricolore”, British influences continued until recently in Chantilly with Gp. 1 trainers such as Jonathan Pease, Richard Gibson and John Hammond. It is interesting to note that the only British-born trainer currently active in Chantilly is Andrew Hollinshead, although top jumps jockey James Reveley has purchased a yard in the town and declared his intention to train there once he retires from riding. 

Today, with the best prize money in Europe and top-class facilities, France has become a destination for trainers from all corners of the globe; and in Chantilly alone, the profession’s ranks span five continents and fifteen nationalities. 

Close neighbours Spain, Italy, Germany and Belgium are represented by a number of professionals such as Carlos Laffon-Parias, Mauricio Delcher-Sanchez, former professional footballer Markus Munch and Andreas Schutz who chose the location at the end of his stint in Hong Kong. Other Europeans include recent Greek arrivals Giorgios Alimpinisis and Attilio Giorgi, and Scandinavian couple Pia and Joakim Brandt. The young and ambitious Irish pair Gavin Hernon and Tim Donworth have both chosen Chantilly to launch their respective careers, and the American continents are represented by former International Herald Tribune journalist-turned-trainer Gina Rarick and young Argentine handler Sebastian Caceres. Add to the mix Japanese duo Satoshi Kobayashi and Hiroo Shimizu, plus Tunisian Hedi Ghabri, and it must be near impossible to find a more cosmopolitan racing centre. 

Expat experiences

After generations of domination in Italy, the Botti dynasty spread to Newmarket with Marco in 2006, and two years later his cousin Alessandro set out in Chantilly, initially as assistant, then in a joint licence with father Guiseppe. 

Maisons-Laffitte

The popular Italian was all smiles after saddling a quickfire double in the opening two contests on a Chantilly all-weather card in February, in the process pocketing €32,720 in prize money and owners’ premiums. He remembers, “I spent time with my cousin in Newmarket before deciding to come here. I didn’t speak a word of French, but we thought it would be a good idea to have a Botti presence in France! To start with, everything was complicated. We were a Classic stable in Italy, but it wasn’t easy to adapt to the right level of horses, the organisation and of course the language. One of our staff members spoke French, so in the early stages he helped a lot with translating; but I had to learn French to take my trainers exams. I’m perfectly at home here now and after all, France is quite similar to Italy!” 

From a racing point of view, the prize money and prestige are in contrast to the current situation in Italy and crucial for attracting owners, which for Botti include some of football’s biggest stars such as Champions League winning manager Carlo Ancelotti and top striker Javier Pastore. “I’ve had connections with the football world for a long time as the racehorse training centre at Milan is next to the stadium, but it’s much easier to attract footballers to racing in France where they find the whole package more exciting. Carlo Ancelotti has been an owner with us for 10 years, and now the challenge is to find him a horse to be as successful in racing as he has been in football!”

Parlez-vous anglais? 

Joint license holders Pia & Joakim Brandt’s Chantilly Stables

Another well-established European in Chantilly is Pia Brandt, who now operates as a joint licence holder with husband Joakim. Pia, who has won a pair of Gp. 1 victories in her adopted homeland (Grand Prix de Paris with Mont Ormel and Criterium de Saint Cloud with Mkfancy), remembers, “I came here at the end of 2005 because I wanted the best. An owner was supporting my move, and I could have picked any location in Europe. I chose Chantilly for the quality of the training facilities, the proximity to the airport, and of course the French prize money. I already spoke some French as I had spent time riding out here when I was younger, and the father of my son is French.” Pia says. “However my French wasn’t very academic, and I remember that utilities companies would often hang up on me when I asked if it was possible to speak in English! I think that things have improved in that aspect since then, and English is spoken more here now. At the time, the rules were that if you had had a licence for five years in another country in Europe, you didn’t have to take the trainers exam here, so I just had to follow a few modules at the racing school.” 

One unexpected complication for Pia Brandt was a succession of moves before taking the plunge to buy her own establishment with husband Joakim. “During the first 10 years, I was renting and moving stables seven times! At Chantilly, unlike at Maisons-Laffitte, all the stables are privately owned, so with changing requirements as my number of horses varied and owners selling the stables I was occupying, it was an unsettled time. We’re settled now since buying our yard, and although I have no regrets about coming to Chantilly, I am not sure that I would make the same decision if I had a second chance. It’s the most competitive and most expensive place in France to train. In a parallel world, if I had my chance again, maybe I would choose the French provinces or Deauville!”

The place to be

Tim Donworth with girlfriend Lavinia

A recent addition to the Chantilly trainers’ ranks, Tim Donworth saddled his first runners last September and ended the year with impressive statistics of five winners plus five placed horses for fifteen outings. 

