Henke Grewe - the Classic winning German Trainer

Article by Catrin Nack

When Grewe retired from race-riding and took up training in 2014, it wasn’t exactly the hottest news in German racing. He had been a middle-of-the-road jockey, never reaching lofty heights. But as a trainer, he has made it to the top of his profession. 

Eleven years later and February 2025 - it’s six fifteen in the morning and It's pitch black. The first lot is out already, and Grewe is in the saddle. 

The majority of German racehorses are trained on a racecourse. Nearly every main track – think Düsseldorf, Cologne, Hannover, Iffezheim or Hoppegarten – doubles as a training centre. A chosen few have the luxury of private premises, but Grewe shares Cologne racecourse with three other major trainers, and roughly 300 horses. 

Shared facilities consist of a trotting ring, and two sand gallops, sand, not fibre. His roughly 78 boxes are split into four stable blocks, of various size and quality. The largest block of roughly 40 boxes was actually a grandstand in bygone times. 

Tighter animal welfare measures saw a row of windows being installed, with one row of horses glancing onto the stable alley, the other side enjoying a room with a view to both sides. 

Every box is filled generously with straw, something increasingly rare in domestic racing yards. “The year I used sawdust was my worst ever, and I am convinced there is a correlation. Horses feel comfy on straw so there you go.”  Three horse-walkers grace the place, one is called “the terrace” as it has no roof. And basically, that’s it. The height of technical racehorse training.  

A covered trotting ring is in the distance, but “that’s not mine. That’s Peters [Schiergen, of Danedream fame]” says Grewe. 

No saltbox, treadmill, solarium, let alone a pool. Scales somewhere, “but I hardly use them.” He concedes that horses may have a perfect racing weight, “but I need to see that. If a trainer can´t spot it, well….” 

 There is a simplicity in the whole setup, mirrored in the trainer´s beliefs. “Really, you can train a horse anywhere. Hans-Walter Hiller [who was Champion Trainer in 1999, and whose yard he was attached to as a jockey] trained on a strip next to a motorway, so clearly you don’t need much.” 

Grewe’s principles when it comes to readying horses are cut from the same cloth. “The most important thing is routine. Routine. Once the horse figures out what he has to do he can relax in that routine, and he feels secure. I don’t like fresh horses. On average my horses are out three hours a day, it comes down to three things: routine, the feeding, and proper medical care.”

The yard has a couple of paddocks now too, and some horses are turned out in the afternoon. Roughly 23 people work for Grewe, with active and retired jockeys playing a vital part in the morning. Thore Hammer-Hansen is one of them. 

Having returned to his roots in 2024, the jockey, with a retainer from Cologne racecourse president Eckard Sauren, wasted little time to take German racing by storm. He combined with Grewe (but not Sauren) to win the German Derby on Palladium (more of him later); the end of the year saw him crowned Champion jockey as well. 

Fresh from a trip to Riyadh, where he guided the Marian-Falk Weißmeier-trained, Straight to a respectable 5th place at Gp.2 level, Hammer-Hansen feels slightly under the weather but is full of praise of Grewe, who “is a team-player and a very good trainer”. 

Much needed positives after other work-riders declare that the trainer's most remarkable trait is “his bad mood before the first lot”. While such statements are (hopefully) tongue-in-cheek, the relaxed atmosphere with a lot of banter is duly noted; Grewe is usually riding three lots himself and doesn’t shy away from the general chores. 

Grewe doesn't miss a beat: while preparing his horse and answering cumbersome questions at the same time, his eye is all over the place and every idleness is (duly) spotted. 

It all started inconspicuously. Born in 1982, his parents had a couple of horses, so the foundations were laid early on. “I had to decide whether I wanted to be a professional table tennis player or pursue horses. I felt there was more money in the latter.” The good, the bad and the ugly, money is a recurring theme for Grewe. 

It is what drives him, because, quite plainly, “I want to be rich”. Grewe retired from race-riding with a handful of Black-Type wins to his name. With the help of then-business partner Christoph Holschbach he set up a limited company to train racehorses on August 1st 2014, with a mere 12 (bad) horses; his first runner, just 20 days later, was a winner. 

They kept coming. It was quantity over quality at first, “I had to get my name out”. In his prime Grewe had roughly 120 horses. The first Listed winner came in 2017, the first Group winner, Taraja in a Hamburg Gp.3, in May 2018. Khan, who eventually switched to hurdles, provided the breakthrough at the highest level when taking the Großer Preis von Europa in September 2018.  

The hardy and consistent Rubaiyat flew the flag for four seasons; unbeaten as a 2yo in 2019, he won at least one Group race in every season. While he missed out on valuable Gp.1 glory, his trainers list of high-class winners started growing: the German Derby (Gp.1) twice (Sisfahan and Palladium), the German Oaks (Muskoka), the Großer Preis von Europa (Donjah and Khan), The Großer Preis von Bayern (Sunny Queen and Assistent). 

When asked if he has a preference for fillies or colts, the answer is an emphatic “no”.  While the German Derby was the highlight of 2024 (next the birth of his son Mikk), the yard won eight more Group races. Having been crowned Champion Trainer in 2019 and 2020, Grewe's focus started to shift. 

He still likes to travel, but now it´s for Black-Type and not for claimers. His intimate knowledge of the French racing system means that country still is his preferred hunting ground, along with Italy, where he has won 10 Group-races to date if our counting hasn’t let us down. But gone are the days when for every domestic runner he had two abroad. 

Grewe no longer has that number of horses, nor does he want to. “Horse numbers are down [in Germany] because training is just too expensive,” he admits. “Look, I am very open about this but every month my owners part with €3000 per horse. Who can afford that? Look at the prize money and do the maths. Syndicates are the solution, no two ways about it.” 

It helps that Grewe has syndicated horses in his yard. While Germany may not be ready for micro share syndicates (even though Hammer-Hansen evidently thinks so), it was certainly ready for a syndicate called Liberty Racing, founded in 2020 by shrewd entrepreneur Lars-Wilhelm Baumgarten and partner Nadine Siepmann. Selling 25 shares at €25.000 apiece (for a bundle of three hand-picked horses) may have taken some persuasion at first, but success came almost instantly; now there is a waiting list. 

Buying (and owning) a Group 1 winner in every year since its foundation, Liberty Racing has now won two German Derby’s in a row. Fantastic Moon was their flagbearer in 2023 when taking the blue ribbon for trainer Sarah Steinberg, and Palladium was the winner of last year's race on the first Sunday in July - the traditional date for the German Derby. 

Palladium was trained by Grewe, who still marvels in the wonders of it all. After spending considerable time telling me that he doesn’t ‘do’ emotions, doesn’t have a favourite horse and doesn’t get attached to horses, his eyes did light up when recalling that day. “Look, nothing came easy to Palladium and he didn’t excite us at home.”  He ran ok as a 2yo [no win] and proceeded to win a small race on his fourth start, before finishing a lacklustre 4th in Germany's main Derby trial, the Union Rennen. 

“I am still not sure what wonders combined in Hamburg and how we managed to win there. It was great, especially with my girlfriend being heavily pregnant with our first child [son Mikk was born later that month]“. 

So you had emotions that day? “Maybe for five minutes,” he smiles. 

Mikk naturally changed a lot. “Everything changed with him, and I wonder what I did all day before he came. We came home from a holiday the other day, so many suitcases and his buggy. I thought - clearly we need a bigger car! I don’t think it changed the way I train, but I do feel more pressure to succeed, to earn money as I want him to have every chance in life.” The money, right? No emotions, right? 

Palladium of course went on to write his own chapter in Grewe's (and Liberty Racing’s) vita when selling for €1.4 million at last year's Arc Sale. This made him the highest-priced horse ever to go hurdling and joined Nicky Henderson’s famed Lambourn stable. He was a winner on his first start over the smaller obstacles at Huntingdon in late January. But, come this summer, an ambitious flat campaign may beckon too. 

It's not that Grewe and Liberty Racing are resting on their laurels. The latter naturally features prominently on Grewe's owners list, with five 3yo’s for three different syndicates. Among those is a strapping son of Camelot, purchased for €180,000 at the 2023 BBAG Sales and from Röttgen Studs fabled A-damline.   

Called Amico, and stabled in the same block that housed Assistent and Muskoka, Grewe asks, “do you want to see this year's Derby winner?” Well that is some introduction. History in the shape of three Derby winners in a row would beckon for Liberty Racing, and while that’s not unprecedented in the annals of the German Derby, it certainly hasn’t been done with shared ownership. 

Nowadays Grewe trains roughly 80 horses and runs a tight ship. “It´s too expensive to have a bad horse in training and I am quick to call a spade a spade. Not everyone likes that.” 

He always has an eye on the strike-rate and had nearly 30% winners to runners in 2024. His horses are brought along a little slower nowadays, but 2yo racing with its lucrative sales races is vital to his business. “Nothing wrong with training 2 year olds, in fact they need it and studies clearly show the benefit of starting early. I am no fan of pre-training though.”   

He calls a spade a spade when it comes to German racing too, where low prize money, “ineffective” leadership and rival racecourses are his main complaints. 

He misses the sense and obligations for the wider good of racing from the latter group in particular, but feels the tide is ever so slowly turning for the better. 

“They [the racecourses] need to work together, and with the owners, to create a more potent environment. My impression is they slowly understand. I do speak my mind, and people listen.”

Syndicates, as mentioned, are Grewe’s idea of accelerating fortunes in German racing and he sees responsibilities with trainers, himself included. “I know I need to get much better at communicating with owners, and yes, no doubt trainers could – and should – set up racing clubs and syndicates.” 

Grewe remains as hungry as ever, if not hungrier.  “I have won nearly everything worth winning in Germany, but there is loads left abroad.” Eckhard Sauren's horse, Penalty - a rare son of Frankel on these shores, is pencilled in for European Gp.1 mile races.  

Constant rumours suggest that Grewe is only biding his time in Germany, but more imminently he plans to take the helm of his training company buying out his (new) business partners in 2025. New chapters will be written, and the best is surely yet to come. 

Organic minerals and why they should be part of the racehorses diet

Article by Catherine Rudenko

What are organic minerals and why should these be part of racehorse diets? 

Chelated minerals, commonly known as ‘organic minerals’ have been around since the 1980s and were quickly adopted into feeds for production animals as benefits relating to health, production and physical gains became apparent through a growing body of research and proven results on farms. Early in the 1990s organic minerals appeared in horse feeds with most brands adopting a partial replacement concept, using a low inclusion of organic minerals alongside inorganic minerals. 

By early 2000 researchers began querying if diets could be reliant fully on organic minerals, working on the basis that ‘nature identical’ minerals would require lower feeding rates and could still deliver the same level of performance whilst also benefitting the environment. 

Fast forward to today and some feed companies, including equine, are now operating with organic minerals only.  Is this the future of mineral nutrition for racehorses? 

What is an organic mineral and where do minerals come from?

Most mineral additives come from inorganic compounds such as oxides, sulphates, carbonates and phosphates. Interactions between inorganic minerals combined with lower levels of digestibility means inclusion levels are often high in feeds to ensure dietary needs are met. Variability in forage is also a factor in why mineral levels often run well above recommended intakes as well as catering for the ‘more is better’ mindset in the marketplace. 

Over-formulating and over feeding of mineralised feeds or supplements does not get better results. In fact, quite the opposite. There is a fine balance between minerals, which actively compete with each other for absorption in the body. Then there is the question of energy efficiency as processing excessive and unnecessary nutrients requires energy within the body. 

Organic minerals offer an interesting alternative, having a greater bioavailability, not competing for the same absorption sites, reducing effects of interactions, and wastage of nutrients excreted into droppings. The excretion of minerals was a key driver behind the increased use of organics in the agri sector as the impact of farming on the environment continues to be closely scrutinised. The benefits of using organic minerals aren’t just about animal health and performance, they are also about environmental responsibility. 

What is an organic mineral?

Organic minerals are trace elements, also known as micro minerals, that are complexed or otherwise associated with an organic molecule. Most commonly referred to as chelated minerals. The term organic mineral is used quite broadly, and there are several different types of organic minerals used in animal feeds. Copper, zinc, manganese and iron are available in chelated form, whilst selenium is available in organic yeast.

How are they made?

Creating an organic mineral is a process of reacting the inorganic mineral salt with a suitable non-metal entity known as a ligand. Ligands are mostly single amino-acids or small peptides (chains of amino acids). Once bonded the mineral becomes part of a biologically stable, and more available structure. 

The key word is stability as this influences how that mineral behaves when fed, as the digestive system presents several challenges, including varying levels of pH. As a general rule, minerals organically bound with peptides (amino acid chains), that have a greater potential to form bonds, create more stable organic minerals than those based on a single amino acid. 

Chelation of minerals is the process used for zinc, copper, iron and manganese. Selenium is a little different, belonging to a different group of elements, that are difficult to chelate in the same manner. For that reason, organic selenium is also derived from selenised yeast, a form commonly used in equine feeds and for which equine specific research is available.  

How do chelates work?

Mineral stability and resilience to some of the challenges of the digestive tract is one part of the success story behind chelated organic minerals. Binding with amino acids also means that organic minerals utilise different pathways for absorption compared to inorganic minerals. This improves absorption and reduces competition with other minerals. 

As the ‘what goes in’ with organic minerals is more stable and is easily absorbed there is less needed to meet requirements and still provide benefits to health and performance. On a feed tag or supplement label the number might look lower but the efficacy is greater.

When reviewing your feed choices and looking at all the numbers it is worth asking the question as to what form of mineral is being used, not just the milligrams per kilogram value in the brochure. The mineral source is not always declared on a website or datasheet but by law is noted on the feed label in the additive section, so it is worth walking out to the feed room and taking a look. 

The whole concept of using chelated minerals is to “do more with less”. That is the challenge as Steve Elliott, Global Vice President of Companion Animal at Alltech describes it, and what Alltech have set out to prove is possible.

There are multiple papers on the benefits and efficacy of organic minerals in farm animals. There is however much less equine specific research available. That does not mean organic minerals aren’t good for horses, or don’t work as well, it’s just that horses aren’t generally for eating (which influences spend on research) and they are harder to research. 

What research likes is specific measurables that can easily be linked back to a change in diet, such as live weight gain or milk production. As we don’t fatten horses to eat, or use them for milk, the measurables in horses are harder to work with. Increased performance has too many other variables involved, such as ground conditions, rider etc. As such, we have to work with a smaller pool of data on horses specifically and combine that knowledge with other species with similar digestive systems. 

What is known from other species? 

Inclusion of organic chelates in animal feeds has been a common practice for the last 40 plus years. Typical inclusion levels are 30-40% of the total mineral being provided as organic, with the remainder as inorganic. At that level there is plenty of research to show a positive effect. Inclusion levels much below that rate of inclusion are questionable. Just because a feed or supplement says ‘contains chelated minerals’ does not guarantee they are included at a meaningful or effective level. 

More recently the use of organics only has been the area of interest for research. This is an area Alltech have been heavily involved in, and at present have conducted 253 trials, resulting in 131 peer-reviewed papers.

One of the key questions when considering organics is how much less can be fed versus traditional inorganic minerals in the daily diet. Just how much better are they? From other species the answer is a whole lot less, with research into poultry and swine showing less than half the amount is needed compared to inorganics mineral sources.

What about horses? 

Whilst there are no feed tables specifically for horses referencing organic mineral and inorganic mineral requirements there is enough evidence to give confidence that organic minerals could be, and already are being, used as the sole micro mineral source for horses. 

Horse feeds are typically generously fortified or over-fortified against requirements. For horses in training where feed intake is easily 4 times that of a sport horse the daily intake of copper, zinc, manganese and selenium is often significantly above requirement. For example, horses in training are often consuming copper at 250-300% of requirement. 

With the source of copper being either dominantly, or entirely inorganic, the level given is not necessarily, in fact it is quite unlikely, to be twice or three times as good as feeding the required level. High intakes will result in greater losses into faeces, having little benefit to the horse, and having a negative impact on the environment. 

There are equine feed companies already working with organics only, including Guabi Horse Feeds in Brazil and McCauleys feeds in the USA. Working closer to daily requirements, rather than high dosing, and using organic minerals only, these companies are proving organics are a real option for performance and racing horses just as much as they are for other animals. 

What benefits do organic minerals bring? 

Minerals such as selenium, manganese, iron, copper and zinc are added to feeds and provided in supplements for two reasons, to address the shortfall and variation in mineral content from forages, and to provide levels above basic requirements with the aim of enhancing performance or using nutrition as a therapeutic tool. 

Organic mineral research orientates around improved uptake and efficacy within the body, trying to improve as an aspect of performance related to that mineral. Each mineral has its own role in animal health.

Selenium

Selenium has many roles in the body. Primarily, its role in regulation of the antioxidant system. Following the uptake of selenium by the body, selenium becomes incorporated into numerous selenium-dependent enzymes and proteins, which play many major biological roles. 

Selenium is also a mineral which is regulated, having a maximum permitted level in the daily diet for horses, as whilst being beneficial selenium can also be toxic. When looking at feeding horses in training additional selenium should only be given if feed and forage levels have been assessed and factored into the daily intake. 

Major biological roles of selenium-containing proteins

Research into organic selenium benefits for poultry, swine and cattle includes:

• Improved disease resistance

• Improved antioxidant defence

• Improved retention of selenium in muscle and tissue

• Improved fertility

• Improved growth rates

• Improved selenium content in milk and colostrum

Equine specific research has also shown the same effect on mare’s milk and colostrum. 

