A recent report in California shows that more horses are suffering hind-end catastrophic injuries when racing on synthetic surfaces than traditional dirt-based surfaces.
Dr. Hailu Kinde, interim executive director for the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, reported on the Post-Mortem Program at UC Davis for calendar year 2008. The report showed more hind-end catastrophic injuries among thoroughbreds racing on synthetic surfaces when compared to thoroughbreds racing on dirt.
Dr. Rick Arthur, the CHRB equine medical director, said this was the “most significant information” to come out of the 2008 Post-Mortem Program report.
“The data indicates a higher incidence of hind-limb injuries on synthetic surfaces than on dirt surfaces and confirms what trainers have been telling us about an increase in hind-end injuries,” he said, adding that the injury data collection and reporting process continues to evolve and improve, including a more precise identification of the racing surfaces on which injuries occur (i.e. dirt, synthetic, or turf).
“As we improve quality control the data is becoming more comprehensive and better formatted to be accessible,” said Dr. Arthur.
(CHRB)