The Godolphin Flying Start graduate and former assistant to Nicolas Clement and Jean-Claude Rouget is adamant that Chantilly is the best choice. “I have an international clientele, and this is where they want to be in France”, Tim says. However just a few years ago, the ambitious young Irishman had not even considered France, nevermind Chantilly. “It was all a bit of a mistake, or an accident in any case… I had spent time with Tom Morley in America during the Flying Start and loved it over there, so my aim was to go back. Christophe Clement offered me a role but he didn’t need me until six months later. He arranged for me to work for his brother Nicolas in the meantime, and that’s how I ended up in Chantilly.” Tim goes on to say, “The timing worked out well as while I was there, his assistant Laura Vänskä left [the Finnish national and Flying Start graduate is set to add another nationality to the Chantilly roster when she sets up in the town this spring], so Nicolas asked me to stay on. Wonderment had won a Gp. 1 in the same week, so he managed to twist my arm! 

“After a couple of years I decided to take the trainers course, although in all honesty I didn’t expect to pass. I tell people that it’s a fluke that I did pass, but to be honest I worked flat out for two months to prepare. The exams are definitely harder here in France than in Britain and Ireland; although I haven’t been through the process there, I have plenty of friends who have done. The language barrier is huge, but even for a fluent French speaker, the exam is hard. There are various subjects including the rules of racing, a big part on equine health, and then business planning which requires reams of Excel documents. The business plan is presented to a panel of assessors selected by France Galop stewards, including retired and active racing professionals, stewards etc.; and they give you a good grilling!”
Tim Donworth admits his French was “really shockingly bad” on arrival with Nicolas Clement, and although he progressed enough to pass the France Galop exams, he hit a real learning curve when deciding to further his racing education with Jean-Claude Rouget. “I thought that if I was going to train here, I should get more experience and see more of the country. I was in at the deep end as Rouget didn’t speak a word of English to me”, Tim says. “But I loved it at his yard in Pau—at the Cagnes sur Mer meeting and at Deauville—and got on really well with the boss as well as his assistants Jean-René Dubosc and Jean-Bernard Roth who I regularly ring for advice. I also met my partner Lavinia Brogi in Pau. She’s Italian, the sister of trainer Simone Brogi, and is a great help riding most of my gallops.” 

Despite enjoying this period in three of the four corners of France, Chantilly was where Donworth wanted to be, and he now rents part of Nicolas Clement’s yard plus boxes for his juvenile fillies in Pia and Joakim Brandt’s stable. “I’m really fortunate to have my horses stabled in two Gp. 1 yards. Nicolas is like family to me and is a great help. For instance, his head lad François works for me for an hour a day and is fantastic for keeping things in order. I did the trainers course with Joakim Brandt and was delighted when he and Pia offered me the space in their yard, which is just across the street and very convenient.” 

Tim Donworth is well on his way to becoming an adopted Frenchman, and his only reserve concerning his situation is opportunities for certain categories of horse. “The programme kills me for older horses, which have arrived from abroad. Those which aren’t up to stakes level are really difficult to place as you have to almost have a Listed horse to be competitive in Class 1 and 2 races. It’s tricky, but knowing the programme book is key to having winners.”

Results so far bode well, and Donworth has high hopes for the future. “I’m really pleased with my two-year-olds and I intend to run them early. They’ve been rocking and rolling for a while now, and I bought precocious ones as I haven’t many older horses and need to get the results to get noticed.”

Chantilly’s rising sun

One Chantilly trainer who has been noticed on the international stage already in 2022 is Hiroo Shimizu, whose Pevensey Bay came with a sweeping run to lift the Gp. 2 Cape Verdi Stakes at Meydan in January. The mare was one of a handful that the unconventional Japanese trainer inherited from the recently retired John Hammond, whose stable he now occupies. “I was present for the win in Dubai, but I don’t get excited or emotional. I soon move on to think about the next challenge.” 

Shimizu doesn’t fit the mould of your regular trainer. Dressed in scruffy, baggy trousers and sporting a thick woolly hat with earflaps, which looks more appropriate for Arctic exploration than nurturing blue-blooded thoroughbreds, he quietly indicates some of his Classic hopes turned out in the stable paddocks. 

When he arrived in France in 2008 to work as a stable lad for Pascal Bary and then Fabrice Chappet, making race entries—nevermind Classic entries—was far from his mind. “I knew [fellow Chantilly trainer] Satoshi Kobayashi and [Japanese specialist bloodstock agent] Patrick Barbe, which is why I chose to come to France; but I hadn’t considered training.” 

It was discussions with francophile Japanese training legend Katsuhiko Sumii—a regular in Chantilly whether with Arc runners or for a busman’s holiday which encouraged him to take the plunge, and contrary to many of his colleagues—he found the France Galop exams a mere formality. “They were very easy!” Shimizu admits. “I went to one of the best schools in Japan and so I am used to learning. I finished the exams with plenty of time to spare! When I first came to this country, I didn’t speak any French but now I can manage well with a Japanese accent. I think it’s a question of respect for the local population that expatriates should learn the language.” 

