Horse Racing Alberta (HRA) announced on Thursday, Jan. 9 that it is supporting pioneering research aimed at improving the prediction and prevention of racehorse injuries with a six-figure donation to the University of Calgary.
HRA has committed $185,000 over four years to support research by Dr. Thilo Pfau and his team at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Faculty of Kinesiology. This significant contribution will fund research in a critical area of focus for the safety and protection of equine athletes.
Dr. Pfau’s research mobilizes cutting-edge wearable technology to monitor the stride length and speed of Thoroughbred, American Quarter Horse and Standardbred racehorses during races, correlating these metrics with track surface properties. The ultimate goal is to develop reliable injury prediction models that can help trainers and owners safeguard their horses’ health without altering their routines. This research is first of it’s kind for Standardbred racehorses.
“Horse Racing Alberta’s support is a testament to their commitment to protecting the health and welfare of racehorses,” said Dr. Pfau. “This funding will allow us to expand our research, refine our predictive models and work towards a universal injury prevention system that benefits the entire industry.”
The donation will also enable the hiring of a PhD student, the purchase of essential equipment and other related costs such as travel to “A” racetracks in Alberta. The research team plans to collect and analyze a comprehensive data set of racehorse stride parameters and track surface characteristics. This work not only aims to improve injury prediction but also to inform best practices in track surface maintenance.
“This research aligns perfectly with Horse Racing Alberta’s mission to promote a healthy, vibrant and progressive horse racing industry,” said Kent Verlik, Chief Executive Officer, Horse Racing Alberta. “We are proud to support Dr. Pfau’s innovative work and believe it will have a lasting impact on the welfare of racehorses of all breeds and the future of the sport.”
In addition to the research benefits, this project will create valuable learning opportunities for students, including the involvement of summer students and data analysts. The initiative will also foster collaboration with key industry stakeholders, further enhancing the credibility and impact of the findings.
(With files from Horse Racing Alberta)