This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The old "more is better" mindset in racehorse training is changing. And with no link identified between higher racehorse training workloads and a trainer's success, there's a big opportunity to change things.
Trainers still largely rely on experience and intuition, tracking the horse's fitness and performance to judge when a horse is ready to race. Despite this, in Victoria alone, an injury occurs once every 47 race starts—or about two to three injuries every day in Thoroughbred racing. The importance of reducing such injuries is evident.
Most racehorse fatalities are due to injuries, specifically limb fractures. This presents a risk not only to the horse but also to the jockey riding them. Fewer racehorse injuries therefore mean fewer jockey injuries.
To better guide trainers, our research team examined how much training might be too much for racehorses' bones. Just like any athlete, horses need to train before competing in a race. Training builds horses' fitness, and being fit is essential to performing well in competition.
However, it also plays a critical role in ensuring their bones are strong enough to withstand repeated impact at high speeds during racing. Although more training may seem beneficial for improving fitness, it can be harmful to the skeleton. High workload volumes have been shown to increase the risk of musculoskeletal (muscle and bone) injuries, including fractures.
Bone is a dynamic tissue that continually responds to how it is used. During a race, horses gallop. This is the fastest way they can run, and during one phase of their stride, all four feet are off the ground at once.
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