Hiroo Shimizu with jockey Gérald Mossé

In addition to the language, Shimizu has plunged into the programme book and specificities of the French racetracks. “In Japan all racecourses have similar ground conditions, whereas here, there is more diversity in the surface and track profiles. As for the programme, in Japan there are 2000m races for two-year-olds in June; but here you have to wait with longer distance types. In Japan people tend to be very disciplined and can sometimes lack initiative. I like the outlook here where you can do whatever you want!”

Back to school

Whatever you want… within reason and within a strict framework as far as the obtention of the official licence is concerned. France Galop delegates the organisation of the trainers’ course and exams to their educational arm, the AFASEC, and training coordinator Pierre-Henri Bas explains, “There are two sessions each year for applicants to obtain a professional licence. The training takes place during a five-week residential course, which includes 175 hours of lessons and terminates with three written exams and an oral and written presentation of the candidates’ business plan. The business module is a major part of the course and covers subjects such as management, accountancy and social legislation. We also study the rules and regulations of racing, matters concerning horses’ health, feeding and sporting performance and finally communication.”

With some general knowledge and English language thrown in for good measure, the procedure represents a real “back to school” experience for aspiring trainers who are expected to study hard. “Over recent years the success rate has been around 80%”, continues Bas. “Our aim is to evaluate the competences of individuals for the challenges involved in being a professional trainer. We have no interest in handing out licences for the trainer to fail just weeks or months later. Indeed we have a follow-up scheme whereby two of our representatives provide advice and guidance to newly qualified trainers, and they must complete an assessment after two years of activity.” 

As for trainers who hold a licence in another country and wish to transfer to France, Darius Zawiejski who is responsible for France Galop’s licensing department confirms, “These requests are examined on a case-by-case basis. We look at the professional’s CV and experience in his or her home country and some may be exempt from passing certain modules or parts of the exams. Derogations do occur, but they are quite rare; and foreign applicants, from whichever country, are treated in exactly the same way as French applicants.” So any trainers hoping to take advantage of France’s enviable prize money and excellent facilities should be warned: They will need to be willing to put their heads down and study, en français!

Always read the label – experts guide us through equine healthcare products

By Lissa Oliver

We all want what’s best for our horse and we are happy to pay a price for the benefit of a happy, healthy and peak-performing horse. But what if that price is a hefty fine, suspension or even serious health consequences for us and our staff? How much trust can we afford to place in the claims of manufacturers, and do we pay enough attention to instructions? 

Ultimately, the responsibility for what goes into our horses lies fully with us. In this article, we’ll focus on the nutritional product labelling as well regulation of products which are promoted to consumers.

Nutrition

Dr Corinne Hills is an equine veterinarian with more than 20 years’ experience in practice in Canada, the Middle East, Europe, New Zealand and Australia, leading her to develop Pro-Dosa BOOST, manufactured from her own purpose-built, GMP-registered laboratory in New Zealand. 

Ingredient listings 

“We all want to make good choices and support our horses in the best way we can, with the best use of our finances,” Dr Hills agrees. “Horsemen always ask me about ingredients, but nobody ever asks about quality management. Similar products might appear to contain the same ingredients, but if the quality of the ingredients is poor, they will provide no benefit. Think about what you are spending your money on, and learn to read labels critically.

“It’s important to know the nutrient content of your feed and forage. In a perfect world everyone would consult their nutritionist and have forage tested, knowing exactly what their horse requires, what it is receiving and what supplements, if any, are needed. Horsemen don’t always feed a ready-prepared balanced feed. If they are mixing their own, they should be analysing the components of their feed. It’s easy and inexpensive, and your vet will know where you can send samples for analysis. Good feed companies provide the service for free. 

“Simply reading the label of feed and supplements could save you quite a bit of money. In my experience most people way over-supplement. A balanced feed manufactured by a reputable company should provide all of a horse’s requirements. Adding supplements could disturb the balance of the nutrients being fed. It is worth taking the time to understand nutrition to effectively support equine health. You can go to your feed company and ask their in-house nutritionist to suggest a tailored balanced diet that will suit most horses in your stable. If the feed company doesn’t have a nutritionist, it might be worth looking around for a new feed supply.

“Metabolism is quite complex, requiring a broad range of essential nutrients to function optimally. A lot of one nutrient doesn’t make up for deficiencies in another. The balance between nutrients is important. Some nutrients are required for the uptake and function of other nutrients. Too much or too little of one nutrient may result in deficiencies or toxicities of other nutrients. Imbalances can adversely affect health, performance and recovery. At a minimum, imbalances in a feed or supplement can render a product ineffective.

“For instance, vitamin C is required for the absorption of iron from the gut. Without vitamin C, iron passes straight through the gut and out in the faeces. Vitamin E, on the other hand, has a negative interaction with iron. It binds with iron and reduces its absorption, causing much of it to be wasted. So, in order for horses to use dietary iron effectively, it must be administered with vitamin C and without vitamin E. Iron balance is also closely related to zinc, manganese, cobalt, and copper.”