Copper, Zinc, Manganese and Iron

Each of these minerals has a role to play in health and performance. When researching efficacy for organic minerals these are often grouped in research as the objective is to determine if replacing this group in part or in full improves the finished feed. 

Copper is one of the most important micro minerals for horses. It has many key roles including, mobilising iron stores, correct functioning of enzymes, maintaining elastic tissues, proper skeletal growth and development, and its role as an antioxidant. 

Zinc has a broad reach in the body, being an enzyme activator or co-factor, as well as being part of over 200 proteins. Zinc is required for normal functioning of insulin and for normal glucose utilisation. It is also important for a functioning immune system, healing of wounds and neurological functions. 

Manganese is involved in bone formation, fatty acid synthesis and amino acid metabolism. Unlike copper and zinc that are naturally low in forages, the level of manganese can be sufficient to meet daily requirements. Variability in levels found within forage is high and supplementation is common practice to cater for this risk.

Iron is part of hemoglobin, the component of red blood cells that allows oxygen to be carried to tissues. Iron deficiency is rare as the horse has a high ability to conserve iron. Approximately 67% of the body’s iron is stored in red blood cells in the form of hemoglobin. 

Red blood cells are formed within the body and remain in circulation for around 150 days. When they die, the iron they contain is recycled and used to build new red blood cells. As such, there is rarely a time where iron is lost from the body. The exceptions to that being horses with high worm burdens, horses with gastric ulcers that cause blood loss, and horses suffering from EIPH (Exercise Induced Pulmonary Haemorrhage). Iron is found in good quantities in feed ingredients and forages, sufficient in most cases to meet requirements. Iron is often added to feeds at low levels to ‘top-up’ naturally occurring iron. 

Research from other species including farm, aquatic and dog show, organic minerals when fed in combinations, have benefits including:

• Improved bone mineral content

• Increased growth rates and weight gains

• Improved milk and colostrum mineral profile

• Increased total antioxidant capacity

• Improved gut morphology

• Improved availability in the presence of antagonists

In horses, a study looking at the influence of oxalates, a substance that reduces calcium uptake, researchers were able to demonstrate that organic minerals were better able to prevent bone resorption compared to inorganic minerals. Diets contained organic copper, zinc, manganese and selenium. 

How does the environment benefit? 

One of the achievements of organic minerals is reduced mineral leaching, an important consideration for farm animals. Alltech have investigated this in horses also, looking at the effect of their organic minerals (Bioplex) on fecal mineral excretion and fecal mineral leaching potential. 

In this research horses were fed one of three diets, a standard diet with no mineral supplementation (CON) or diets containing either inorganic (ING) or organic added minerals (ORG). In both diets with added minerals there were increased mineral levels found in droppings. The diets were supplemented to be higher than requirements (120-380% NRC), which replicates what is commonly found in industry feeds. The organic zinc and copper levels found in the manure were lower than inorganic levels, demonstrating better uptake in the body. 

Both supplemented diets resulted in increased levels of phosphorus leaching from the manure, although the organic mineral diet resulted in numerically lower levels of phosphorus leaching than inorganic. The same pattern was seen for sulphur.  

Manure from all diets was then used to grow tall fescue grass to determine if the diet influenced grass growth. Grass was grown using the manure from the horses fed the three different diets, with water on its own (WAT), and a liquid nutrient solution (NUT).

Grass grown with manure from horses fed diets supplemented with organic minerals (ORG) had 16% greater biomass than grass grown with manure from diets supplemented with inorganic minerals (ING).

So are organic minerals a good choice for horses in training? 

Whilst the majority of research is from other species the science is sound, and the benefits found are equally relevant for horses in training. The majority of feed companies already use chelated minerals in their feeds to provide a proportion of minerals in this format, albeit at varying levels. What is less common, at least in equine, is the total replacement of trace elements with organic formats only, but it is being done and done successfully.

Maximising the stable environment - covering aspects such as ventilation, flooring, bedding, lighting and the use of therapeutic tools for the stabled horse

Article by Adam Jackson

Horses stay in their stables for different durations based on their care, training regime, health status, and seasonal changes.  Ensuring your horse's comfort and well-being in their stable is crucial, as inadequately designed facilities can lead to injuries, health issues, and fire hazards. With horse welfare under the spotlight with the focus being on the keeping and protection of animals under the European Union review, there is no better time to look at how we can maximise the stable environment.

Ammonia

Ammonia is a serious irritant that can harm the respiratory tract and cause breathing difficulties.  Lower concentrations of ammonia can irritate a horse's upper respiratory tract, while higher levels may skip this area and lead to inflammation and fluid buildup in the lower lungs.  Ammonia triggers inflammation, which increases mucus production and disrupts the function of cilia in the respiratory tract, negatively impacting the immune response.  When cilia malfunction, dust and dirt can accumulate in a horse's lungs, causing health issues and decreased performance.

Monitoring ammonia levels in stables is crucial, as levels should ideally be below 10 ppm, and an odour of ammonia typically indicates levels are dangerously elevated at 20-30 ppm, which can harm horses' health.  

Bedding

Ammonia can be managed effectively through proper stable management in addition to ensuring good ventilation. To improve the absorption of urine and faeces and lower ammonia levels, add extra dry bedding in the areas of the stable where the horse often soils.  A recent study has shown that even with regular cleaning, elevated ammonia levels can remain near the floors.  Using a combination of highly absorbent bedding materials and an ammonia-neutralising product can help lower ammonia levels.

Bedding made of pine shavings is excellent at controlling the ammonia levels.  The pine oil in the shavings tends to inhibit the bacteria that converts urine into ammonia, thus keeping the ammonia levels low.  In addition, bedding that has strong shavings provide cushioning rather than compacting together.

Stable floor setups

The type of surface on which a horse stands for extended periods can significantly influence its comfort, movement quality, and overall soundness. Consequently, it is essential to invest time and resources in choosing the appropriate flooring for your stables. Moreover, selecting the right flooring can enhance operational efficiency and lower costs associated with hygiene management and stable cleaning. Finally, conduct routine inspections of your flooring to guarantee safety and avert potential hazards.

There are two main categories of flooring: permeable and impermeable.

Permeable or porous stable flooring can consist of either conventional packed clay or a specially engineered geotextile membrane. In the case of the latter, the membrane layers act as a barrier between the horse and bedding and the underlying base material. 

In both scenarios, it is essential to install pervious materials on a foundation of well-graded crushed and compacted stone.  There are disadvantages associated with the use of pervious flooring. While packed clay is softer than cement or asphalt, it is prone to becoming uneven when exposed to additional moisture, particularly if deep bedding is not utilised. 

Membrane layers can also contribute to urine accumulation, leading to an increase in ammonia levels that negatively impact the respiratory health of horses. Furthermore, this moisture can permeate the underlying base material, resulting in the development of unpleasant odours. Another significant issue with this type of stall construction is the potential for groundwater contamination.

Stable flooring that is impermeable or impervious is specifically engineered to stop urine and moisture from seeping through. To facilitate the elimination of urine and faeces, it is essential to either grant the horse access to an outdoor space or to supply bedding that can absorb moisture and offer cushioning.  

It is essential to have a solid foundation beneath for the entire system to function effectively. Stall flooring consists of a base layer and an upper layer of material. If the base is not properly established, the overall performance will be compromised. 

Additionally, rubber matting is regarded as an ideal durable choice due to its ability to mitigate hardness, alleviate fatigue in the horse's legs, and simplify the cleaning process. Rubber mats may require a significant initial investment; however, they offer long-term benefits by facilitating consistent cleaning, lowering bedding expenses, and enhancing the health, comfort, and overall wellbeing of horses.  

A correctly installed rubber mat should be even and stable while offering a degree of cushioning. The market offers a range of matting options, including custom wall-to-wall installations and interlocking mats. It may be beneficial to explore mats that are thicker and more cushioned to provide insulation against cold floors and to minimise the risk of pain in the hip, stifle, hock, fetlock, and pastern areas.  

In certain circumstances, it may be necessary to install a drain in a non-porous stall to facilitate the collection of liquids. A drain is particularly beneficial in veterinary or maternity stalls that require regular washing. Drains should be situated near a wall, and the stall should be graded appropriately. If drains are installed, ensure that cleanout traps are included to capture and eliminate solid waste.

Ventilation

Good ventilation in stables is essential for removing bad odours, improving indoor air quality and humidity, which supports horse health, while also controlling temperature and condensation to extend the building's lifespan.

Horses are obligate nasal-breathers and grazing posture hinder their ability to effectively clear dust and debris from their respiratory systems.  Prioritising good ventilation is essential for maintaining horses' health, as it mitigates the risks of respiratory diseases caused by airborne pollutants. Failure to minimise airborne particulate matter like mould, mildew, and dust-borne bacteria can lead to serious respiratory diseases, including asthma, allergic reactions and upper respiratory tract viral infections (i.e. herpes, influenza).  

Another source of moisture is the condensation that develops within the barn.  Inadequate ventilation, especially from closed doors during cold weather, can lead to increased moisture buildup indoors.  The horses themselves are a source of moisture and with the more horses kept in for longer periods, the more condensation that is generated. Therefore, it is vital to refresh the air inside the barn constantly to ensure the health and well-being of the animals.

Natural ventilation offers the most affordable solution with minimal initial investment, zero maintenance expenses, and no energy consumption.  However, a combination of natural and mechanical ventilation can enhance air quality and comfort in a stable block. 

Installing air inlets low and outlets high in the barn harnesses the natural tendency of warm air to rise, improving ventilation efficiency.  To optimise ventilation, high outlet vents should be installed at the roof's ridges, where warm air naturally accumulates. 

During winter, the barn doors may remain shut to retain heat, while strategically placed vents ensure adequate airflow, and in summer, windows and stable doors may be left open to promote ventilation and comfort.  Using horse body heat to warm a stable leads to very poor interior air quality due to inadequate ventilation and the accumulation of ammonia and other gases.  In a well-ventilated, unheated stable with good air quality, the air temperature typically stays within 0-5° C /  5-10° F of the outdoor temperature.

A well-designed mechanically ventilated barn allows for precise regulation of indoor air quality, surpassing the capabilities of a naturally ventilated barn.  Power ventilation systems in barns often incorporate exhaust fans and high-volume, low-speed units strategically placed in main aisles, barn ends, or between stables for optimal airflow.  Individual fans in stables or aisles primarily serve to disperse particulates and repel insects rather than provide significant cooling.

If you are designing a brand new stable, the steeper the pitch of the roof, the faster the stale air will exhaust through the top ridge vents. 

Vents and grates at the bottom of stable partitions help improve air circulation, effectively reducing ammonia fumes from urine.  Stabled doors should feature grated panels to ensure both security and proper ventilation.

Water Supply

A steady availability of clean, fresh water is crucial for preventing dehydration and colic.  You can provide water in your stable using either buckets or automatic drinking bowls, depending on your setup.

Automatic drinking bowls can be costly and require installation.  It's difficult to gauge your horse's water intake, but you can minimise physical labour in the yard and make sure your horse has constant access to fresh, clean water.

Water buckets are an affordable choice and you can track your horse's water intake, but it involves lifting and transporting the buckets to and from the stable.  

Lighting

Horses possess an internal timing mechanism known as a circadian rhythm, which regulates various physiological and behavioural functions.  This internal clock is controlled by the daily 24-hour cycle of light and darkness and operates in nearly every tissue and organ.  

Scientific research supports the use of lighting systems that emit blue light similar to sunlight is advised for daytime use and a soft red light should be utilised during the night.  Enhancing stable lighting can optimise the horse's health and wellbeing by supporting its natural circadian rhythm.  All elements of their physiology can function more harmoniously and in sync with the environment.

Social interactions 

Recent studies indicate that private stables may not promote health and well-being as effectively as communal environments.  The results indicated that horses housed in 'parcours' exhibited minimal abnormal behaviours like stereotypies, had the freedom to move throughout most of the day, engaged with other horses, and maintained positive interactions with humans.  

Although this may not always be viable within training yards, stable adaptations can be made to increase social interactions. Windows in stables with views to other stables or paddocks allow horses to see and interact, even if they are not in direct contact, stall partitions with bars allow for visual and olfactory contact and individual turnout paddocks or pens allow horses to graze and interact in close proximity.  

Feeding and entertainment

Horses should ideally have unrestricted access to hay; however, using slow feeders or automated feeders are also available to provide small portions throughout the day.

Entertainment devices can also help stimulate interaction and engagement, reducing the chances of stress and the emergence of negative habits (vices).  Stable toys, mineral licks, stable treats, spreading forage in different locations, visual stimulation such as mirrors and brushes affixed to walls or fences all offer enrichment.

Technology

A range of technology is increasingly accessible to facilitate continuous care around the clock.  Technology has the potential to staff, allowing them to redirect their time towards enhancing equine welfare.

The integration of camera-GPS surveillance with specialised software monitors the movements of individuals and determines the typical behaviour patterns for each horse within the herd.  This cost-effective technology can alert yard personnel if a horse exhibits unusual behaviour.

There are a range of therapeutic technologies that can be utilised in the stable environment such as massage rugs, leg wraps and boots and handheld complimentary devices; as well as additional training and rehabilitation systems such as spas, treadmills, combi floors and solariums. All of which can be considered for enhancing the horse's well-being. 

Conclusion

Ensuring the comfort and well-being of the horse within the stabled environment by adapting structures and utilising enrichment tools can help prevent injuries, health issues and fire risks. By promoting best practice for keeping the competition horse and ensuring natural behaviours are expressed as much as possible within the training regimes, will only benefit the horse thus increasing performance results.  

Cavalor Trainer of the Quarter - Niels Petersen with UAE Oaks winner Queen Azteca

Article by Lissa Oliver

We are delighted this quarter to award our prize to Norwegian-based trainer Niels Peterson, in recognition of the success in Dubai of his three-year-old filly Queen Azteca. Given that even in late-March at the time of our interview it was 7°C in Norway, and 31°C in Dubai, Peterson faces a far greater challenge when sending horses over to the carnival than most international handlers.

“We are in the wrong place, really,” Peterson says of the Norwegian racing scene, “we are so far north, wherever we go to race, even in Norway, it’s a long way to travel.”

For many years he has been sending a select group of horses to Dubai to take advantage of the winter sun on their backs. “We take horses who have shown maximum ability in Norway, but in Dubai against better horses they are always struggling. We do spend the winter trying to win, but mostly it is so that we can take them back home to clean up, because the winter at home is so bad and they have the advantage. I did that a lot, so now I’m thinking it’s time to do something different.

“We’ve taken horses to Bahrain, Saudi, Qatar and Dubai, but in October it gets cold at home, we get frost in November and then we can’t train properly. So I’ve fetched the horses early, we arrived in Dubai 1st November and I’m here as a local now.”

The earlier arrival has certainly benefited Queen Azteca, who was a chance buy for Peterson on behalf of her owner. He had gone to Tattersalls to buy a colt with Dubai in mind, secured a “nice, but a little later-maturing colt than we’d hoped” and still had a bit of the budget left. “So I looked for a nice filly for the owner and saw Queen Azteca. I liked her a lot, she was a big imposing filly and with her Dirt pedigree I thought she might suit Dubai and be able to compete. Of course we had a plan, but to succeed with it is not always the case.”

The 30,000gns/€36,000 filly tried a mile for the first time at Jagersro and won comfortably, before wintering in Dubai. Runner-up in December on her debut there, she has since won the Cocoa Beach Stakes en route to the Gr.3 UAE Oaks, the most prestigious win of Peterson’s already impressive career. 

The 13-times Norsk Champion Trainer has sent out 15 Scandinavian Derby winners, but his goal is to a prominent name on the bigger stage. “I want my horses to go out and win big races. I’ve done everything I can back home, and I need a challenge. I want to make a real impact,” he told the press after the UAE Oaks and there is every chance that Queen Azteca is the horse to realise that dream a lot sooner than he might have expected.

At time of writing she is due to line-up in the Gr.2 UAE Derby and she has already received an invitation to the Gr.1 Kentucky Oaks, which is under serious consideration. “We’ll see after the race,” says Peterson.

He acknowledges a good team in support of higher ambitions and, not surprisingly, his staff like to travel and go away to a better climate during the winter. “We have been travelling a lot for a long time now and have good riders, including my sister who is my Assistant. It’s a good, solid team, they know how things work and how I like to do things, so I’m privileged in that sense.”

Spring allergies - how to treat spring allergies and the effects they have on the respiratory tract

Article by Becky Windell

Spring allergies – peak season of the year-round battle

As obligate nasal breathers horses are predisposed to inhaling respirable dust, mould, pollen and other irritants from the environment. Whilst they have defence mechanisms to deal with it, the horse can be overloaded with the amount they are exposed to. 

Springtime brings an array of newfound pollen from trees, grasses, and crops including the infamous oilseed rape (OSR). This pollen offensive comes in addition to the other allergens in the horse’s environment often surpassing the threshold of irritant load. This can result in respiratory based “spring allergies” with inflammation in the airways leading to allergen based equine asthma. Either subtle signs such as poor performance and reduced stamina will appear and/or more obvious clinical signs such as coughing and nasal discharge1. Horses will tire early due to the reduced amount of oxygen being taken up by the blood from the lungs.

