Saratoga Springs, New York – A review of 14 horse deaths that occurred at Saratoga Race Course last summer highlighted the complex factors contributing to the fatalities. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority released a report on Monday, stating that multiple risk factors played a role in the 13 racing or training deaths of thoroughbreds during the 2023 season at the upstate New York track, with another horse succumbing to injuries from a barn stall accident.
Investigations by the agency revealed that higher-than-average rainfall, exceeding 11 inches in comparison to previous years, may have influenced the fatalities. However, no rules violations that led to the deaths were uncovered by the federal agency now overseeing the sport. The majority of the fatalities – 12 out of 13 – were attributed to musculoskeletal injuries.
Of the 11 horses that suffered fatal fractures, three had received corticosteroid injections in the affected joint within 30 days of racing. As a result, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority has proposed a rule change, currently under review, to ban such injections into a horse’s fetlock joint within 30 days of a race. Additionally, an analysis of exercise history indicated that horses engaging in frequent high-intensity workouts covering longer distances were more prone to injuries.
Dr. Susan Stover, who contributed to the report, emphasized the importance of recognizing horse-level risk factors that could predispose them to injuries. The analysis highlighted the impact of repetitive, high-intensity exercise without adequate recovery time, leading to stress fractures and other conditions that increase the risk of catastrophic injuries.
The deaths at Saratoga Race Course shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by the horse racing industry in addressing safety concerns and reducing fatalities. Recently, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority commissioned a racetrack surface study led by the New York Racing Association, aiming to gather data on the impact of weather conditions and explore the potential benefits of using more synthetic tracks across the United States. This study precedes Saratoga hosting the Belmont Stakes, one of horse racing’s Triple Crown events, in consecutive years.
Efforts to enhance equine safety are being embraced by various stakeholders within the racing industry, including racetrack operators, regulators, trainers, breeders, and owners. The New York Racing Association’s Vice President for Communications, Pat McKenna, expressed gratitude for the thorough review conducted by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, emphasizing the commitment to prioritizing the safety of horses and jockeys competing in races.
As the industry continues to evolve, the focus on implementing safety measures and leveraging technology to identify potential risks and reduce injuries remains paramount. The report serves as a valuable resource in understanding the complexities surrounding horse racing and underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance towards equine welfare and safety.