Nutrients Ratio

Ca:P 1-2:1

Zn:Mn 0.7-1.1

Zn:Cu 3-4:1

Fe:Cu 4:1

“B vitamins are known to work better when administered in optimal balance with each other. Amino acids are another good example of how nutrient balance is important. The balance of amino acids in a feed is as important as the amount of protein. Imbalances in amino acids limit the amount of protein in a feed that is usable in the horse to produce proteins and muscle cells, and the wasted amino acids that can’t be used for protein synthesis create a load on kidneys, elevate body temperature and elevate heart rates.

“It is also important to adhere to the instructions on the label. If insufficient doses are given, then no impact or a negative impact on the overall health of horses may result. 

“If you are buying a supplement that doesn’t contain what the label says, then at best, it’s a waste of money. At worst, it could be detrimental to your horses’ health. Giving too much of some nutrients is dangerous.”

Reading the label isn’t always an easy fix, however, as Dr Hills points out.

“Standing in a feed store, I couldn’t easily choose a good one as I couldn’t work out what was in each one by just looking at the labels. I had to photograph the labels and then put the information into a spreadsheet, convert all the quantities and units to a single standard, and then compare those contents to equine nutrient requirements. 

“How many horsemen do that? And if they don’t know what they are feeding their horses, aren’t they worried?”

Dr Hills has one simple tip. “If labels are easy to understand so that you can tell at a glance what you are giving your horse, then the manufacturer is probably proud of their formulation and believe it will stand up to scrutiny.

“If you have to perform too many calculations to figure out what you are giving, there is a fair chance that the formulation isn’t great. Some companies don’t actually want you to know how much or little of each nutrient is in their product. Take the time to do the maths and make sure you are making a true comparison before picking the cheapest or prettiest product on the shelf.

“When reading labels, it is important to consider all aspects of the nutrient composition—including balance, form and dose—in relation to the nutrient requirements of your horse.

“I found a huge number of products listing different combinations of nutrients that were included in different forms. For example, calcium could be provided as calcium carbonate, tricalcium phosphate, or calcium gluconate. They were also quantified with different units of measure, such as mg/kg, %, ppm, to name only a few. Then, they were to be given in different doses.

“The most confusing paste I found listed contents in terms of parts per million (ppm), percentages, and mg/kg. Then, the syringe was in pounds and the recommended dose in ounces.”

Quality control

“How do you know if a product is manufactured safely and meets label claims?” Dr Hills asks. “This information frequently isn’t on the label, but it’s just as important as the ingredients list; so it’s well worthwhile to make the effort to source the information. 

“You could look for a statement on the website about quality management, or you might have to ask the manufacturer some questions. Does the manufacturer have a quality management programme? GMP or ISO certification provides hard evidence of this.

“Be sure to ask every rep that visits your stable about quality management as they will almost certainly be the most readily available source for this information. Any rep that can’t talk competently about their company’s quality management programme probably represents a company that doesn’t have one.

“GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practice, and this is a specific standard required for pharmaceutical producers. It is, however, voluntary for feed supplement manufacturers. A generic version of good manufacturing practice, abbreviated with small “gmp,” is a reference to a quality management system that is not government specified and inspected. It could be the same as GMP or it could be applied to a non-standardised or less complete quality system.

“If a company has either ISO or GMP certification, you can be sure that the supplements they produce will be safe, secure and generally meet label claims.

“Once you have selected a good quality, safe and healthy feed, then you can probably feed it to most of the horses at your stable. Spelling horses and smaller horses will need to eat less of it with more hay or grass. Racehorses or broodmares will need to eat more of it.”

Veterinary Medicines Directorate

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is the regulator of veterinary medicines in the UK. Louise Vodden and James Freer, from the Enforcement Department of the VMD, guide us through the draft documentation outlining the legislation behind the manufacture, sale and labelling of equine health and welfare products.

Guidance for advertising non-medicinal veterinary products

When advertising a non-medicinal veterinary product, it must not, by presentation or claims, suggest that it is medicinal. 

This applies to any advert—be it in magazines, online, at trade events or through client meetings and listing materials—that is aimed in part or in full at a UK audience. It is the responsibility of anyone engaged in marketing activities to comply with the VMD.

A veterinary medicinal product is legally defined as:

• Any substance or combination of substances presented as having properties for treating or preventing disease in animals.

• Any substance or combination of substances that may be used in, or administered to, animals with a view either to restoring, correcting or modifying physiological functions by exerting a pharmacological, immunological or metabolic action, or to making a medical diagnosis.

Medicinal by presentation

The first part of the definition above covers products that indicate they have a beneficial effect on an animal’s state of health. This is known as “medicinal by presentation”.

Prevention

This includes the destruction of parasitic infestations on an animal that may cause a medical condition, such as flea allergic dermatitis; hence, products that kill fleas on an animal are also classified as medicines.