Plants are polyploids and show many gene duplications so cross reactivity among species in which different antigens appear similar to the immune system can amplify the horse’s response to pollen and is particularly the case for grass pollens.2

Generally intact pollen grains range from 10–100 μm in size, this is bigger than respirable particles which are classified respirable at <5 μm. Therefore, pollen has not generally been implicated in Equine Asthma and tends to be considered more of an irritant than allergen. However, a study by White et al identified an association with pollen in a group of horses with Severe Equine Asthma (SEA) while looking at bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples compared to healthy horses2. The effects of pollen on the horse is an area where more research is needed.

Oilseed rape on the decline

It’s well documented that oilseed rape (OSR) is a concern for trainers with some experiencing underperforming horses while surrounding fields are flowering oilseed rape crops. 

Whilst it’s still unclear if there’s truly an allergic component to it, it certainly seems to irritate a lot of horses and vets see pollen in the tracheal washes when OSR is in flower. 

A study in people comparing spring allergy symptoms of people living near OSR and those living far away, found small but significant excesses of cough, wheeze, and headaches in spring in the oilseed rape area3. Interestingly they also found counts of fungal spores were mostly higher in the rape than the non-rape areas so perhaps pollen is not the culprit but fungal spores on the crop…?

This is worth noting as fungi is proven to cause respiratory problems in horses. A study by Dauvillier et al found horses with fungal elements observed on the tracheal wash (TW) cytology had 2 times greater chance of having equine asthma than horses without fungi4. They also found the risk of being diagnosed and likelihood of fungi in TW were higher when horses were bedded on straw or fed dry hay which are key sources of fungi in the horse’s environment.

Practical solutions to OSR have been for trainers to purchase neighbouring fields or pay their neighbouring farmer not to grow the OSR.

From the farmer’s perspective OSR has been an essential part of the arable crop rotation for many years now. It is a crop specially planted to give the cereal crops a ‘break’ from the cycle of weeds, pests and disease that build up in the soil. This helps to improve the yield of the crops that are grown afterwards, such as wheat. 

It used to be good for removing grass weeds too but has become less useful for this purpose in recent years due to weed resistance. In fact, a number of previously positive reasons to grow OSR are no longer standing up. A flea beetle which previously could be treated with a neonicitinoid is no longer licenced for this use, soil borne diseases have become a problem, and the crop does not do well in the wetter winters. 

Ultimately it is now less profitable. This is good news for trainers with farmers starting to use the crop less often and perhaps grow it every 6th year rather than ever 3rd year in a field. Its use is on the decline in UK/Ire and this can been seen in government figures, in 2023-24 all regions in England saw decreases in the oilseed rape area with the largest proportional decrease seen in the North East and the overall decrease of OSR grown in the UK of 27%.5 While in Ireland Winter oilseed rape declined by 30% in 20246. 

Now the interesting question in time is how much will the incidence of spring allergies reduce with the reduction in oil seed rape? 

Global Warming

Dr. Emmanuelle Van Erck Westergren, founder of Equine Sports Medicine Practice in Belgium cautions about the effects of global warming on seasonal allergies. Global warming is altering fungal behaviour and distribution, offering conditions that provide opportunities for fungi such as Apergillus and increases the risk of mycotoxins. In addition the burden of pollen is increased by warming temperatures.

Diagnosing spring allergies

Regular, routine tracheal washes (TW) are useful as a quick and easy “screening” procedure. They help monitor how inflamed the airways are by looking at the neutrophils and macrophage cells. Normal samples are typically of low to moderate numbers of nucleated cells, the nucleated cells being mostly macrophages, with <10% neutrophils. An elevated proportion of neutrophils in the TW is considered to indicate airway inflammation, and cutoff values for neutrophil percentage have been set at 20% for TW.

Ian Beamish partner at Baker McVeigh Lambourn equine practice says he uses the tracheal wash to see “how the army is looking” in terms of number of cells and how many of those cells are dying on the battlefield. 

He also warned “Ultimately, it can be a struggle to determine the actual cause of inflammation of the airways. Whilst spring allergies is a strong possibility at this time of year it could be any number of allergens from the environment causing it or simply the addition of more burdening the system. And then it could also be a virus! It’s important to remember racehorses are immune suppressed from being in full training so they are susceptible to low grade viral disease which can present with similar poor performance.”

To establish if the horse is truly allergic or if it is simply an irritation of the airways there is a diagnostic blood test for allergens. Measuring allergen-specific IgE antibodies present in the serum, can help to identify environmental allergens for both allergen avoidance purposes and to select for inclusion in allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT). This can be a helpful aid for diagnosing allergic disease but has been known to give occasional false positives so cannot be relied upon. Establishing the specific allergy is unfortunately very difficult.

Performance Horse Consultant and highly experienced equine vet Peter ‘Spike’ Milligan advises to first and foremost control what you can.

“Reducing contact with pollen can be extremely challenging so first focus on what you can control.  Irrespective of the time of year, regularly re-evaluate the stable environment as well as the forage and bedding quality. This includes how they are stored, prepared and used to ensure the allergen and irritant load is as low as possible.”

A useful tool

The pollen count measures the number of pollen grains in a given volume of air and can indicate if it is a day the horse will be exposed to high concentrations of pollen. Pollen count is affected by the season, weather and even the time of day. The largest concentrations of pollen are found on days of high radiation and wind, early in the morning when pollen is first shed when the air is warming and rising and in the evening as the pollen in the air descends to nose level with the afternoon air-cooling. 

The pollen count can be checked daily on weather apps. Where possible, it’s advisable to adapt the horses training schedule in line with the pollen count and keep training sessions less strenuous on the days the pollen count is high.

Treating spring allergies

Treatment of horses with allergen-induced equine asthma focuses mainly on decreasing and controlling airway inflammation1. The standard and effective cornerstone treatment is to give a systemic or inhaled corticosteroid and if necessary, a bronchodilator can also be used. 

The preferred method to administer these tends to be via a nebuliser because inhaled therapy delivers the drug directly to the lungs and helps to loosen mucous. In addition, a lower dose can be used reducing the chance of side effects and shortening the drug withdrawal time required prior to racing.

Recent advances in treatment include a specifically designed inhaler with a different inhaled steroid, ciclesonide, studies have demonstrated improved clinical signs in a group of horses with mild to severe equine asthma.7,8

However, whilst corticosteroids are very effective and efficient at relieving airway obstruction, they have limited residual effect after treatment stops and long‐term administration is usually limited due to the risk of laminitis, immunosuppression, and interactions with endocrine metabolism9. The drug withdrawal period also impacts the racing schedule. So, what treatments can be used which interfere less with their training and racing plan?

Firstly, creating a barrier between the horse’s airways and the pollen with Nostrilvet or similar and/or the use of a nose-net are low-cost options for training that could be worth a try. This could help to reduce the irritant load on non-race days.

If the horse is truly allergic to certain pollens, then de-sensitisation injections can be used with no withdrawl period necessary. Known as allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) it is a safe long-term treatment which has been used successfully for allergen-induced Equine Asthma. The efficacy of the treatment can vary however, studies suggest that approximately 75% of cases treated showed a good response, with either no need or a reduced need for steroids.

Immunotherapy aims to make the horse tolerant to the environmental allergens that have been diagnosed as responsible for their clinical signs by introducing increasing amounts of the allergen to which they are sensitive. These desensitisation vaccines are administered to the horse subcutaneously. The initial treatment lasts for approximately 10 months, with a dosage regime that gradually increases until the maximum tolerated dose is reached. This is then followed by maintenance treatment. The length of time for a response has been reported to vary between individual horses and can be anywhere from 4 and 12 months. Treatment can be ongoing as premature discontinuation may result in the clinical signs recurring.

Developments in orthobiologics has brought a new non-corticosteroid anti-inflammatory alternative for use in affected horses. Alpha-2-macroglobulin (α2M) is a naturally occurring protein within the blood and is the horses natural defence against inflammation10. Plasma proteins are filtered from the horse’s own blood, leaving an isolated, concentrated alpha-2-macroglobulin product which can be nebulised using a Flexineb. It’s high-priced and still early days for this product but offers a potential drug-free way to treat. It is also an effective anti-inflammatory in joint disease.

Principally the greatest threat to respiratory health year-round is from environmental sources which you can control – the forage, the bedding and the overall stable hygiene environment, this should never be overlooked.

References

1. Couetil L, Cardwell J, Garber V, et al. Inflammatory airway disease of horses— Revised consensus statement. J Vet Intern Med 2016;30:503-515

2. White S, Moore-Colyer M, Marti E, Coüetil L, Hannant D, Richard EA, Alcocer M. Development of a comprehensive protein microarray for immunoglobulin E profiling in horses with severe asthma. J Vet Intern Med. 2019 Sep;33(5):2327-2335. doi: 10.1111/jvim.15564. Epub 2019 Aug 20. PMID: 31429513; PMCID: PMC6766494.

3. Soutar A, Harker C, Seaton A, Brooke M, Marr I. Oilseed rape and seasonal symptoms: epidemiological and environmental studies. Thorax. 1994 Apr;49(4):352-6. doi: 10.1136/thx.49.4.352. PMID: 8202906; PMCID: PMC475369.

4. Dauvillier J, Ter Woort F, van Erck-Westergren E. Fungi in respiratory samples of horses with inflammatory airway disease. J Vet Intern Med. 2019 Mar;33(2):968-975. doi: 10.1111/jvim.15397. Epub 2018 Dec 21. PMID: 30576012; PMCID: PMC6430897.

5. Gov.uk website - Accredited official statistics Cereal and oilseed areas in England at 1 June 2024. Updated 29 August 2024 https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/cereal-and-oilseed-rape-areas-in-england/cereal-and-oilseed-rape-areas-in-england-at-1-june-2023#:~:text=1.7%20Oilseed%20crops,244%20thousand%20hectares%20in%202024.

6. Teagasc Crop Report www.teagasccropreport.ie Harvest report 2024. https://teagasccropreport.ie/reports/harvest-report-2024#:~:text=The%20area%20of%20winter%20oilseed,of%2021%2C600%20ha%20in%202023.

7. Lavoie J, Bullone M, Rodrigues N, et al. Effect of different doses of inhaled ciclesonide on lung function, clinical signs related to airflow limitation and serum cortisol levels in horses with experimentally induced mild to severe airway obstruction. Equine Vet J 2019;51:779-786.

8. Ciclesonide [prescribing information] Duluth, GA: Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. 2020.

9. Mainguy-Seers S, Lavoie JP. Glucocorticoid treatment in horses with asthma: A narrative review. J Vet Intern Med. 2021 Jul;35(4):2045-2057. doi: 10.1111/jvim.16189. Epub 2021 Jun 3. PMID: 34085342; PMCID: PMC8295667.

10. Alpha-2 Macroglobulin for the Management of Equine Asthma Summary Results of a Pilot Study Dan Dreyfuss, DVM

Addressing drug resistance in equine tapeworms

Article by Jacqui Matthews

Tapeworms are important parasites of horses

All horses can be infected with internal parasitic worms, which can cause health issues, including weight loss, diarrhoea, and colic. The most common worms affecting racehorses, and other horses, are the small strongyles (cyathostomins) and the common equine tapeworm, Anoplocephala perfoliata. Horses are infected by ingesting parasites from contaminated grazing, whether it be a field, turn-out paddock or opportunistic grazing on training grounds or racetracks. 

Recent reports of dewormer resistance in A. perfoliata are very concerning, especially as there are few available products to treat these parasites and no new drugs are expected to enter the market soon. These relatively large parasites typically reside at the junction of the small and large intestines and can cause colic. The worms attach in clusters to the intestinal wall, which can cause mechanical obstruction and mucosal damage. 

Blockages can cause impaction, potentially necessitating surgery. Moreover, the presence of tapeworms may lead to intussusception, where one segment of the intestine telescopes into an adjacent segment, also requiring surgery. Studies indicate that having as little as 20 tapeworms can cause significant damage to the intestinal wall (Pavone et al. 2010). Therefore, it is crucial to prevent such burdens from accumulating in horses.

Tapeworm resistance to deworming products 

There are two types of dewormers (anthelmintics) available for treating tapeworms: praziquantel and pyrantel (given at double the dose used for treating roundworms). In the UK and EU, there have been several anecdotal reports of reduced effectiveness of anti-tapeworm drugs. A recent research study on a Thoroughbred farm in the US evaluated the performance of both tapeworm dewormers (Nielsen, 2023). 

The results demonstrated treatment failures in foals and broodmares in which tapeworms survived treatment. This was the first formal report of suspected drug resistance in tapeworms. Resistance occurs when parasites survive deworming treatments and pass on reduced sensitivity to the drugs to subsequent generations. Repeated treatments with the same drug can lead to parasite burdens that cannot be cleared and may result in clinical disease. 

Given the threat of resistance in this species, it is essential to reduce the overuse of anti-tapeworm medications. Implementing more sustainable control methods is now crucial for the long-term effectiveness of these important dewormers. These control methods must include:

• maintaining a clean grazing environment 

• regularly monitoring parasite burdens 

• deworming only those horses that truly need treatment. 

Use grazing management methods to reduce reliance on dewormers

Tapeworms differ from other common equine worms because they develop inside mite intermediate hosts on paddocks (Fig. 1). Horses become infected when they consume hay or grass that contains tapeworm-infected mites. Mites are infected by eating eggs passed in the dung of infected horses.  Where horses have access to grazing paddocks, it is essential to remove dung daily and dispose of it well away from both the grazing area and any water sources. Extra caution should be taken with horses that have grazed away from the yard and newcomers to the yard (see quarantine recommendations below).

Use tests to reduce dewormer treatment frequency

Regular testing is essential for effectively managing tapeworm infections. Faecal egg count (FEC) tests are unsuitable for detecting tapeworms. These detect worm eggs shed in dung, but are not reliable indicators of the overall parasite burden in individuals, particularly since immature worms are not detected. FEC methods are also influenced by the variable release of egg-containing segments from adult tapeworms. 

The main purpose of FEC tests in tapeworm control is to assess the effectiveness of deworming treatments. If tapeworm eggs are detected in dung samples taken two weeks after treatment, this is a significant finding. However, the absence of eggs in a FEC does not mean that tapeworms are not present. If resistance is suspected, this should be discussed with a veterinary surgeon. 

Tests that measure antibodies to tapeworm provide valuable information about levels of infection and should be used to guide treatment decisions. Antibody tests are available in blood and saliva formats. In the blood test, samples are collected by a veterinary surgeon and sent to the laboratory for analysis. 

This test measures levels of tapeworm-specific antibodies in the blood, with results reported back to the veterinary surgeon as "serum scores." These scores are categorised as low, borderline, or moderate/high, and treatment is recommended for horses with results in the borderline or moderate/high categories.  The non-invasive saliva test involves taking a sample from the horse’s mouth using a specially developed swab (Fig. 3) and does not require a veterinary surgeon. 

The swab containing the saliva sample is mailed to the laboratory in a preservative solution, ensuring stability for at least three weeks. At the laboratory, the saliva sample is assessed using a special three-ELISA system that accurately measures tapeworm-specific antibodies, with the results reported as “saliva scores”. Similar to the blood test, the saliva test categorises results as low, borderline, or moderate/high, with treatment recommended for horses that have results in the second two categories. Because antibodies take time to decrease after effective treatment, horses should not be tested again until 4 months after the last deworming for blood tests or 3 months for saliva tests.

By reliably detecting tapeworm burdens, antibody tests enable treatments to be targeted to only those horses that need treating and therefore reduce the risk of dewormer resistance. Results from tapeworm testing have led to significant reductions in the use of dewormers; from 2015 to 2022, over 164,000 horses in the UK were assessed using the saliva test, with only one-third recommended for treatment (Matthews et al. 2024). 

Applying tapeworm testing at racing yards

Tapeworm testing frequency can be determined by conducting a risk assessment. Key risk factors include age and access to contaminated grass, as well as historical test results. These parasites can be long-lived and persist for extended periods, so it is essential to consider each horse’s history during or before training. 

While most horses in training are at low risk due to having limited pasture access, yearlings and two-year-olds may have higher burdens, especially if from breeding farms or other premises where there is a high level of infection. However, all ages of horses are susceptible to tapeworms. Regular assessments with a veterinary surgeon will also identify risk factors in yard management practices, including those associated with activities like short daily turnouts. A comprehensive risk assessment will:

1. Identify which tests to perform (FEC tests, small redworm blood tests, tapeworm tests) and the frequency of testing

2. Highlight the need for treatments for high-risk horses when tests do not provide information for treatment decisions

3. Provide information on worm exposure and ways to minimise infection risks.

If significant risks are detected, such as a high level of tapeworm infection indicated by testing or the frequent introduction of new horses, testing should occur every six months. Once a year testing may be appropriate in low-risk situations where previous testing has shown low evidence of tapeworm infection. 

Testing identifies infected horses that could spread infection to others, allowing for prompt treatment and reducing the risk of colic. If many horses test positive, it is crucial to identify the source of infection and improve management practices to reduce spread. In a recent case study on a UK training yard, 56 horses were tested for tapeworm antibodies. 

The results revealed that only 14% of the horses had tapeworm burdens that required treatment. These horses were turned out in a small paddock for just 30 minutes each day, and because dung was not removed from the area, the paddock was identified as a source of infection. The trainer was advised to remove the dung from the paddock daily and to treat any horses that tested positive for tapeworms. 

