We are pleased to have been able to support the Global Summit on Equine Safety and Technology, organised by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) earlier this month.

Around 90 research scientists, clinicians, veterinarians and racing regulators from around the world gathered in Woodbine Racecourse, Toronto, Canada to review latest findings from research into issues relating to fractures and Exercise Associated Sudden Death (EASD) of racehorses and to determine future directions of study. Two independent workshops were held to consider each topic, each of which included researchers who lead international efforts into relevant fields of investigation. The researchers also presented a summary of recent developments to racing authorities who attended the meeting.

All participants assembled on the third day to consider how research can contribute most effectively to improve the safety and welfare of racehorses.  

Jamie Stier, Executive General Manager (Integrity Services) of Racing Victoria and Chairman of the Horse Welfare Committee of the IFHA acknowledged the importance of scientific study although he pointed out that researchers must contribute to translating findings into actionable outcomes, communicate in language understandable by racing stakeholders and the public and help to develop a more targeted and strategic approach to the global research effort.

Researchers emphasised that both fractures and EASD are complex issues that involve multiple interactions of short and long-term factors, the majority of which are only partially understood. Effective studies into these fields require access to significant data and biological samples in agreed, consistent formats. Accumulation of the necessary material and its analysis is an evolving process and requires long-term commitment, close co-ordination and extraordinary effort.

Dr Celia Marr, Associate Veterinary Specialist at Rossdales Equine Hospital and Diagnostic Centre and Chair of the EASD workstream, highlighted knowledge gaps in this field and summarised critical steps required to make progress in developing tools to assess individual horses and identify those that may have an underlying problem, which could place them at increased risk. The EASD workstream also encouraged racing jurisdictions to support research by helping to provide access to essential material, including anonymised medical and medication records, along with racing videos, training and biometric data.

Dr Christopher Riggs, Director, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Equine Welfare Research Foundation and Chair of the fracture prevention workstream, indicated how different fields of research, such as advanced imaging, biomarkers and wearable devices may be used holistically to identify horses at risk of injury although stressed the need for longitudinal studies to refine their value. Chris also emphasised the importance of building a co-ordinated, well-supported global research effort to address critical issues to ensure that investment in science can be translated most effectively into improved safety of the racehorse.  

The Foundation will carefully analyse the outcomes of this Summit and take these into account in refining funding programmes in coming year.