Disease

This is considered to cover a broad range of conditions ranging from those caused by bacterial, viral or parasitic infections, to disorders resulting from various systemic dysfunctions, or deficiencies of substances essential for survival. We generally use the catch-all term “adverse health condition” for something wrong with an animal’s state of health. This includes injuries that pose a significant risk to wellbeing or would require more than the most superficial of management.

Medicinal by function

The second part of the definition covers two further aspects. The first relates to products containing substances with a recognised medicinal effect, commonly referred to as “medicinal by function”. The second covers the purpose of putting something in, or on, an animal to effect a change (restoring, correcting, modifying) in the way a bodily system works.

Restoring

This covers claims of restoration of function in any system within an animal that, for any reason, is not functioning within the normal range for an animal of good health. Even if there is no claim, be careful not to present before and after treatment expectations in your advert. For example, in one picture the dog can barely walk, and in another the same dog scampering along apparently healed. Such an advert would be considered medicinal by presentation.

Correcting

This covers any product used to address any deficiency or dysfunction in an animal’s systems. This includes issues like nutritional deficiencies in an animal, hormone imbalances, immunomodulation to address allergic reactions and correction of digestive dysfunction.

Modification

This includes any effect that changes the way an animal functions that is not covered by restoration or correction effects. In most cases, these tend to be enhancement claims such as “boosting”, “better”, “stronger”. Where such claims are made, the immediate question is, “better than what?” If the answer is, “better than normal,” then the product is considered medicinal by presentation. If the answer is, “better than an animal with condition X,” then it is considered as claiming to be medicinal by function.

Making medicinal claims

Non-medicinal products cannot claim to treat, prevent or control any adverse health condition. Nor can it refer, expressed or implied, to the treatment or prevention of a disease or adverse condition, or to improving the state of health of the animal treated.

For example, medicinal claims include a reference to the treatment or prevention of scours, colic, footrot, laminitis, sweet itch or pathological nervous conditions—or any other condition which is not the normal state of a healthy animal. This includes references to symptoms or any indication that the product is for use in an animal which is not in a normal healthy state.

References to the nutritional maintenance of a healthy animal, healthy digestive system or healthy respiratory system would not normally be regarded as medicinal claims. Though this does not extend to claims for preventing the occurrence of an adverse health condition or its symptoms.

Any implication that the product for use in an unhealthy animal and is intended for purpose of, or has the consequential outcome of, preventing a detrimental health state in an animal would predispose the product for a medicinal purpose for which it would require a marketing authorisation. Exceptions to this include particular nutritional purpose feeds, however, there are also specific restrictions on the claims these products can make.

Things to avoid in the advertising of non-medicinal products

• These products can only be presented for the maintenance of health in healthy animals.

The basic premise is that the purchaser of the product has a healthy animal and will be using it to support their animal’s state of health. Health maintenance does not include attempting to halt or slow the progression of a detrimental health state.

• Association with an adverse health condition

Narratives may not be used to suggest some terrible disease will or may happen, nor using statements like “4 out of 5 get” to present the product as the solution. This is considered a medicinal claim. Occasionally this approach is prefaced with the overtly medicinal company statement of intent that “we believe prevention is better than cure”.

Reference to specific diseases may be made in the form of a safety warning where use of the product may pose a risk, for example “WARNING: Not to be fed to horses with PPID”.

• Comparisons and presentation of equivalency to authorised medicines

A product not authorised as a veterinary medicine must never be presented, in any capacity, in comparison to any form of authorised medication. Marketing material for a non-medicinal product must not indicate or imply that the product can, or is intended to, be used as a substitute for authorised veterinary medicines. Nor should the use of a non-medicinal product be presented as resulting in the reduction of the use of any authorised medication. To do so is considered a medicinal claim for the product.

Disclaimers do not provide a remedy to the misrepresentation of a product in a medicinal capacity.

• Testimonials, quotes and endorsements

If customer testimonials are used in connection with the marketing of a product and report results containing medicinal claims, the claims will be regarded as those of the company marketing the product.

Claims made by a third party, such as magazine reviews or articles published by independent analysts, will be regarded as those of the company marketing the product where evidence confirms that the third party has a connection to the marketing company via solicitation, endorsement, sponsorship or funding.

If, for example, a vet who has been using a product for years expresses an opinion that is not being given in support of marketing a product, then it would just be an opinion. Any material published in support of marketing the product is considered to be marketing material. Whether that material is based on professional opinion, peer review studies, customer feedback, folkloric tradition or an “everybody knows”claim is not relevant. It must still adhere to the rules governing marketing material.

Herbal or “natural” products

Herbal products, “nutraceuticals”, or any products sourced in a way generally described as “natural” are treated like any other products. A natural origin provides no exemption from these requirements; they require authorisation if they are medicinal by function or presentation.