This testing protocol not only helped reduce the overall deworming frequency, but also provided the trainer with valuable information about horses at risk of colic. It also highlighted potential areas for improving parasite management practices.

Avoiding the introduction of new or resistant worms

Introducing new horses to racing yards requires proper assessment to determine if they have roundworm (small redworm, ascarid) or tapeworm infections. The traditional method of treating all newcomers with a broad-spectrum dewormer is outdated and should be avoided due to increasing drug resistance in all common parasites. Instead, it is recommended to assess new horses using appropriate tests, specifically;

1. FEC tests to identify if they are shedding eggs such as small redworm and ascarid eggs 

2. Blood tests to detect small redworm stages that may not be detected using FEC tests

3. Tapeworm tests to identify horses that need specific treatment for this parasite. 

If any of these tests return positive results, the appropriate dewormer can be selected to target the parasites present. Furthermore, if a horse tests positive in the initial FEC test, it is advisable to conduct a follow-up FEC test two weeks after treatment to determine whether the dewormer has been effective.

In conclusion

Every horse will encounter parasitic worms at some point in their life, making effective parasite control essential for their health and well-being. While traditional all-group dewormer treatments have been common, rising cases of dewormer resistance reveal that this approach is no longer sustainable, especially as no new anti-tapeworm treatments are expected soon. 

Using tapeworm tests to determine if treatment is needed is crucial to maintain the effectiveness of existing dewormers. Many horses in low-risk environments have minimal or no tapeworm infections, making regular treatments unnecessary. Testing helps identify only those horses that truly need treatment, thus promoting the longer-term efficacy of dewormers. 

In the racing industry, there is significant overuse of dewormers, with few trainers using evidence-based practices. It is essential that the spread of resistant worms is prevented, especially as racehorses move to various environments (breeding farms, sport horse yards, sanctuaries, leisure horse premises) where more vulnerable horses may reside. For this reason, the industry must adopt management-based and test-led methods to control worm populations effectively.

References

Matthews et al. 2024. In Practice 46:34-41.

Nielsen. 2023. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist. 22, 96-101.

Pavone et al. 2010. Vet. Res. Commun. 34, S53-6.

Have horse will travel - The key races and prize money earning opportunities on offer this summer

Article by Lissa Oliver

European Pattern changes

A well-publicised European Pattern Committee (EPC) review of European races was made earlier this year and the EPC sanctioned a total of 814 Black-Type races to be held in Europe in 2025, down from 826 in 2024, with 411 Gp. races (416 in 2024) and 403 Listed races (410 in 2024). A total of five Pattern races have been downgraded in 2025, and 12 Listed races have lost their status. 

A total of 22 Pattern and Listed races will be at risk of potential downgrade in 2026, depending on this season’s performance. Already hard-hit, Italy has nine races at risk, Germany six, Britain and Ireland two and France, Denmark and Turkey one each.

France 

It is now compulsory for all trainers to enter their horses' vaccinations onto the server via the France Galop website before any race entry is validated. Most racing authorities will also require a Racing Clearing Notice (RCN) for a horse travelling abroad rather than a passport endorsement. 

France Galop has implemented some changes in entry fees to be aware of with regard to Black-Type races. Based on the changes introduced for Gp.1 races in 2024, the entry fee in Gp.2 and Gp.3 races now stands at 0.65% of the total prize money. This reflects a €355/£293 reduction in the entry fee for Gp.2 races and a reduction of €210/£173 in Gp.3 races, guaranteeing sustainable funding of the Owner’s Pool (Poule Proprietaire), which funds 32% of prize money offered in Gp.1 races.

The French programme offers an opportunity to enter a horse in a Pattern race between the early closing and the supplementary entry stages and the fee has been standardised at 2% of the total prize money. Second entries, part of the revision of the entry process, will close on the Tuesday of the week preceding the race. The three Gp.2 races run over the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend are the only exceptions to this rule, their second entry closing now a Tuesday mid-September. With the aim to standardise entry fees in all Pattern races, the supplementary entry fee in Gp.2 and Gp.3 races now stands at 7.2% of the total prize money. This percentage also applies to Gp.1 races, with the exceptions of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the Prix du Jockey Club and the Prix de Diane.

The Gp. 2 Vicomtesse Vigier at ParisLongchamp, 15f/3100m, four-year-olds up, in May, has been upgraded to offer an earlier Gp. 1 opportunity for staying horses in the spring. The Gp. 1 Prix Jean Romanet, 10f/2000m, now open to three-year-olds and upwards fillies and mares, has been increased in value to €400,000/£330,280 and effectively now replaces the former Gp.2 Prix Alec Head (Prix de la Nonette) that had been on the same card at Deauville in August. Similarly, the Gp.3 Prix du Prince d’Orange, 10f/2000m, Maisons-Laffitte, replaces the 10f/2000m Gp.3 Coupe de Maisons-Laffitte and has been put back to 14th September to avoid a clash with the new date of the Arc trials. Joining the Gp.1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp 7th September will be the three Arc trials, Gp.1 Prix Vermeille, Gp.2 Prix Foy and Gp.2 Prix Niel. Prize money for the Prix du Moulin increases from €450,000/£371,565 to €800,000/£660,560, entirely financed by the owner’s fund.

The Listed Prix Joubert has been retained in preference to the former Prix des Tourelles and will be run over 14f/2800m for three-year-old fillies and older, while the Gp.2 Prix Kergorlay, 15f/3000m, effectively replaces the former Listed Prix du Carrousel and sees its prize money increase to €180,000/£148,626 as a result.

Other prize money changes are the Gp.3 Prix du Palais-Royal 7f/1400m from €80,000/£66,000 to €150,000/£123,855. Its traditional stepping-stone, the Listed Prix Servanne 6f/1200m, increases from €55,000/£45,400 to €70,000/£57,800. However, the Gp.2 Prix Guillaume d’Ornano, 10f/2000m has been halved from €400,000/£330,280 to €200,000/£165,140 to increase prize money in other Black-Type races. The Prix d’Aumale, a trial race for the Gp.1 Prix Marcel Boussac, has been upgraded to Gp.2 with a value of €130,000/£107,340. 

The Black-Type programme for two-year-olds has been altered in the hope of increasing the number of starters and improving the competitiveness of the races, particularly throughout September. The decision was made to stagger some races and redefine their role by changing distances and surfaces. The Gp.3 Prix des Chenes 8f/1600m moves from the beginning of September to 20th September at Chantilly, becoming a stepping stone for the Gp.1 Criterium International. The Gp.3 Prix de Conde is now 10f/2000m, from 9f/1800m, at Saint-Cloud as a stepping stone for the Gp.1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud. The Gp.2 Prix Thomas Bryon 7f/1400m moves to 18th November on the Chantilly fibresand, three weeks after the Criteriums at Saint Cloud. The Listed Prix Isonomy 9f/1800m will also be run on the Polytrack at Chantilly, 27th October.

Finally, the Gp.2 Gros-Chene at Chantilly has been downgraded to Gp.3 and the Listed Prix Ceres at Fontainebleau has lost its Listed status.

Britain

Britain will stage two new Gp.1 races this year, with both the City of York Stakes, 7f/1400m, three-year-olds up, at York in August, and British Champions Long Distance Cup, 16f/3200m, three-year-olds up, at Ascot in October, being upgraded. Both races will also see a significant increase in total prize money for this year. The City of York Stakes now joins the Prix de la Foret at ParisLongchamp in October as the only two all-aged 7f/1400m Gp.1 races in Europe.

BHA’s Director of International Racing and Development, Ruth Quinn, observes, “A very different picture to this time last year, with the outcome of the EPC meeting an encouraging demonstration of what can be achieved when we work together. It really is a significant achievement to see the City of York upgraded to a Gp.1, with this having been our long-term and ambitious plan as the race gradually climbed through the ranks from Listed status. York has been a patient and consistent supporter of the long-term strategy to develop this race into Britain’s 7f Gp.1 race, only the second of its kind in Europe. Similarly, it’s wonderful to now be in a position to reward the Long Distance Cup on Qipco’s British Champions Day and see that too, become a long-awaited and much-deserved Gp.1 event. The overall progress for the stayers’ project across Europe is extremely heartening; we must continue to add fuel to the upward momentum being experienced.” 

Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot will become the first British raceday to stage five Gp.1 races, following the upgrade of the British Champions Long Distance Cup. Prize money for the race will also be increased to £500,000 this year, bringing it in line with the Fillies’ & Mares’ and Sprint races. The day will also feature a new £250,000/€301,800 race for two-year-olds, bringing the total value of the day to €5.21m/£4.35m. The new race will be a 6f/1200m conditions race open to all two-year-olds and to be run without penalties. Details will be released later in the year. 

Ascot’s near neighbour, Newbury, have also announced increased prize money increases for two Gp.2 races - the Hungerford Stakes and the Mill Reef Stakes. 

Each race has been boosted by £25,000, bringing the Hungerford Stakes to £150,000 and the Mill Reef Stakes to £125,000.

Newbury Racecourse Executive are also offering a £50,000 bonus, for any horse who wins any two-year-old race at Newbury this year and then goes onto win the 2025 Mill Reef Stakes. £40,000 will be paid to the winning owner and £10,000 to the racing staff of the winning trainer.

Some British Black-Type races have moved, the Gp. 3 Criterion Stakes in June, 7f/1400m, moving from Newmarket to York, while the Listed Fred Archer Stakes in July, 12f/2400m, has moved from Newmarket to Beverley and has been renamed the Charlie Wood Stakes, in honour of the local Hull-born Victorian jockey. In November, Newcastle has lost both the Listed Churchill Stakes, 10f/2000m, and Listed Golden Rose Stakes, 6f/1200m, to Southwell, where they will be run one week later. To maintain an optimum gap, the Listed Wild Flower Stakes at Kempton Park, 12f/2400m, has been moved back by two weeks in December. The Listed Rothesay Stakes, 10f/2000m, will move from Ayr to Haydock Park and be run 24th May. 

In addition to the EPC changes, over €3.92m/£3.3m in prize money will be available across 89 High Value Developmental Races for the 2025 Flat season in a further boost for the British racing and breeding industry. Richard Wayman, Director of Racing at the BHA, explains, “We are really pleased to confirm the continuation of the High Value Developmental programme for 2025 after another successful year. It is important for us to take steps to encourage the racing and breeding of horses in Britain, and the increased returns in prize money that these races provide is a vital part of that process.

“It has been brilliant to see the races so well engaged with by owners and trainers, and that wouldn’t be possible without the support of British Stallion Studs (EBF), Darley, Juddmonte and Tattersalls, who have worked together with the BHA to enable this initiative to thrive. We are also grateful to the Horseracing Betting Levy Board and our host racecourses for supporting the running of the races.

“In producing this year’s list of races, we have increased the focus on the staying horse as part of our ongoing strategy to attract and encourage quality horses with an aptitude for stamina. We very much hope to grow this significant initiative in the future.”

The programme of races, primarily for two-year-olds and three-year-olds at the beginning of their careers, begins with a €47,550/£40,000 three-year-old contest at Southwell 15th March and concludes at Chelmsford 1st December. Introduced in 2023 with 63 races, this year sees 89 races, with 31 Open Novice/Maiden races for two-year-olds, worth a minimum of €47,550/£40,000, 30 Restricted Novice/Maiden races for two-year-olds, worth a minimum of €35,660/£30,000, and 28 Open Novice/Maiden races for three-year-olds up, worth a minimum of €47,550/£40,000. 

Simon Sweeting, Chairman at British Stallion Studs (EBF), says, “The British EBF will again lead the industry sponsorship of this £3.3 million project in 2025 which focuses prize money into a vital, foundation area of the programme. With Open Maiden and Novices worth a minimum of £40,000 and Restricted races a minimum of £30,000, we hope more owners and trainers will target the great prize money on offer in these development opportunities for their horses' careers.”

Ireland

The Gp.2 Golden Fleece Stakes at Leopardstown, on Irish Champions Weekend in mid-September, will be upgraded to Gp.1 for 2026 and will increase in distance from 8f/1600m to 9f/1800m, for two-year-olds. The Gp.3 Anglesey Stakes, 6f/1200m in late-July will swap dates with June’s Gp.2 Railway Stakes over the same course and distance at the Curragh, in an attempt to create better progression through the Irish Pattern for two-year-olds. The Gp.3 Blue Wind Stakes, 10th May, will swap dates with the Listed Naas Oaks Trial Stakes 25th June. 

A new Listed race for two-year-olds, the 8f/1600m Pat Smullen Stakes at Naas in early-July, will be run with similar allowances as those of the Irish EBF Median Sires Series. Jonathan Mullin, Director of Racing at Horse Racing Ireland, points out that the race “feeds into that strategic policy around producing and retaining quality middle-distance and staying horses, and it is fitting that the newest addition to the Irish Pattern roster should be named in honour and in memory of one of our finest riders.”

Mullin says, “The welcome upgrade of the Golden Fleece Stakes by the EPC is a continuation of efforts to promote the production of stamina, and is part of a suite of Irish measures, some already in place, to assist that strategic ambition. The Gp.1 Golden Fleece will, in 2026, be an option for staying two-year-olds on better ground than is likely in late October for the Futurity Stakes, the Criterium de Saint-Cloud and the Criterium International, but will also act as a lead-in to these three races, many of which are being won and heavily populated by Irish-trained runners.”

As part of its commitment to the production and retention of middle-distance and staying horses in Europe, Horse Racing Ireland will review the opportunities, including for auction and median auction horses, for two-year-olds at 8f/1600m and beyond later in the season. 

The Gp. 3 Athasi Stakes has been increased to 8f/1600m and will now be for three-year-old only fillies. The Gp.3 Cornelscourt Stakes has been opened up to three-year-olds up fillies and decreased to 7f/1400m. The Listed Cairn Rouge Stakes 8f/1600m is now for three-year-old only fillies and the Gp.3 Rathbride Stakes has increased to 10f/2000m and is now for four-year-olds up fillies. The Listed Listowel Stakes has been reduced to 8f/1600m and the Listed Navigation Stakes has changed to 10f/2000m and is now restricted to three-year-olds only. The Listed Victor McCalmont Memorial Stakes is now 9f/1800m and for four-year-old up fillies. Among the European automatic downgrades, the Gp.3 Amethyst Stakes, 8f/1600m at Leopardstown in May has been downgraded to Listed. 

The Irish European Breeders’ Fund has also announced new initiatives and record-high sponsorship of €3.1m/£2.56m for 2025. Supplementary to this spend are prize money commitments of €150,000 to Irish EBF-named races in Britain and for retired racehorses through TREO EILE. Principally, the sponsorship has allowed for the creation of the new Smullen Series of 18 middle-distance races for two and three-year-olds, including the new aforementioned two-year-old Listed race at Naas in July named in honour of Pat Smullen. 

The Spring Series of races originally designed for middle-distance three-year-olds, including the valuable €200,000 Gowran Classic, will become part of the overall Smullen Series that will provide trainers, owners and breeders of middle-distance horses valuable opportunities to race throughout the season. 

To boost prize money and interest in nursery races, there will be three Irish EBF nursery handicaps each worth €40,000/£33,000, starting in August, followed by the Auction Series Nursery at Cork in September and culminating with the traditional Birdcatcher Premier Nursery at Naas in October. There is also a total of €1.6m/£1.32m of prize money on offer for two-year-olds in the successful Auction Series and the Median Sires Series, which both include big race targets in the €120,000 Irish EBF Auction Series Final and the €200,000 Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes. 

Jessica Harrington, 2024 Gowran Classic and Auction Series Final-winning trainer observes, “Last year we were lucky to have won two big prize money pots from the Irish EBF, the first running of the €200,000 Gowran Classic with Fleur De Chine and the €120,000 Auction Series Final in Naas with Fiona MacCoul. Those two races alone brought in €182,000 in prize money for our owners and gave them tremendous thrills in the process. The exciting new Smullen Series with the new Listed is another example of how the Irish EBF is constantly coming up with great ideas and keeping prize money at the core of its decisions.” 

Ralph Beckett, for whom Pat Smullen rode his first Breeders’ Cup winner in 2008 with Muhannak, adds, “The new Smullen Series is a wonderful showcase for middle-distance horses that is sure to put the spotlight on these type of horses to help promote their breeding and retention in the training ranks.” 

Scandinavia

On Sunday 24th August, Øvrevoll racecourse stages its annual Norwegian Derby Day card which also features the 35th running of the Gp.3 Marit Sveaas’ Memorial and will a have a total purse of 1.200.000 NOK (approx. € 103,500), and 750.000 NOK (approx. € 64,700) to the winner. Travel concessions for horses trained outside of Scandinavia will be available.

This Gp.3 contest is one of the most valuable run in Europe over 1800m (1m1f) and is sponsored by Kistefos a Norwegian company who played a significant role in Norway's industrial history.

The Derby Day card also boasts two Listed races - The Polar Cup at 1370m ((6f185y) and the Lanwades Stud Stakes at 1600m (1m). The winning filly / mare of the latter race will be entitled to a complimentary nomination to a suitable Lanwades stallion for the 2026 breeding season.

Two races have been upgraded to Listed status in Sweden and Denmark, the Valley Chapel Memorial in July at Jagersro, 8.5f/1730m, for three-year-olds up, and the Zawawi Sprint at Klampenborg in August, 6f/1200m, for three-year-olds up. 