Biocides, insecticides and repellents

The following are always medicinal products requiring a marketing authorisation due to their use on animals:

• Veterinary product that contains substances that kill insects or external parasites (e.g., pyrethrins, pyrethroids or organophosphate compounds) as they are medicinal by function

• Veterinary product claiming to have, or which has, the function and  control of internal parasites

• Veterinary product claiming to treat or prevent a disease caused by a viral, bacterial or fungal infection

The following do not require an authorisation, provided they do not claim to treat or prevent disease:

• Product containing a repellent, such as diethyltoluamide or ethylhexanediol, provided it claims only to repel external insects

• Product applied only to housing or bedding

• Topical disinfectant applied to intact skin provided it does not claim to treat or prevent disease, including infection prevention (e.g., shampoos)

The marketing of these products is covered by legislation on biocides.

For further information regarding non-medicinal products, email enforcement@vmd.gov.uk or call +44 (0) 1932 338308 or +44 (0) 1932 338410

Probiotics – The key to a well-balanced equine gut

By Kerrie Kavanagh

It is no surprise that the health maintenance of the racehorse is a top priority for trainers. And probiotics can be used as a treatment modality to manipulate the gut microbiome to improve or maintain health. Equine studies to date have shown that probiotic strains can offer an advantageous approach to minimising disturbances in the gut microbial populations, repair these deficiencies—should they occur—and re-establish the protective role of the healthy gut microbiome. Other probiotic-associated health benefits include reducing diet-related diseases such as colic and laminitis, preventing diarrhoea, conferring host resistance to helminth infection, improving stress-related behavioural traits (e.g., locomotion) and even promote the development of an effective gut-brain communication pathway. 

Probiotics have been used by humans for more than 5,000 years with their development closely linked to that of dairy products and fermented foods. Today, probiotics are seen as an excellent non-pharmaceutical way to improve the health of both humans and animals, and there are a plethora of products to choose from. But what exactly is a probiotic, and how do they work? Why would your horse need one? What types of probiotics are available for horses? These are all questions that horse trainers ask frequently, which we will attempt to answer here. 

The Equine Gut Microbiome

Probiotics and the equine microbiome can benefit from a valuable symbiotic relationship; probiotics are seen as a restorative treatment modality for the gut, to re-establish the bacterial populations there and also to re-establish the protective role that the health gut microbiome confers to the host. But when we discuss the equine microbiome, what are we really talking about? 

The gut microbiota/microbiome can be categorised by anatomical location such as the oral microbiota/microbiome in the mouth and the intestinal microbiota/microbiome in the intestines, etc. Therefore, the gut microbiome pertains to the microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract. This population of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa) is referred to as the ‘microbiota’ of the gut, while the term ‘gut microbiome’ refers to the genetic material associated with these microorganisms. The microbiome can be defined as the sum of the microbes and their genomic elements in a particular environment. If we look at the definition of the microbiome having the propensity to an equation, then any equation must be balanced; to maintain that balance is key. If the microbial community exists in an environment in a balanced state, then any upset or disturbance to the microbial populations will cause the balance to shift (known as dysbiosis). To maintain the balance, we need to firstly understand the way the microorganisms exist within their community (i.e. their microorganism-to-microorganism interactions and also microorganism-to-environment interactions) and secondly, their functioning role. If we can understand their (microorganism) position and role, then we can maintain the balance or re-establish the balance if a shift occurs.  

Fig. 1 Factors that can lead to gut Dysbiosis

The human intestinal microbiome is now recognised as an organ and likewise, the equine intestinal microbiome is deemed an ‘organ’ of the body and is vital for the breakdown of complex food and subsequent release of energy, protection against the pathogenic bacterial colonisation and in regulating the immune system and metabolic functions. There has been much debate regarding the content of the healthy equine microbiome, and even to deduce what ‘healthy’ or ‘normal’ is requires a level of understanding of the microbiota associated with healthy horses. This question has been posed by many researchers and frankly has yet to be answered with certainty. There are many reasons why the ‘normal’ microbiota keeps eluding us; and this can be attributed to the many reasons as to why the gut microbiota (of a healthy horse) can be affected (see Figure 1). It is thought that the diversity of the human gut microbiota and the general assembly of microbial communities within the gut (with the dominant phyla being classed as belonging to Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes) is a shared hypothesis across most species (i.e., humans and animals share a similar gut microbiome structure). Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes have been shown to constitute the main dominant phyla in equine, bovine, canine and feline gut microbiome studies indicating the cruciality of the role they play in the maintenance of a healthy microbial ecology in the gastrointestinal tract. Several studies do agree that dominant phyla of the equine gut microbiota are obligate anaerobes: the gram-positive Firmicutes and the gram-negative Bacteroidetes; other phyla are identified as Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Actinobacteria, Euryarchaeota, Fibrobacteres and Spirochaetes. Ninety-five percent of the  Firmicutes phyla contains the Clostridia genus in addition to genera related to gut health such as Lachnospiraceae, Faecalibacterium and Ruminococcaceae. The other main dominant phyla, Bacteroidetes, on the other hand contains a large variety of the genus. 

Role of the Equine Gut Microbiota

The role of the gut intestinal microbiota serves to protect and prevent disease. The gut microbiota has several purposes: prevention of pathogen colonisation by competing for nutrients, enrichment and maintenance of the intestinal barrier—their ability to renew gut epithelial cells and repair damage to the mucosal barrier, the breakdown of food and releasing energy and nutrients, such as synthesising vitamins D and K and also conserving and restoration of the immune system by the formation of antimicrobial metabolites and blocking access to the binding sites of the mucosal wall. The gut microbiota is also thought to play some role of influencing the neuro-active pathways that affect behaviour. It is not surprising to see that gut disorders and gastrointestinal diseases can arise when gut dysbiosis occurs. The role of the gut microbiota may have even more importance than is realised and may have a role to play with developing illness or disease later in life.

The microbial colonisation of the intestinal tract begins at birth. The foal begins its colonisation through contact with the microbiota of the mare’s vaginal and skin surfaces plus the surrounding environments to which the foal is exposed and reaches a relatively stable population by approximately 60 days in age. It is perhaps a fight for dominance to achieve establishment in the gut among the bacterial populations that sees the foal’s microbiota as being more diverse and quick to change when compared to that of the older horse. The subsequent colonisation of the intestinal tract will reflect the foal’s diet, changing environment, introduction to other animals, ageing and health.

What exactly is a probiotic?

Beneficial bacteria can be isolated and harvested to prepare a bespoke probiotc

The word ‘probiotic’ is of Greek origin meaning ‘for life’ and the WHO/FAO have defined probiotics as ‘live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host’.  People have long believed that exposure to non-pathogenic microorganisms can benefit the health of humans and animals. The thinking behind this is that daily consumption of sufficient numbers of ‘good’ microorganisms (either bacteria or fungi) can maintain a healthy population of microorganisms in the gut and benefit overall health.  

Probiotics are used to manipulate the bacterial populations of the gut in order to re-establish the delicate microbial balance there which, in turn, confers health benefits on the host. As the benefits associated with some of the ‘good’ bacteria within the gut became known, these were referred to as probiotic bacteria. 

How do probiotics work?

There are 4 main mechanisms by which probiotics are thought to exert their effects.

1. By inhibiting pathogen colonisation in the gut through the production of antimicrobial metabolites or by competitive exclusion; in other words, they prevent the ‘bad’ bacteria from growing in the gut.

2. By protecting or re-stabilising the commensal gut microbiota, probiotics can be a means to re-establish the balance of the gut microbial populations.

3. By protecting the intestinal epithelial barrier, they maintain the health of the intestinal wall.

4. By inducing an immune response, probiotics can boost the immune response and help prevent disease.

If we consider the definition of a probiotic as ‘live non-pathogenic microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host’, then this reference to ‘adequate amounts’ must be emphasised, and the dose administered is critical to ensure that the probiotic has the desired effect. For horses, we must consider the route through the digestive tract that the probiotic strains must travel to arrive at their destination is a distance over 15 metres long. It is a race for survival! The gastrointestinal system has many obstacles along the passage such as the acidic stomach environment and the dangers of exposure to bile and digestive enzymes, in which they must survive. The initial dose of ‘live’ probiotic strains is therefore crucial to ensure survival in the gut. Prebiotics are ingredients such as carbohydrates and fibre, which promote the growth of these probiotic bacterial/yeast strains in the gut. Prebiotics are essentially the food for the probiotic strains and can help form a symbiotic relationship with the probiotic to improve the overall health status of the horse. 

Why would you need to give your horse a probiotic?

Gut dysbiosis is a fluctuation or disturbance in the population of microorganisms of the gut, which may be linked to a wide range of diseases in horses. Gut dysbiosis can be caused by many factors ranging from dietary changes, antibiotics, disease, intense exercise and training, age, worms, environment, travel, or even minor stress events—resulting in major consequences such as colic. Dysbiosis is generally associated with a reduction in microbial species diversity. 

Diet is one of the major factors contributing to gut dysbiosis. Unlike the ruminant cattle and sheep that use foregut fermentation, horses are hindgut fermenters. The large intestine is the main area where fermentation occurs. The horse utilises the microbial enzymes of the hindgut microbial population in the colon and caecum to break down the plant fibres (cellulose fermentation) sourced mainly from grasses and hay. The horse itself does not possess the hydrolytic enzymes that are required to break the bonds of the complex structures of the plant carbohydrates (in the form of celluloses, hemicelluloses, pectins) and starch; so therefore, it strongly relies on the microbiota present to provide those critical enzymes required for digestion. The main phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes possess enzymes capable of breaking down the complex carbohydrates (such as starch and cellulose). Research has shown that forage-based diets (grasses and hay) promote the most stable gut microbiomes, but ultimately the equine athlete requires far more energy than a forage-based diet can supply. Supplementing the diet with concentrates containing starch such as grain, corn, barley and oats can affect the number and type of bacteria in the gut. Optimising diet composition is so important as carbohydrate overload—as seen with high-starch diets (>1g/kg body weight per meal)—can change the populations of bacteria in the gut, alter pH, upset digestion and the gut environment, and ultimately result in diseases such as colitis, colic and laminitis. The correct diet is essential for maintaining the delicate balance of bacterial populations. Probiotics can be used to either replace the bacteria missing in the gut and/or can help maintain the delicate microbial balance even in the face of adversity such as abrupt dietary changes, antibiotic treatment and stress.