Italy

Milan has created the new Listed Premio Bimbi for two-year-old colts and geldings, over 6f/1200m, in June and the Gp.2 Derby Italiano in Rome has moved from mid-May to a national holiday, 2nd June. But the remainder of changes this season are far from good news for the Italian industry. At Milan, the Gp. 2 Gran Criterium, 7.5f/1500m for two-year-olds has been downgraded to Gp.3. The Gp.3 Premio Primi Passi 6f/1200m for two-year-olds is now Listed. And the Seregno, the Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, Nogara Memorial Mil Borromeo, Gran Premio d’Italia, and Merano all lose Listed status. Similarly in Rome, losing Listed status are the Conte Felice Scheibler, Rumon Memorial Daneile Porcu, Criterium di Pisa, and Piazza Dei Miracoli.

In a statement, the Associazione Nazionale Allevatori Cavalli (ANAC, Italian breeders’ association) insisted the defence of the Italian Black-Type races had been fought for “tooth and nail”. As a result, the Gp.2 Oaks d’Italia (11f/2200m) and now downgraded Gran Criterium, together with several other races issued with EPC warnings, have been given make-overs to attract better quality entries, with the comment from ANAC, “MASAF (Ministry of Agriculture) rightly puts in the money, our owners do their best by buying where and how they can... When the market in a country is reduced to the bare bones, it is the only lifeline. However, a change of gear is needed between payment of prizes, betting reform and revaluation of our breeding, which has too few [foals] born to be competitive in the rest of the world.”

Germany 

The initial closing for the 54th running of the Gp.2 Comer International Orleander-Rennen (Sunday 11th May) will have passed ahead of publication date. But trainers have an opportunity to make supplementary entries on Wednesday May 7th.

The winner of this race receives an all-fees paid invitation to the $250,000 (prize money paid to all horses) Gr.2 Belmont Gold Cup, Invitational  for 4yo+, 3200 metres (about 2 miles) on turf at Saratoga on June 6th 2025. 

The first, second and third placed horses are also entitled to a free entry in the Irish St. Leger, Gp.1, 2800 metres (about 1 mile and 6 furlongs) €500,000 (prize money paid down to eighth place) on September 14th, 2025 at The Curragh.

The winner of the 135th running of the Gp.1 Westminster Grosser Pries von Berlin on Sunday August 11th will receive an automatic entry to the Japan Cup, Gr.1, 2400m turf, on November 30th, 2025. The conditions for the Japan Cup, rules for travel allowances and the bonus programme can be found at www.japanracing.jp/en/japancup/jc/2025.

Losing Listed status are the Diana Trial 9f/1800m at Baden-Baden in early June and the Grosser Preis der Hannoverschen Volksbank 7f/1400m at the end of May at Hannover. This is worrying for the German industry, where already on the EPC watchlist are the Gp.1 Deutsches Derby, Gp.1 Preis der Diana and Gp.2 Mehl-Mülhens-Rennen (German 2000 Guineas). Two Listed sprints and the Gp.3 Goldene Peitsche 6f/1200m at Baden-Baden have been added to the watchlist this year. In an effort to rest the decline of the two Classics, the Deutsches Derby will be worth €390,000/£321,900 to the winner and the Preis der Diana worth a first prize of €300,000/£247,600.

Good news for the fillies, however, is that the Gp.2 German 1000 Guineas at Dusseldorf in May (supplementary Entry 9am 21st May €12,500/£9,900), with a value of €125,000/£103,270, is now a win-and-you’re-in race for Newmarket’s €333,000/£275,000 Gp.1 Falmouth Stakes 11th July. As well as picking up €70,000/£58,000, the winner of the German 1000 Guineas will receive an all-fees paid invitation to Newmarket.

Both the Listed 6f/1200m Hamburger Fliegerpreis and Listed 6f/1200m Hoppegartener Fliegerpreis will receive prize money boosts to bring the value of each race to €40,000/£33,000, while the Goldene Peitsche over the same distance will now be worth €70,000/£57,800. 

In a statement, Deutscher Galopp Managing Director Daniel Krüger said, “A strong sprint programme is of crucial importance for German racing and our breeding. Without targeted support, there is a risk of a gradual erosion of this segment, which would have negative long-term consequences for owners, trainers and breeders. With these measures, we are sending a clear signal that we are acting early to preserve these races and the diversity of our racing. I am particularly proud that we as an association are acting with foresight and setting the course for a stable future of the German sprint programme. Our commitment shows that we not only recognise problems but also move forward with well-thought-out concepts.”

Turkey

The Gp.3 International Istanbul Trophy, 8f/1600m at Veliefendi has been downgraded to Listed, having dropped off the international radar somewhat and attracted only domestic runners in recent years. 

New York Focus

With the re-opening of the historic Belmont Racetrack next year, 2026, it seems timely to look at the opportunities on offer to European runners at the New York tracks.

Belmont Park

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) will fully utilise the new all-weather Tapeta track at Belmont Park for future winter racing. Still under construction, it’s expected to be ready for re-opening in late 2026, when the one-mile (1600m) oval will become the exclusive winter racing surface on the NYRA circuit. While race dates for 2026-27 are still to be determined, NYRA anticipates approximately three months of racing exclusively on the all-weather surface. This reflects NYRA’s commitment to improving all aspects of winter racing at the new Belmont Park. Crucially, shifting from dirt to the all-weather in the winter months will enhance equine safety and provide additional opportunities for NYRA’s year-round horse population.

“At its core, our vision for the new Belmont Park is centred around modernising racing and training facilities in ways that will ensure the sport’s continued success and future growth,” says Dave O’Rourke, NYRA President and CEO. “NYRA has closely tracked the evolution and application of synthetic surfaces, and the relevant data unequivocally supports a shift to the all-weather surface during the winter months. Together with the renovated main track and two new turf courses, Belmont Park will provide a multitude of quality options for both training and racing throughout the year.”

Saratoga 

New York's Triple Crown week returns to Saratoga this year with the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. The Gr.1 Belmont Stakes (12f/2400m), the final leg of the Triple Crown, will be run in June in Saratoga Springs. The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival runs from 4th to 8th June with the Belmont Stakes on Saturday 7th June. 

Saratoga has a new meeting for the summer with the addition of the July Fourth Racing Festival from 3rd to 6th July, kicking off the summer season. The traditional summer meet will open on Thursday 10th July, featuring 40 days of racing including Whitney Day and Travers Day, concluding on Labor Day weekend. The Jim Dandy Stakes date is yet to be announced, but is a traditional stepping stone to the Travers Stakes.

The Gr.1 Whitney Stakes, 9f/1800m, on 2nd August is one of the highlights of the Saratoga season, with a purse of $1m/€926,155/£776,186, attracting the top older horses, for four-year-olds up. The centrepiece, however, is the Gr.1 $1.25m/€1.16m/£970,233 Travers Stakes, 10f/2000m, 23rd August, attracting many of the horses that contested the Triple Crown earlier in the year, for three-year-olds only.

Churchill Downs 

In other North American news, Ascot, The Jockey Club and Churchill Downs have extended their Wild Card Initiative for American runners and European horses travelling to the States. Launched last year, it ties together Royal Ascot, The Derby Festival and the Kentucky Derby meeting at Churchill Downs in a commitment by all three parties to create links between historic races in the UK and high-profile, top quality turf races in the USA. The ultimate aim is to build the international profile of these races by increasing the number of runners travelling from the US to the UK and vice versa.

Continuing on from last year, a runner from each of the Edgewood Stakes for three-year-old fillies and the American Turf Stakes for three-year-old colts will receive an entry for The Oaks and Derby respectively. An invitation will also be offered to a runner from both races for Royal Ascot.

A runner from the Gr.2 Edgewood Stakes, 8f/1600m, $500,000/€463,135/£387,900, run on Kentucky Oaks Day, Friday 2nd May, will receive an entry and travel incentive for the Group 1 Coronation Stakes on the Friday of Royal Ascot, 20th June, as well as an invite to The Oaks on Friday 6th June.

Similarly, a runner from the Gr.1 American Turf Stakes, 8f/1600m, $1m/€926,155/£776,186, run on Kentucky Derby Day, Saturday 3rd May, will receive an entry and a travel incentive for the Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes on the opening day of Royal Ascot, Tuesday 17th June, as well as an invite to The Derby on Saturday 7th June.

Those two races join the existing Gr.2 Twin Spires Turf Sprint Stakes, 5.5f/1100m, $500,000/€463,135/£387,900, and the Gr.1 Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic Stakes, 9f/1800m $1m/€926,155/£776,186, both run on Kentucky Derby Day, which also provide Wild Card entry to Royal Ascot. The Twin Spires Turf Sprint Stakes links into the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes and the Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic Stakes offers the option of either the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes or the Group 1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes.

In return for the above incentives for USA-based runners, a runner from both the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes, 8f/1600m, and the Group 1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes, 10f/2000m, receives an entry and a travel incentive to run in the Colonial Downs’ Gr.1 Arlington Million Stakes, 10f/2000m  $1m/€926,155/£776,186, in mid-August.

In addition, a runner from the Group 1 Falmouth Stakes, 8f/1600m, at Newmarket’s July Festival will also receive an entry and travel incentive to run in the Gr.2 Beverly D Stakes for three-year-olds and up fillies and mares, 1m 1.5f, $500,000/€463,135/£387,900 on the same day as the Colonial Downs Arlington Million.

Of particular note is the fact that, in the event that the winners aren’t able to take up their invite, racecourses may then also invite placed horses. The elimination procedures in these races will remain as they are now. Nick Smith, Director of Racing and Public Affairs at Ascot Racecourse, says, “We are delighted to extend this initiative to include the two Group 1 three-year-old races over a mile at Royal Ascot. In recent years we have seen top-class clashes between the Guineas winners from Britain, Ireland and France in the St James’s Palace and Coronation Stakes so if we could add the best of the American Classic generation over a mile on turf to those races as well that would be really exciting.

“We look forward to working with Churchill Downs and the UK Jockey Club on this exciting plan once again and hope to build on the recent growth in interest from American connections of having runners at Royal Ascot. Their participation always adds hugely to the meeting and, with NBC once again set to broadcast the whole week.”

Gary Palmisano, Vice President of Racing for Churchill Downs Incorporated, adds, “We are thrilled to continue and expand this partnership with Ascot and The Jockey Club. This partnership further strengthens the international connection between our historic race meets. Churchill Downs has long been committed to showcasing world-class racing and we look forward to hosting some of the world’s best turf horses over Kentucky Derby weekend.”

Early entries and where race entry fees go?

Article by Daragh Ó Conchúir

Early entries only ever enter the public forum for the really elite races. Further down the chain however – and not a lot further down - the coverage they generate is on the very slim side of limited. As a reason for the raft of early entry deadlines in place throughout Europe, publicity doesn’t stack up.

And with ante-post betting becoming ever more unattractive, punters aren’t paying the same attention they used to either.

The primary function of early entries is to raise revenue. 

“I suggest that any racecourse executive who nowadays claims that early closing races are primarily for anything other than fundraising purposes, is being disingenuous,” Andrew Cooper, clerk of the course at Epsom and Sandown, tells us.

There is a price to pay for this, according to Mark Johnston, the legendary ex-trainer, whose finger remains very much on the pulse even if he has turned the licence over to his son, Charlie.

“If you want to have the best horses in the race, you make the closing date for entries as late as possible, so that people enter the horses that are best suited to the race and are most likely to run and win,” says Johnston. “But that doesn’t gather enough entry fees and hence you have all these early closing entries.”

How much is raised? Where does it go? Are owners bearing the brunt of an inability by racecourses to secure greater commercial support?

“One of the biggest issues, when you start to get below the details and talking about prize money, it’s probably more elements of transparency,” states Louise Norman, CEO of the British Racehorse Owners’ Association (ROA).

“Where does the money go in? How does it come back out? That’s a big issue for owners… that builds a lack of trust. So if you haven’t got trust, if you haven’t got transparency, we’ve got a bit of an issue.”

The trend towards shorter periods of time from early closing to race day generally, is a clear acknowledgement that no amount of accumulated revenue can justify not having the best horses in the elite races, as Johnston refers to. 

A detailed look at entries in Britain, Ireland and France

BRITAIN

Six-day entries are the standard, and are overseen by the British Horseracing Authority, but thereafter, racecourses can offer early closing. Some are historical, such as the Derby and the Classics, but courses must apply to the BHA if they want to make a new race an early closer.

Apart from the Derby, Group 1 races must close no more than nine weeks before running, Group 2s at seven weeks and heritage handicaps a maximum of six weeks. Group 1s/2s for two-year-olds, no more than seven weeks.

The closing date for first entries for the Derby this year was February 23, with the race due to take place on June 7. There is a second entry stage on April 23. There are three confirmation deadlines in between those initial entry stages, adding £11,000 to the £3,000 (first entry) or £12,000 (second entry) outlay. To supplement by noon on June 2 will set you back £75,000.

Stakes for all pattern races are 1% of the total prize fund for Group 1s, 0.85% for Group 2s and 0.7% for Group 3s. Those figures are higher at racecourses that have signed a Premier Prize Money agreement: 1.25%, 1% and 1%. No more than 25% of those sums can be charged at entry point. 

Supplementary fees cannot exceed 10% of the total prize fund but there is encouragement in the BHA general instructions (BARGI) to ensure the supplementary fee “shall be sufficient such as to make this route relatively unattractive (i.e. ideally more than 5%).”

Prize money for 2025 is just above £188m, and the owners’ contribution to that has risen to more than £25m. Indeed, owners’ contribution to prize money in Britain has increased by more than 35% since 2021. And even this year, the owners’ increase was 5.1%, whereas the racecourses’ contribution went up by only 2%.

Meanwhile, prize money overall has increased by less than 15% in the past decade or so, while costs have increased by 40%. None of that makes pretty reading for owners and it shouldn’t for anyone with a long-term interest in the sport.

It is the racecourses that decide what value they’re going to run a race for, and this invariably includes an assumption about how much in entry stakes they’re going to get, and therefore, what their contribution to the prize fund may be. The Levy Board contribution will remain unchanged so if they get more or less in entry fees, that either adds or deducts from what it will cost them. 

There have been some notable changes to early entry processes. The Derby is an interesting case model. Epsom introduced a yearling entry scheme in December 1991 for the 1993 Derby, with a March three-year-old entry option as a back-up. This was to generate sufficient contributions from owners to be able to increase prize money significantly to £800,000. With 634 entries at £200 a yearling, that goal was achieved.

Andrew Cooper inherited that structure when appointed clerk of the course at Epsom in 1996. With the entries declining to 448 by 2018 and the race now worth £1.5m, it was time to reconsider. Following discussions with owners, trainers and breeders, and the Covid pandemic muddying the waters, Cooper instigated the introduction of three-year-old entries in 2022.

“Ninety horses entered in February and just two in April,” Cooper details. “By the final confirmation stage in race week, this new structure had generated in total £598,000 of a £1.5m purse (39%).

“In my view the strength of this latest structure is that it produces in February a list of realistically ongoing potential Derby horses, whilst at least matching the entry income to us of the previous scheme. Whilst the cost of yearling entry was deliberately kept low - most recently £560 per horse - there was always an understandable level of dissatisfaction with some professionals at paying for entry to a race before the horse in question had ever raced, and potentially hadn’t even been named or galloped in earnest.”

Mark Johnston has praised the changes made to the Derby entry process, arguing that it has produced a better race.

“On balance I tend to agree - the right and best horses are still lining up at Epsom, but via arguably a more conventional and reasonable or affordable route,” Cooper declares. “I don’t believe the calibre of the Derby has altered - but there is probably less likelihood now of horses such as Golden Horn (2015) joining the field at the supplementary stage at a costly premium.”

Royal Ascot have reverted to a normal entry system for their four Group 2s and reverted to a normal entry system and are also returning entry fees for all horses that declare in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes in full, except for supplementary entries. 

The BHA have introduced a number of races that have a second entry stage before the supplementary stage for two-year-old races in particular this year, again, with a view to providing perhaps more realistic opportunities.

IRELAND

On the Flat, all Group 1s, Group 2s, 3yo+ Group 3s and €100,000 handicaps are early closers. Group 1 early closing dates vary while Group 2s generally close five weeks before race day, Group 3s three weeks ahead and premier handicaps two weeks ahead.

Over jumps, all Grade 1s and €100,000 handicaps have early entries but the lead-in is quite short at three weeks for Grade 1s and a fortnight for the valuable handicaps.

Cumulative cost to run via various entry stages in all races is 1% of the prize fund, while supplementary fees in weight-for-age early closers are 10%, apart from the Irish Derby and Irish Champion Stakes. It will be €100,000 to supplement to the Irish Derby this year, for a guaranteed prize value of €1.25m.

The Irish Classics once closed in April of the two-year-old season but in 2005, the first entry dates were changed to September. In 2014 the Irish Derby and Irish Oaks moved to a November closing – November 6 for this year’s renewals on June 29 (Irish Derby) and July 20 (Irish Oaks).

It is €2,500 to make your initial entry for the Irish Derby but €20,000 if waiting for the second entry point on May 14, by which time, two forfeit stages of a cumulative €6,250 in stakes will have passed. There is one more forfeit stage on June 24 for the Derby that will cost €3,750. That is the same day as the supplementary deadline.

“In response to stakeholder feedback, the structure of the fees at the various entry and forfeit stages of the Derby have been reviewed and reduced over time,” HRI’s director of racing, Jonathan Mullin informs us.