What types of probiotics are available for horses?

There are several probiotic products on the market, and most are in powder or liquid form. There are two main categories of probiotics: generic and autogenous. Generic probiotics are off-the-shelf products that contain specific strains of bacterial or yeast, singularly or in combination. The Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families, Enterococci and yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisae and boulardii are the most common equine probiotic strains. Advantages of generic probiotics are that they are widely available, easy to administer, and they may be beneficial to horse health (if the strains are alive in sufficient numbers). Autogenous probiotics are specifically formulated using bacteria obtained from the horse’s own faecal sample and, as such, are uniquely adapted to that individual animal. These host-adapted bacteria are more likely to survive in the gut than non-adapted generic strains and can quickly replenish absent or low levels of bacteria unique to the individual horse, thus maintaining health.

TopSpec Trainer of the Quarter - Gavin Cromwell

The TopSpec Trainer of the Quarter award has been won by Gavin Cromwell. Cromwell will recieve £1000 worth of TopSpec feed, supplements, and additives as well as a consultant with one of their senior nutritionists

By Lissa Oliver

Like many a trainer who has started life via the veterinary college route, County Meath-based Gavin Cromwell was a farrier prior to taking out his licence in 2005. His superb training operation at Danestown, Balrath, includes a 500m round sand and fibre gallop, a 700m circle sand gallop, a schooling strip with both hurdles and fences, a sand ring, schooling ring, horse spa, walkers and plenty of turnout space all year round in both grass and rubber paddocks. The peaceful location provides a relaxing atmosphere for the horses, yet is central for all of Ireland’s racecourses and within easy travelling distance for his frequent British and French raids.

Cromwell’s big race wins include back-to-back Grade 1 wins with Jer’s Girl, in the Mares Novice Hurdle Final and Champion Novice Hurdle; Welsh Grand National with the veteran Raz De Maree; Gr1 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham with Espoir D’Allen; and on the Flat, the Gr2 Queen Mary Stakes with Quick Suzy, Gr2 Prix De Royallieu with Princess Yaiza and the Irish Cambridgeshire with Sretaw. 

It is for his achievements at this year’s Cheltenham Festival, however, that he has been awarded Trainer of the Quarter, successfully bringing back the far from straightforward Flooring Porter to retain his crown in the Gr.1 Stayers Hurdle and only just missing out on a Festival Grade 1 double when Gabynako ran second to Edwardstone in the Gr.1 Arkle Challenge Trophy.

Speaking of the successful plan for the repeat Stayers Hurdle win, Cromwell tells us of Flooring Porter, “Rewind to last year, he had run in a Class B handicap hurdle at Navan in early December and not by design he made all the running, which turned out to suit him. He had his own ideas about things and tried to break the start and ended up going to the front and he won quite impressively by 12 lengths. 

“He went up quite a bit in the ratings as a result, so we decided to let him take his chance in the Gr.1 Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown and he romped home again. From there he went straight to Cheltenham, where he did the same. 

“After that we went to Punchestown, but it didn’t work out for him, he got very lit up pre-race and again at the start, and he doesn’t go right-handed quite as well as he goes left-handed, so he just didn’t run his race.

“Going forward, we tried to keep him left-handed and the whole plan was to go for Cheltenham again, so he was trained accordingly. He went to Navan for the Gr.2 Lismullen Hurdle and was unfortunate there, as he was going well when he fell. Then on to Leopardstown for the Christmas Hurdle again and he got left at the start and could never get on terms after that, but he was only beaten a couple of lengths in second. The plan was to go straight to Cheltenham after that and the plan came off.”

Returning to Cheltenham with a previous Festival winner brings with it its own problems, as Cromwell reveals. “There was a little bit more pressure, with him being the reigning champion, but knowing that he hasn’t been straightforward in the past, in the past few months I’ve seen him maturing a lot and I have a lot more confidence in him.

“The immediate future, all being well, he’ll go to Aintree, then he has the option of Auteuil for the French Champion Hurdle 21 May, which we’ll review after Aintree. He won’t go to Punchestown.

I’m also quite excited about Gabynako. After he ran second in the Gr1 Drinmore Novice Chase and third in the Gr1 Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick I took the decision to supplement him for the Arkle Trophy. He finished second and now he’s in the Gr.1 Gold Cup at Fairyhouse, but the Gr.1 Novice Chase at Punchestown is more likely.”