“The early closing system in Ireland remains under review on an annual basis and it has been the subject of tweaks and adjustments over time, particularly the Irish Derby and Irish Oaks.

“The Irish Derby is further supported by an extensive number of races in which the winner, or the first four in the case of the Derby, Prix du Jockey Club and Irish 2000 Guineas, qualify for a refund of their entry fees if they run in the Irish Derby.”

Curragh CEO, Brian Kavanagh backs the current system, with its added second entry and supplementary entry stages, as well those aforementioned incentives regarding entry fee refunds.

“This has worked well in the past and I think it is fair to say that every horse that wants to run in the Irish Derby has the opportunity to do so,” Kavanagh opines.

Prize money in Ireland increases by €1m to €70.9m for 2025, helped by an increase in government funding via the Horse & Greyhound Fund.

According to Horse Racing Ireland, owners’ entry fees contribute approximately 25% of the overall prize money budget, which comes to around €18m this year. This is a higher percentage than in Britain but less than in France.

HRI guarantees the prize money in all races from its budget, whether the contributions from the sponsor and entry fees reaches the race value or not.

It should be noted that in Ireland, executive contributions from racecourses are voluntary, rather than mandatory, as is the case in Britain. Some of the bigger tracks make contributions to prize money for their feature races to increase competitiveness, particularly if attempting to attract an international element. 

These racecourse contributions from the racecourses in Ireland are completely independent of entry fees, as these are collected by HRI.

FRANCE

Group 1 entries have their own specific entry dates with the French Classics in February (the Poule d’Essai des Poulains on February 19 at a cost of €1,500), the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (May 14 @€8,300) and the group races of Arc weekend at the end of July.

Other Group 1 races close between six and eight weeks prior to the day of racing. Group 2 and Group 3 races now close between four and a half and five weeks prior to the day of racing. Up until 2024, it was three and a half weeks.

Entry fees for these races are now 0.65% of total prize fund, a reduction of almost 30% for Group 2 races (€355) and 37.5% for Group 3 (€210).

There is an opportunity to enter a horse in a pattern race in between closing and supplementary for 2% of the prize fund and those second entries will close at the latest on the Tuesday of the week preceding the race. The exception is the three Group 2 races on Arc weekend, when the second entry closes on a Tuesday in mid-September.

The supplementary entry fee is the same as at Group 1 level, 7.2% of the prize fund. The exceptions here are the Arc, the Prix du Jockey Club and the Prix de Diane. There is also an opportunity for a second supplementary stage.

There is a penalty for withdrawing a runner after declaration. One recalls the high profile case of Fantastic Moon in last year’s Arc, when connections were anxious to withdraw due to the testing ground but opted to run as they would have taken a hit of 1.1% of the total prize pot without a veterinary certificate - €55,000.

Prize money was maintained at around €289m, with the breakdown shared equally – a third each between France Galop, owners via entry fees and sponsorship.

There is an Owners’ Pool, which stems from entry and supplementary entry fees in flat black-type races and 32% of money offered in Group 1 races is funded from this pool. It also finances the majority of any prize money increases.

When France Galop changed the entry conditions for Group 1 races by bringing entry dates forward and standardising the percentage of entry fees, it boosted the Owner’s Fund. This policy has been extended in 2025 to Group 2 and Group 3 races.

“Early entries are positioned at strategic dates so that a greater number of horses are entered in pattern races,” a spokesperson for France Galop’s race planning and programme department notes.

“In 2025, the changes made regarding the closing dates and entry fees in Group 3 and Group 2 races are part of an ongoing process started in 2024 in Group 1 races. The goal is to gain clarity for professionals about the entry process and its fee thanks to a greater consistency in the rules applied from Group 3 to Group 1 races.

“The money from entry fees goes straight back into all the prize money offered in pattern and listed races. This is an independent account which must never be in debit balance. We are very careful about that.”

Tim Donworth is an Irish trainer based in Chantilly and while acknowledging that early entries are a costly nuisance, he likes the system in his adopted country.

“In France, we have really good forfeiting systems for every race, not just the big races,” Donworth imparts. “So you have the right to forfeit out of the race at forfeit stage. Then we have a three-day declaration. Then you have a second forfeit stage the day after declaration.

“So we can play with the entries a lot more than you can in England and Ireland. We have visibility of who’s forfeited and who’s declared on the entry site with red circles and green circles. You can supplement into every single race in France so you can be a bit tactical with that. 

“You’re always afraid to get owners to cough up money and the horse ends up not being that good but it’s a risk you have to take for the Classic races in particular and it’s a system that does generate a lot of money.”

GENERAL COMMENTARY

Brian Kavanagh has an interesting perspective as the CEO of Curragh Racecourse. He was CEO of HRI for 20 years and is also a former chair of the European Pattern Committee and the European & Mediterranean Horseracing Federation.

“If the funding model was different, you would most likely have a shorter entry cycle and lower costs,” avers Kavanagh. “The ratings of Irish group races are generally strong and meet the standard required which suggests that the right horses are getting into the races. We are constantly looking at the ratings of our pattern races.

“Likewise, our average field sizes in Ireland are generally higher than France and Britain, which points to an entry system doing its job.

In Britain, Louise Norman is battling hard to improve the lot of her membership in light of some of the damning statistics related to prize money and costs. The ROA are leading on a project with the BHA in a strategic partnership around owner relations.

“We’ve got to evolve because we’re gonna get left behind, when you look at other sports,” says Norman.

“As part of our project with owner relations, we can show that the owners, through training fees, registration fees - forget the purchases; if you add those on top it would go into the billions – but you add all those other things up and it’s over £500m that owners contribute every year to British racing. They’re the biggest contributor of all.

“The modern owners now are very different to what they were 20 years ago, so we’ve got to be challenging the status quo. We’ve got to stop tweaking things, make real change.”

George Murphy is a front-of-house figure now in his father, John Murphy’s training operation, and indeed, was the one that sourced White Birch. Now owned by Chantal Consuelo Regalado-Gonzalez, the five-year-old has won half of his ten races, but frustratingly for connections, has not been able to make the track since beating Augustin Rodin with ease in the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at Curragh Racecourse last May.

Third in the Derby in 2023, the son of Ulysses has been an improver with age and with an ability to act on soft ground, would undoubtedly have been a major contender in the Arc last October, had he not been sidelined. And all those middle distance targets for older horses in Ireland, Britain and France would have been on his schedule. 

They still are and the entry fees will be paid again this year, as they were last season. But Murphy has no issue with that. 

It is a closing date for first entries of September 25 for an Irish 2000 Guineas, just as an example, that makes it difficult, if you are not in a money-no-object situation. Or even a June 25 cut-off point for the National Stakes, which is part of the Irish Champions Festival programme on September 14.

“It’s different with an established horse like White Birch,” says Murphy. “It’s easier to map out your plan.

“I think the big issue is more the two year old races, or the Guineas and Derby, for example. They’re very early. I think when you’re dealing with an older horse that’s proven at Group 1 level, they’ve generally won a lot of prize money, and it’s probably not as big of a deal to be early or to lose out on a few engagements.”

The Murphys have entries for Crosshaven and Plaza Athenee in both Irish Guineas, despite the pair having not yet been seen in public. 

“I suppose for an owner, a lot of the early entry fees are quite expensive, especially for two year olds, when you might have to make them before a horse has even run. That’s sometimes a tricky situation to explain. And you’re also taking a gamble that you think a horse is good enough. 

“You can be left with egg on your face if you have entered a horse you think is very smart. And vice versa too, if you didn’t enter one that was a little bit slower to mature. And then it gets very expensive to put them in.

“There’s no doubt those good races have to close earlier than a five-day entry, but months in advance is maybe a little bit extreme, I think, for the juvenile races and the early-season three-year-old races.”

Sales races can divide opinion. They are the one sphere, we are told by executives, where entry fee revenue can match or exceed the advertised prize fund.

Johnston is bemused by them: “ ‘Oh you’ve got a chance of winning a million next year by buying this yearling,’ it’s amazing how many fall for it, just like they fall for lottery tickets. But it’s very bad value overall. The odds are not good.”

On the other hand, Rod Millman, who at the time of writing was just three winners shy of the 900 landmark, is a fan, however. He credits sales races for keeping his Devon operation afloat and reports that owners are excited now about possessing that lottery ticket, regardless of the odds.

Millman has won the Super Sprint at Newbury twice, via Lord Kintyre in 1997 and Betty’s Hope in 2019, and picked up a lot of place money too, while also targeting other sales races fairly successfully.

“For a trainer like me - most of our horses are at the cheaper end of the bracket – you have lots of races that you can target them at. Obviously there’s the Super Sprint, which I’ve been very lucky in. You’ve also got the sales races at Newmarket, Fairyhouse, the Goffs races. There’s a chance of a big pay day and you’re selling the owner that dream of a cheap horse that could just make it.

“Betty’s Hope, we bought for three grand won the Super Sprint and there’s more stories like that for other people. It helps give the smaller trainer a leg-up. Lord Kintyre kept me in racing and Betty’s Hope gave me a nice pension pot!”

Kavanagh provides some stats which suggest that trainers are becoming slower to pull the trigger on making entries.

“One thing that has been noticeable in recent years is that trainers are being more careful with their entries,” Kavanagh reveals. “Average entries were 24.6 in 2019 with average runners at 11.8 per race. By 2024, while the average entries had reduced to 22.8, the field sizes had remained steady at 11.5 per race.

“This suggests that trainers are increasingly entering horses only when they intend to run, whereas previously there were more of what you might describe as “have a look” entries.”

SUMMATION

While chatting to us, Andrew Cooper wanted to acknowledge “the considerable financial contribution” made by owners via entry fees, and to thank them for it.

He emphasised that everything generated by entry fees went into prize money and also that this would continue to be the case while the current financial model persisted.

And this is the rub. This is the common, accepted situation that must improve. The failure of racing, compared to so many other sports, to create robust commercial partnerships.

In Britain, Project Pace has been set up by the industry, with a view to attracting a big marquee sponsorship for a group of elite flat races, similar to the Barclays and the Premier League for example, where the money is supposed to go in at the top and trickle down to other spheres.

It would be a start. 

Exercise associated sudden death - improvements to equine safety and welfare to reduce incidences

Article by Celia Marr

In racehorses, exercise-associated sudden death – or EASD – is a very rare event but, the miserable events at Cheltenham last November where three horses died on the same day, drew considerable negative attention to the condition and highlight a need for better understanding of why it happens as well as motivating vets, researchers and horsemen to do more to prevent it. 

Cheltenham drew a spotlight to the problem but EASD was already the focus of international effort: in June 2024, Woodbine Racecourse, Toronto hosted the International Horseracing Federation’s (IFHA) Global Summit on Equine Safety and Technology where EASD was one of two major workshop topics. This international event was sponsored by Cornell University’s Harry M. Zweig Memorial Fund for Equine Research, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Equine Welfare Research Foundation, and Woodbine Entertainment Group and specialist veterinary clinicians, pathologists and researchers spent two days sharing knowledge and ideas and debating how tangible improvements to equine safety and welfare in racing could be made towards reducing the prevalence of both EASD incidents and severe musculoskeletal conditions.

What is EASD?

The term EASD is used to describe a fatal collapse in a previously healthy horse either during or shortly after exercise. Currently, across the world, different time-windows are used by regulators which makes quantification of the problem challenging. A  benchmark definition is needed so that the occurrence rates can be audited and the EASD workshop team advised that an international definition is adopted to define EASD as within approximately one hour after exercise. Figures from the BHA show that in the UK, the 2024 EASD incident rate was 0.04% or 4 horses per 10,000 starts – which with just under 90,000 runners translates to 36 EASD losses for the year which is why the triple Cheltenham deaths were so extraordinary. The UK’s rate is comparable with other nations such as Australia and a little lower than the USA although the different definitions used in different racing jurisdictions make direct comparisons challenging. 

Four broad EASD categories

The most authoritative international study looking at causes of EASD was performed with the Horserace Betting Levy Board supported by a group in the University of Edinburgh’s Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies. This report showed that determination of cause of death is significantly impacted by individual pathologist’s interpretation of findings, however, in broad terms about a quarter of cases EASD have a clear and definitive diagnosis of cardiopulmonary failure and a further 10-15% have necropsy findings which are strongly suspicious of cardiac or pulmonary failure; around 10% of EASD cases are due haemorrhagic shock brought on by rupture of a major blood vessel which is most commonly within the abdomen,  while unfortunately around 20% of cases are unexplained despite detailed examination. A range of other rare conditions including brain and spinal problems, often relating to trauma, account for the remainder. 

Within the cardiopulmonary failure category, it is generally accepted that the majority relate to cardiac arrest. This means that the cardiac rhythm is disrupted but, in fact it is actually very difficult to prove that a cardiac rhythm disturbance has been the trigger mechanism of death during a post-mortem examination. In the June 2024 IFHA summit, a significant amount of the workshop was dedicated to discussing current knowledge of cardiac rhythm disturbances, why they occur and how they might be detected in future.

Cardiac arrest: a “perfect storm”

Cardiac arrest can be likened to a perfect storm where multiple adverse factors combine with devastating impact. Unlike catastrophic bone fractures or tendon injuries, cardiac arrest does not necessarily relate to an accumulating pathway of built-up microdamage and because of this, it is very difficult to predict cardiac arrest might occur.  For a cardiac rhythm disturbance (aka an arrhythmia) to develop three elements are required: a substrate, triggers and, in some cases, one or more modulators.  A substrate refers to the structure of the heart, this can be an area of scar tissue but the heart structure does not necessarily need to be pathological and the changes in muscle content which arise as a result of athletic training may also be a substrate. 

A trigger reflects a change in the cellular and tissue environment such as alteration in concentrations of different electrolytes or development of low oxygen concentrations in the tissues yet changes in electrolytes and lowering oxygen concentrations occur every time a horse gallops.  Modulators are an electrophysiological characteristic of the heart  which might be a permanent feature of an individual’s cell make-up or more often might be a transient state such as a variation in the nervous system brought on by excitement, stress or perhaps pain. 

The key point is all these independent factors have to combine to precipitate a cardiac arrest – indeed a horse might go through its life uneventfully despite the presence of a particular substrate or it may experience these triggers on a daily basis and come to no harm. It is the coalescing of multiple factors at a given moment that precipitates the rhythm disturbance that leads to cardiac arrest. 

EASD at the molecular level

Arguably the biggest challenge we currently face in this arena is lack of knowledge of what is normal in the exercising horse. There is very little understanding of structural and electrical remodelling of the equine heart in response to exercise. We do know that the heart, just like any other muscle, will increase in size in response to training and we also know that in horses competing over longer distances such as steeplechasers, a big heart confers an athletic advantage. Exercise training can also lead to scar-tissue formation but in both human and equine athletes the importance of this pathology is uncertain. There is some evidence that fit horses also have altered cardiac electrical characteristics but again, knowledge in this field is very sparse.

Electrical activity in the heart muscle cells is controlled by ion channels – these are proteins that are sited within the cell membranes which effectively act as gates opening and closing to allow electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and calcium to move in and out of the cell and in doing so the electrolytes carry the electrical current. 

Channelopathies – or abnormalities in these ion channels  - have an important role in the development of rhythm disturbances but right now, research on equine ion channels has been limited…but that is changing rapidly.  Researchers in Surrey, Copenhagen and various US universities are working to understand equine channels and the genetic and acquired factors that determine how they function. As knowledge accumulates it may be possible to include tests for the molecular make -up of an affected individual in post-mortem exams – the so-called “molecular autopsy” which is improving diagnosis rates in human cardiac arrest suffers.

So far equine studies have not found conclusive evidence of genetic mutations associated with EASD. But there is evidence for heritability in the Thoroughbred: observations from Australia which have shown some stallions’ and at least one mare’s progeny have higher rates of EASD associations suggesting that it is likely that there are genetic elements at play in EASD. One of the key recommendations of the IFHA’s EASD workshop was that tissues from both horses impacted by EASD and those dying of other causes should be banked and shared amongst researchers to underpin and promote research studies in this area. 

ECG is the cornerstone of arrhythmia diagnosis.

Currently vets rely on resting and exercising electrocardiograms (ECG’s) to identify horses with arrhythmias. However, there are a number of limitations to using ECG as a screening and diagnostic tool: 

• ECGs can be technically difficult to perform during exercise as they are affected by motion artefact; leading to reduced quality of the trace. 

• ECGs currently must be manually interpreted, which is time consuming and leads to significant intra- and inter-observer variability.

• There are no universal guidelines on how to perform the ECG; i.e. exactly where to place the electrodes, which affects the trace produced. 

• There is no consensus on interpretation of the results of an ECG examination in terms of the clinical significance of any abnormalities detected and whether the clinical presentation impacts criteria for interpretation. Indeed, we need to understand more about what is ‘normal’, before we can identify horses with an ‘abnormal’ trace.

Will wearables change the diagnostic landscape?

Over recent years, increasingly racehorse trainers have been using wearable devices during routine training. Generally, the trainer’s motivation is to collect data on speed and fitness variables in their horses to refine their training programmes but several of these devices also have the capacity to include an ECG trace. The ECG can then be accessed if the horse has a problem during a training session and, usefully, the horse’s past record can also often be interrogated. The large numbers of recordings that are currently being made represents an untapped resource for collecting ECG information from large numbers of horses to better understand cardiac responses during exercise in both healthy and unhealthy individuals. 

It has been known for some time that healthy horses frequently have mild rhythm irregularities – generally described as premature complexes or premature depolarisations – these minor fluctuations in rhythm occur at all phases of exercise and particularly as their heart rate is slowing rapidly at the end of a gallop. But the dividing line between what is normal variation and what is clinically concerning is not clear-cut. We do not know exactly how much beat-to-beat variation can be classed as normal versus a sign of significant arrhythmia and we have little understanding of the relationship between premature depolarisations and other factors such as stress, exercise intensity, medical interventions and adverse clinical events.

As a result, veterinary clinicians are looking forward to the ongoing expansion of wearables as an exciting new window into equine cardiac function. Yet, the scale of the unexplored data collection currently going on in training brings with it a challenge – with so many ECG traces being rapidly collected, how can we address the mammoth task of actually looking at them? Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising many aspects of modern life, including medical diagnosis. There is an urgent need to develop AI systems which can screen training ECGs to identify those that warrant further attention. And, although a large number of wearable devices are available on the commercial market, these products often lack validation which is needed before we can use the data they collect to make clinical decisions on individual animals and use the data as a research resource. 

Could we deal with EASD cases better when they do occur?

Racetrack arrhythmia/collapse are, in reality, low probability but high impact events which can be difficult to manage due to their traumatic nature and the fact that they are often played out in the public eye. This is compounded by the availability of medical equipment and limited treatment options that may be futile. 

However, when these events do unfortunately occur, they represent a golden opportunity to collect diagnostic information and biological samples which could be used to prevent future EASD events in other horses in the future.  The combination of an ECG history, a video of the horse as it suffers the event, information from necropsy if the horse dies, and tissue banking offers valuable research insights.

The nearest parallel event from human sport is the cardiac arrests which are occasionally seen in footballers. Through the effort of football’s regulators, today pitch-side emergency medical facilities are excellent and large numbers of trained staff are in attendance, all leading to the best possible outcomes for sportsmen when medical problems arise. When looking to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and treatment attempts in the collapsed horse, the animals’ size is a major challenge; human defibrillators simply do not work in large animals.  

We need more information on emergency medications that can be used in the presence of arrhythmias of unknown origin. These drugs need to be quick to administer, available and suitable to be carried by a racecourse vet, safe, effective and affordable. The IFHA’s EASD group identified that in pressurised situations, pre-determined protocol approaches to both emergency treatment and necropsy procedures are invaluable and the group is working to develop these protocols for dissemination across racing jurisdictions.

Will EASD risk always be present?

As EASD is such a rare event, it is impossible to believe that the risk of EASD can ever be removed entirely, but given the recent technological development in both veterinary science and wearables for training, there is reason to be optimistic that in the coming years, we will at last be able to improve diagnosis rates, identify some of the contributing risk factors and even potentially provide more effective emergency treatment options for these unusual but tragic episodes in our horses.

Refining training with performance genetics

Article by Holly Robilliard

Understanding a horse’s performance strengths and weaknesses is crucial when planning their training regimen. Training thoroughbreds isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavour—factors like racing age, track distance and surface type are just a few of the things we have to consider. Over the years, advances in veterinary care, nutrition and conditioning have shaped the sport, helping us to produce more competitive horses. But imagine tailoring your training plan based on DNA—not just intuition. Now, there's an increasing emphasis on a promising tool that enables you to do just that: performance genetics.

It isn’t just scientists who feel that equine genetics can change the way we understand horse racing, either. California Horse Racing Board Vice Chairman Oscar Gonzales said, “California breeding is at a crossroads—if we want to produce top-quality horses, we must embrace new technologies and analytics. By using information from thoroughbred DNA, we can make better breeding and training decisions that promote health and soundness, ensuring the best horses reach the track. Other sports are using tech to elevate their game, and so should we.”

By understanding a horse’s genetic makeup, trainers can fine-tune both their training programs and racing strategies. In this article, we will explore how key genetic markers—including the myostatin gene (MSTN), height and respiratory health, temperament, and genomic inbreeding values—can influence training, optimise performance, and ultimately increase strike rates.

Race Length Suitability

Performance genetics aren’t entirely new to the thoroughbred world. For years, breeders and trainers have been using the “speed” gene, MSTN, to help determine a horse’s ideal racing distance. But how does this gene affect performance, and why is it so important for training?

Myostatin is a protein that plays a crucial role in the negative regulation of muscle mass, particularly the balance between fast and slow-twitch muscle fibres. Genetically, horses can have two copies of the “Sprint” variant, two copies of the “Endurance” variant, or one copy of each—known as “Sprint/Endurance.” 

Sprint-type horses are typically more muscular and compact, equipped with a higher proportion of fast-twitch muscles that enable explosive bursts of speed over shorter distances. These horses generally excel in races under 6 furlongs, physically mature faster, and often earn more as two-year-olds.1 Therefore, focusing on high-intensity, short-duration training that sharpens acceleration, and avoiding endurance-building exercises that play against the horse’s natural abilities, may help maximise their potential.

In contrast, endurance-type horses possess a greater percentage of slow-twitch muscle fibres, which contract more slowly but can sustain effort without fatiguing quickly. Typically smaller and less muscular, these horses may reach their peak performance later than their sprint-type counterparts, which should be taken into consideration. They are particularly well-suited for longer races, typically 9 furlongs or more, and incorporating aerobic conditioning exercises into their training regimen would be beneficial to capitalise on their genetic predisposition for sustained effort.

Sprint/endurance horses are versatile and can perform well across a range of distances, benefiting from both speed and stamina. Therefore, their training should include exercises tailored for both short and long distance, depending on the long-term goals for that particular horse.

Incorporating MSTN testing into a training program enables more precise conditioning based on a horse’s genetic makeup, ultimately reducing the risk of over-training and increasing performance consistency. However, it’s essential to consider other physical traits with genetic factors, such as height (LCORL).

Connecting Height and “Roaring”

When selecting mating pairs for thoroughbreds, it’s common practice to evaluate physical traits alongside pedigree. Breeders often seek attributes like increased body size and muscle mass, aiming to produce bigger, faster and stronger horses. Yet, it’s important to note that larger horses physically mature at a slower rate compared to those of average height. Furthermore, research indicates that horses carrying at least one copy of LCORL may be taller but are also at a higher risk of developing Recurrent Laryngeal Neuropathy (RLN), commonly known as “roaring.”2

Roaring is a disease that results in a paralysed larynx and ultimately leads to an obstruction of airflow during intense exercise. Horses with RLN struggle to breathe normally at speed, therefore their performance potential could be limited.

In addition to height, several other factors can contribute to a horse’s predisposition to RLN. Fortunately, genetic tests are available to determine a horse’s risk level: ~12x higher risk (RLN/RLN), ~5x higher risk (RLN/n), or has no increased risk (n/n) for developing the disease.

It’s important to realise that knowledge is power. By understanding the genetic risks associated with your horse, you can anticipate physical limitations and adjust training accordingly. This may involve incorporating more respiratory conditioning, closely monitoring oxygen intake under stress, or considering surgical intervention for affected horses.

Managing the Mind

Performance is not just about physicality—temperament plays a crucial role in how a horse handles the demands of training and competition. As more research is done with the assistance of thoroughbred trainers, can use genetic analysis to provide insights into a horse’s behavioural tendencies. In this case, let’s look at the temperament gene, DRD4, which tells us whether the horse is more “Curious,” “Vigilant,” or a combination of both.3

Curious horses, defined by a willingness to be interested in or approach novel objects, are often more inclined to engage with new environments, challenges, or stimuli. This means they may be more adaptable to varied training regimes, allowing them to learn faster in new situations or settings, such as different tracks or training facilities.

That is not to say thoroughbreds who are vigilant about their surroundings do not readily learn or adapt, only that they may benefit from different training methods. These horses often possess heightened awareness of their surroundings, making them valuable assets in racing. This trait may mean they respond more readily to jockey commands and can navigate environmental factors, such as the positioning of other horses, while racing.

It's essential to recognise that temperament cannot be attributed to a single gene; other factors, such as environment and stress, also play a significant role in shaping behaviour. For instance, more high-strung horses may need additional mental conditioning to cope with the pressures of race day, including exposure to noise and distractions. In contrast, calmer horses might benefit from a more stimulating environment to maintain their focus and sharpness. Trainers can leverage this knowledge to adjust everything from a horse’s daily routine to its training regimen, ensuring that the animal's psychological needs are addressed in a way that enhances performance.

Balancing Talent and Risk

Another critical component of performance genetics is understanding the genomic inbreeding value (GIV). Inbreeding in thoroughbreds is a double-edged sword—it can amplify desirable traits, but it can also increase the risk of hereditary health issues that negatively impact performance. While more research is needed, these issues may present as lower endurance, slower recovery times, or reduced competitiveness on the racetrack.

Over the past five decades, inbreeding rates have increased significantly, yet we have not observed a corresponding rise in the speed of thoroughbred horses.4,5 In fact, a 10% increase in inbreeding reduces a horse’s likelihood of successful racing by 7%, but what does this mean for performance?

Horses with a high inbreeding coefficient are often more susceptible to injuries and genetic disorders, leading to declines in overall vitality and performance. By understanding a horse's GIV, trainers can refine their conditioning programs to emphasise injury prevention and overall health management. For example, you may consider implementing medical screenings or adopting less aggressive workout routines to minimise the risk of breakdowns related to structural weaknesses.

Conversely, horses with lower inbreeding values tend to have greater genetic diversity, which can enhance their resilience and adaptability. These horses may be able to manage more intense training schedules without the same risk of injury, allowing trainers to push them harder when necessary.

Conclusion: Utilising Performance Genetics

In thoroughbred racing, there is no universal training program, nor is there a guaranteed formula for ensuring your horse becomes a champion. However, by leveraging performance genetics, we can increase those odds and refine training strategies in ways that were previously unimaginable. 

By understanding key genetic markers such as the MSTN gene, and the connections between height, maturation and respiratory risk, trainers can tailor their methods to meet the unique needs of each horse. Taking into consideration the horse’s temperament and genomic inbreeding value allows for further refinement. 

As the science of equine genomics continues to evolve, owners and trainers that incorporate these performance factors into their training programs will be at a distinct advantage—giving their horses the best possible chance to reach the winner’s circle. Performance genetics provide a profound edge, and with the precision of modern DNA analysis, the future of thoroughbred training is shaping up to be faster, stronger and smarter than ever before.

References

1. Tozaki, T., Sato, F., Hill, E. M., Miyake, T., Endo, Y., Kakoi, H., Gawahara, H., Hirota, K., Nakano, Y., Nambo, Y., & Kurosawa, M. (2011b). Sequence variants at the myostatin gene locus influence the body composition of Thoroughbred horses. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 73(12), 1617-1624.

2. Boyko, A. R., Brooks, S. A., Behan-Braman, A., et al. (2014). Genomic analysis establishes correlation between growth and laryngeal neuropathy in Thoroughbreds. BMC Genomics, 15, 259. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2164-15-259

3. Momozawa, Y., et al. (2005). Association between equine temperament and polymorphisms in the dopamine D4 receptor gene. Mammalian Genome, 16, 538-544. PMID: 16151699

4. Hill, E. W., Stoffel, M. A., McGivney, B. A., MacHugh, D. E., & Pemberton, J. M. (2022). Inbreeding depression and the probability of racing in the Thoroughbred horse. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 289, 20220487. http://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2022.0487

5. McGivney, B. A., Han, H., Corduff, L. R., et al. (2020). Genomic inbreeding trends, influential sire lines, and selection in the global Thoroughbred horse population. Scientific Reports, 10, 466. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-57389-5

Promoting 'Best Practice' and why this is important to the outside world

Article by Paull Khan

There has perhaps never been a time when it is more important for European trainers to be aware of what is happening politically in Brussels.

It is likely that, by now, readers will be aware of the review being undertaken of the European Union’s laws on animal welfare. The EMHF has, for some years now, been keeping a close watch on developments with the first strand of this review – that relating specifically to welfare in transport. We have been making representations – in writing and by visiting key decision-makers in the European Commission and Parliament – in order to try to ensure that well-intentioned legislative change does not have unintended consequences, not only for our industry, but for our horses themselves. Wherever possible, we have sought to join forces with our sister organisations, to present a unified front across an industry whose political influence is all too often weakened by internal differences.  

For the most part, these efforts have borne fruit. Thankfully, the Commission’s proposals for the new laws would, if adopted, give us the continued ability to transport our racehorses in the frictionless way that we have enjoyed for decades and which we doubtlessly take for granted. However, despite specific requests to allow the same freedoms to horses being travelled for breeding or to go to the sales, those journeys have not been included in the Commission’s plans. We continue to fight, alongside the European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders Associations and many others, for the inclusion of breeding and sales – if we fail, there will be devastating impacts.

There is much less awareness of the second strand of this EU review – and this one threatens to have yet more far-reaching implications for trainers and the way they operate.

This second focus is on the keeping and protection of animals – their husbandry. Work is just beginning on this workstream, but already the Commission has given a strong hint as to the areas that it will be looking into. The review covers a broad range of animals, but the Commission has asked the body to which it turns for scientific advice in these areas – the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – for a scientific opinion specifically on the protection of horses and other Equidae. The Terms of Reference it has given EFSA are illuminating and arresting.

First, they make clear that EFSA should specifically consider horses kept for breeding, and also ‘working’ horses, which are to include those kept for competition (eg. racehorses).  They will be reviewing the most common husbandry systems in place and then identifying welfare consequences of the above and making recommendations to prevent or mitigate those welfare consequences.

For example, EFSA will be assessing, from a welfare perspective,  minimum space allowances for the boxes in which horses are housed, the air quality, temperature and lighting in those boxes, the degree to which they can see, hear and smell other horses and the amount of outdoor access and opportunities for grazing and free movement that horses are allowed. They will also be looking at the nutrition and feeding strategies that are used.

They will be considering locomotory, gastro-enteric and metabolic disorders that are found in horses and identifying ‘animal-based measures’ by which those disorders may be identified.

In relation to training, they will be looking at the age at which horses may start to be trained, the temperatures in which training takes place and whether there should be a maximum and the duration of effort and whether there should be a minimum resting period. Practices such as gelding and thermocautery of the limbs (firing) will also come under the spotlight.

In the breeding arena, they will be doing similarly with gestation and weaning conditions, including the age at which weaning takes place, the age of a mare when she is first bred, the number of gestations a mare has and whether there should be a maximum, the period of time between pregnancies and whether there should be a minimum and the practice of Caslick’s procedure.

A presentation on the tasks that EFSA has been set can be found at trainermagazine.com/efsa.

While EFSA has been given until the end of next year to deliver its report, and more time will obviously pass before legislation is agreed and introduced, it is never too early for industries affected to start preparing.

The EMHF is keen that trainers (and others, including breeders) are aware of this activity and is grateful for the opportunity to publicise it through this magazine. Trainers should be given the chance to consider the possible implications of this, to reflect on their own practices and to give thought to whether and in what ways they might look to adjust those practices to ensure maximum welfare benefits for the horses in their care.

It is important that, collectively, we are aware of how things currently work. What are the husbandry practices that are adopted in the training of racehorses, across Europe? 

To answer this, we are launching this Questionnaire, which readers are strongly encouraged to complete and submit.

This magazine offers a good way to help start discussions, to pool ideas and expertise so that our industry can, in due course, speak to the European institutions in as informed and measured a way as possible.

Recruiting new talent - supporting workforce development in the industry to attract and retain a new generation of professionals

Article by Virginia Lisco

Have you ever found yourself scrolling through social media, browsing job search pages dedicated to the racing industry, or simply chatting with trainers and others in the field, only to be struck by the flood of job postings from racing yards and stables across Europe actively seeking work riders, stable staff, and ground staff? 

It seems that, no matter the country, the demand for these vital roles is relentless. This stark reality brings to light one of the most urgent challenges facing the horse racing industry today: the shortage of people willing to step into these essential positions, particularly within the stables. The lack of skilled and dedicated staff poses a serious threat because the stable is the beating heart where our four-legged athletes are nurtured, trained, and primed for victory on the track. 

Without a passionate and committed workforce operating behind the scenes, the entire racing ecosystem stands on shaky ground. Identifying the root causes of this labor crisis and uncovering effective solutions is crucial to safeguarding the future of the sport and ensuring that racing continues to flourish with the support of devoted individuals.

Understanding why the racing industry is facing such a severe staff shortage requires a closer look at the underlying factors contributing to this issue. Several elements could be at play, including a general decline in interest among younger generations in pursuing careers within the racing sector. 

Additionally, lifestyle changes, evolving career preferences, and a perception that jobs in the industry require a level of commitment that may not align with modern work-life balance expectations could all be influencing the decline in new recruits. Exploring these reasons in depth can provide valuable insight into the root causes of this workforce crisis and help guide the search for viable solutions. 

Firstly, a key element that must be considered is the nature of the work itself. As Guillaume de Saint-Seine, President of France Galop, pointed out, “the work of stable staff and in stud farms is potentially attractive because it is close to nature, but at the same time, it is a job that requires significant physical effort, with more demanding working hours than in other sectors”. 

This contrast, between the appeal of being in close contact with animals and nature, and the physical intensity and time commitment required, can have a major influence on how these roles are perceived. 

Furthermore, the early working hours, weekend shifts, and the need to adapt to the rhythm of the horses often leave little room for flexibility, which can deter individuals used to more conventional schedules. In some regions, a lack of access to affordable housing near training centres or stud farms can add further complications, especially for younger staff or those relocating from urban areas. While some individuals may be drawn to the unique environment and lifestyle that this work offers, others may find it too challenging or incompatible with their expectations.

Another important element to consider is the broader cultural transformation reshaping the way people approach work. As Guillaume Hernberger, President of AFASEC (the Association de Formation et d'Action Sociale des Écuries de Courses - which translates to the French racing stable employee training association) highlighted, "we have to consider that we are dealing with a new generation that has lived also the COVID, that has led to a big change of work that can be done like house working, but our racing industry of course cannot do that because it is a job that requires a work in presence". 

The pandemic has accelerated a shift in expectations: remote work, flexibility, and digital autonomy are no longer seen as perks but as essential components of modern employment. For many young professionals, having the freedom to manage their time independently and maintain a healthy work-life balance has become a top priority.

This is precisely where the racing industry finds itself at a crossroads. While many sectors have adapted to remote and flexible models, the horse racing world remains firmly anchored in physical presence, early mornings, and hands-on tasks. This creates an inherent mismatch between what the industry can realistically offer and what younger generations increasingly look for in a job. 

The growing preference for autonomy, digital accessibility, and adaptable schedules has redefined what people expect from the workplace, especially younger generations. Yet, due to its very nature, the racing industry cannot pivot toward remote roles. The work requires daily, in-person care and routine-based tasks that cannot be replicated virtually. This structural rigidity places the sector at odds with broader labor market trends, complicating both recruitment and retention.

Beyond structural challenges, one of the most pressing yet often overlooked issues is the limited visibility of career opportunities within the racing industry. In many parts of the world, this sector still struggles to position itself as an attractive and accessible professional path, especially among younger generations. While some countries have developed more effective strategies to promote the industry, in others there remains a strong need to raise awareness and broaden its appeal. 

Too often, the racing world is perceived as a niche domain, associated only with jockeys or trainers, leaving a wide range of roles: technical, managerial, veterinary, and beyond, largely unknown. Without proactive communication, many young people simply don’t consider this industry as a viable career option. 

To overcome this barrier, it is essential to invest in awareness campaigns, partnerships with educational institutions, and storytelling initiatives that highlight the diversity, purpose, and passion that define the world of racing. By making these opportunities more visible and relatable, the industry can begin to capture the interest of a new generation of professionals.

Once these underlying causes are acknowledged it becomes clear that the racing industry must adopt a dual approach focused on both attraction and retention strategies. 

It is not only essential to draw in new talent, but also to ensure that this workforce remains engaged, motivated, and committed over time. Building long-term career pathways, improving working conditions, and fostering a sense of purpose are all key components in this effort. In this context, several countries have already started to implement concrete measures. Notably, both France and the UK are actively developing comprehensive programs aimed at enhancing the appeal of the industry while also strengthening workforce stability. 

The UK has recently taken a concrete step in addressing workforce challenges with the launch of the Horseracing Industry People Board (HIPB) Strategy, “the government body and then the stakeholders took a pause and said we have been very good at looking at horses and horse welfare, but maybe now we should focus on the other major part of the industry, which are the people” says HIBP board member, Tallulah Wilson.

The strategy outlines pressing issues such as national labor shortages, shifting workplace expectations, and new employment regulations, while also recognising existing strengths, like an 80% staff retention rate in racing yards. However, deeper structural challenges remain. Nearly half of stable and stud staff report bullying and harassment, 45% of yard employees plan to leave within two years, and mental health concerns affect over 70% of the workforce. The average age of new entrants has risen from 23 to 28, and dissatisfaction with pay and working conditions is growing. 

A theme recognised by trainer Daniel Kübler, “employers and employees need to change their attitude and culture around what a workplace looks like, and I think that's really critical with trying to attract the next generation to the workforce, is that generation have very different expectations to the previous one, but the industry’s got to understand and adapt. The days of when people were prepared to work six, seven days a week with animals has changed and it's not good to say ‘that's how the industry is,’ we have to say ‘how can we adapt instead’". 

Recognising this disconnect is essential if the industry hopes to remain competitive and relevant. To bridge the gap, it must rethink how it communicates career opportunities, highlighting not only the purpose and passion behind the profession but also the unique, irreplaceable human-animal bond that no desk job can replicate.

External pressures further compound the issue: a nationwide labour shortage, growing urbanisation (with 84% of the UK population living in cities), and a declining working-age population, projected to drop by 1.2 million by 2034. Additionally, 83% of Generation Z consider diversity and inclusion policies a key factor in choosing a job, an area where the racing industry still faces perception challenges. The sector’s “always-on” culture, intensified by a 50% increase in evening fixtures over the last decade, contributes to fatigue and unsociable working hours. 

While many promising initiatives are already underway, such as the new drug and alcohol testing scheme, the HIPB Strategy clearly signals that a people-centered transformation is no longer optional, but essential. 

Although external political factors, such as Brexit, are not directly addressed within the strategy, they remain part of the broader context in which these challenges exist. As Kübler observed, “this is something that must necessarily sit outside the strategy we’re proposing, because it cannot influence the current political context and immigration policy. That said, the BHA [British Horseracing Authority] has made and continues to make efforts to facilitate visa access, but the reality is that our government wants to see industries making every effort to recruit and develop home-grown talent first". This reinforces the importance of a comprehensive, long-term approach to workforce development within the sector.

The HIPB Strategy presents a well-structured and comprehensive plan to address workforce challenges in British horseracing. It is organised around five key thematic areas, each with defined objectives and actions. Recruitment focuses on increasing the supply of skilled and diverse people through clearer pathways into the industry, including targeted campaigns and strengthened links with training providers such as the British Racing School and National Horseracing College. 

Training and Development aims to enhance skills across all levels by improving the training offer, promoting apprenticeships, simplifying funding models, and introducing tools like a Rider Competency Matrix and Skills Passport. Employment Practices target the improvement of working conditions, with initiatives to reduce unsociable hours, implement flexible work models, and support employers in workforce management.

Inclusion addresses the need for more diverse and welcoming workplaces, with action plans on gender equality, ethnic diversity, and anti-sexual misconduct campaigns, alongside an Employer Quality Standard to raise workplace benchmarks. 

Wellbeing is another core pillar, aiming to foster a culture of safety and mental health support through regular surveys, expanded services, and a drug and alcohol testing policy. These thematic areas are supported by two strategic enablers: Communications and Engagement, to improve internal outreach and cross-industry alignment, and Data, to ensure evidence-based decision-making through better workforce analysis and monitoring tools. 

The strategy is accompanied by a detailed three-year action plan, with 15 priority projects ranging from recruitment campaigns and trainer course redesign to mentoring programs, equality actions, and workplace standards improvement. To ensure progress, the strategy includes a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, with clear performance benchmarks. 

Targets include reducing the average vacancy rate from 24% to 10%, increasing retention rates for Work Riders by 10%, and halving the current 19% skill shortage. Further goals aim to raise the proportion of staff engaged in continuous development from 15% to over 50%, reduce the percentage of staff intending to leave within two years from 27% to 20%, and improve employer satisfaction with training to 70%. 

In terms of inclusion, the ambition is to increase the share of women in key stakeholder boards from 28% to 40%, and staff agreeing their employer promotes diversity from 67% to 90%. The People Board will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of this strategy, tracking results, removing barriers, and ensuring that workforce issues remain a central industry priority. 

A full review is planned for 2026, alongside the development of a long-term governance model to sustain progress. This strategic and measurable approach sets a solid foundation for building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient workforce across the British horseracing industry.

France is also investing significantly in workforce development, particularly through the support of AFASEC, a key organisation operating across 14 locations, including 5 training schools, 7 social residencies offering affordable housing for employees, and 1 reintegration centre dedicated to supporting individuals with work-related injuries or disabilities. 

Under the leadership of Guillaume Hernberger, the organisation has undergone a remarkable transformation. As he explained, “when I started as director in 2021, we were at the lowest number of students ever, just 580, and everyone was saying the sector no longer attracted people. But I didn’t believe the problem was the industry itself. I told my colleagues we had to get moving, go out there, and convince the younger generations that this is a sector full of opportunities. Thanks to a fully funded training program supported by France Galop and the government, we were able to show that this could be a much more exciting and fulfilling career path than many others. And in 2024, we reached 750 students, the highest in years. That proved to us that we still have the capacity to attract. I’m also proud to say that 2024 was a record year in terms of newly trained riders". 

This positive turnaround clearly shows that, when adequately promoted and supported, the racing industry can still appeal to younger generations. However, having re-established its ability to attract new talent, the next critical step is to focus on retention, ensuring that those who enter the profession through structured training pathways remain engaged and committed over time.

Another key pillar of AFASEC’s action is the AFASEC Recruitment Agency, which supports trainers and breeders in recruiting staff suited to their operational needs. This service assists not only with domestic hiring but also through international recruitment partnerships with countries such as Mauritius, South Africa, India, Venezuela, and Central Africa.

As Hernberger explains, “what we wanted to do, which differentiates us from other countries, is to take a global approach". Nevertheless, the initiative faced early challenges. “Sometimes the person trainers interviewed via video was not the same as who arrived. Or in some cases, foreign workers could only arrive after 12 weeks due to lengthy documentation processes and by then the trainer no longer needed them. So we said: we need to act as a blockchain to guarantee both the quality of recruitment and the quality of the job". 

To overcome these obstacles, AFASEC has developed a dual accountability model. On one side, for example, institutions like the Jockey Club of Bangalore vouch for the credibility and reliability of candidates, while on the other, AFASEC guarantees employers that if a placement doesn't work out, they will relocate the candidate elsewhere.

Moreover, AFASEC also provides initial accommodation and support upon arrival, ensuring smoother integration. As Hernberger emphasises, “we are not stealing the workforce we are skilling it". In 2024 alone, the recruitment department facilitated around 300 placements, with two-thirds from within the EU and one-third from outside. To support and scale this international recruitment effort, France Galop, under the leadership of Director Guillaume de Saint Seine, has also engaged directly with national authorities.

Thanks to discussions with the government, efforts are underway to simplify administrative procedures for hiring non-EU workers in the racing sector. As de Saint Seine explained, “I spoke with the Minister, presenting her with an overview of how the French racing sector operates and the challenges we face in recruiting staff. I asked whether there could be any support in easing the bureaucratic process for bringing in workers from outside the EU. The Minister responded positively and is currently assessing the matter with her team. We don’t yet have a final answer, but the prospects appear promising". 

Curiously, in a country where horseracing is no longer experiencing its golden years, a promising initiative has emerged from Italy. The Final Furlong Association has launched an extracurricular training pathway, presented within an agricultural high school, aimed at introducing students to the equine world. 

The program, which includes a European-recognised certification, represents a first step toward guiding young people toward potential future careers in the sector. Some students have even had the opportunity to undertake internships in France, thanks to a collaboration with AFASEC and several partner stables. 

Although the project was initially developed independently by the association, it has sparked strong interest from the Italian Ministry of Agriculture (MASAF), which has shown openness to supporting the initiative and exploring a formal collaboration. This could mark a new opportunity to bring fresh energy and visibility to the Italian racing sector. Could it be the beginning of a new chapter?

All across Europe, the racing industry is facing similar challenges, but also showing encouraging signs of renewal. From structured strategies in the UK and France to grassroots initiatives in Italy, it is clear that attracting and retaining a new generation of professionals requires not only concrete action but also a cultural shift. Rethinking working conditions, investing in education, and improving communication around career opportunities are all key pillars for the future. As Hernberger humorously questioned during a conversation: “Why does work in the stable start at 5 a.m.?” a simple but powerful reminder that even long-standing traditions can, and perhaps must, evolve in order to meet the expectations of tomorrow’s workforce.

European Champions 2024

Article by Paull Khan

Catherine erichsen

Dr Marian Surda has once again produced his fascinating tables of Champion Trainers and Jockeys across a range of European countries. This is the third year that we have featured these tables, and we have taken the opportunity to publish all three years. Comparison reveals some interesting facts.

• For the third year in a row it was Great Britain, amongst all these European racing nations, whose Champion Trainer boasted the highest earnings.

• For the first time in the three-year period covered, Ireland’s Champion earned more than France’s Champion.

• For the first time, a trainer became Champion in more than one of the ‘Big 3 countries’ with Aidan O’Brien triumphant in Britain as well as his native Ireland.

• After two years when Jean Claude Rouget was Champion in France, Andre Fabre wrested the title back proving that age is no barrier when it comes to training horses – both being septuagenarians.

• Also making their first appearance on our table, as a national Champion Trainer, were:

In future issues, we will be finding out more about these new national champions and what it is like to train in the countries concerned.

TopSpec Trainer of the Quarter - Ralph Beckett

Words by Lissa Oliver

When Starlust came from a near last-to-first run to land the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint in a thrilling finish, trainer Ralph Beckett was one of the few unsurprised by the 34-1 winner. It hadn’t been a long-term plan, but with the three-year-old colt’s liking for a flat track, as highlighted by his fondness for York, the team at Kimpton Down Stables in Hampshire were fairly confident. 

Beckett first took out his licence in 1999 and now has a team of 180 at the state-of-the-art yard in the idyllic Hampshire countryside near Andover, sending out 18 Gr.1 winners. Kimpton Down has three all-weather gallops, including a 1600m straight woodchip, and 35 acres of downland grass, that have been used as gallops for over a century. Beckett also installed a treadmill, enabling horses to remain in full work without being ridden, as well as being excellent for rehabilitating horses returning from injury. There are also 30 acres of turnout paddocks, used all year round thanks to the chalk base.

Starlust’s 2024 Breeders’ Cup win came only a month after Bluestocking had won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe for Beckett, but for Starlust this was a first success at top-level. After a busy juvenile campaign the colt had run a creditable third to Big Evs in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint in 2023, so was no stranger to an end-of-year trip to America.

“As in all of these things, and after the end of a long year, the main concern for us was to concentrate on the horse’s wellbeing, particularly after his traumatic experience in the Prix de l’Abbaye,” says Beckett, when Starlust was badly hampered in the final 200m and collided with the rail. “As much as anything it was about getting his head right. We took him away for a day, the day out being the most important thing rather than the work, and when he came home he was happy and we knew he was in good form.” 

The draw is all-important for the l’Abbaye, but Starlust had the luck of the draw at Del Mar. “He has shown a distinct liking for York and a flat track suits him very well, so that was particularly relevant,” Beckett points out. 

He acknowledges the work also put in by his team at the historic Kimpton Down Stables, particularly his Assistant Trainer Joe Tuite, Head Man and Assistant Gary Plasted, and Travelling Head Grooms Richard Arnold and Emma Wilkinson. “Emma does most of the work when they fly and has been with me a long time and knows the routine very well, she’s very experienced. At home, Joe Tuite and Gary Plasted are hugely experienced and Joao Cardoso, Barn Manager, knows the horse really well.

"Starlust is a really tough horse and that shone through at Del Mar. He's not had a break all year and has been at it since Meydan in January. He’ll definitely have a holiday now.”

The principles of genetic research and its impact on the Thoroughbred racing world

Words - Holly Robilliard and Cassie Fraser

GMO thoroughbreds? Superhorses created in the lab? Is genetic doping a real “thing”? It’s time for a reality check and a good, hard look at what’s real, or even possible, and how it can hurt or help the thoroughbred industry.

Breeders, trainers, and owners continually seek a competitive edge, striving to produce horses with the speed, stamina, and resilience needed to succeed on the racetrack. Concurrently, there is increasing pressure and responsibility to minimise animal discomfort, injury, and death in a public forum. Therefore we must carefully examine and balance all the tools at our disposal before determining which ones to use and how.  

Interestingly, there is a growing technology that may be of more notable controversy than even horse racing: The power of genetics. Perhaps the greatest power man has ever wielded, genetics has sparked numerous debates over the good and evil it can bring. As with most new things, there is a significant fear of the unknown, so how do we even begin to understand it? In short: research, homework, and fact-finding. Let’s look at what is fact, scientifically known, and possible today, and then consider what may be possible in the future. 

Genetic Influences on Equine Performance

DNA, often called the “blueprint of life,” holds the key to a horse’s inheritance and development, from its physical prowess, size and speed, to temperament and abilities. By studying their genetics, we can unravel the intricate code that dictates the pre-existing traits and characteristics of these powerful athletes. This information can then be utilised in our breeding and performance programs to improve suitability and success, all while upholding ethical standards and preserving the integrity of the sport.

The general rule for Mendelian traits is that a foal inherits one allele from each parent for a given gene. If the inherited alleles are the same, the horse is called homozygous for that gene. If they are different, they are heterozygous. As heterozygosity goes up, genetic diversity is increased, resulting in more variation in the genetic content. This results in a greater adaptability to environmental stressors and change, leading to a more robust animal and population. With equine genetics, we tend to focus on three kinds of genes: Causatives - genes/variants that directly cause a trait or condition, Correlatives - genes/variants that appear alongside, or in common, with a trait or condition, and Risks - genes/variants that increase their likelihood/risk of acquiring that trait or condition. 

A thoroughbred study by Momozawa et al. found an association between the dopamine d4 receptor (DRD4) gene and a measure of temperament. In the study, “curiosity”, defined as, “an interest in novel objects and a willingness to approach them”, was prevalent in horses with a particular gene variant. Horses preferring to observe carefully, from a distance, were of the opposite variant type, named “vigilance”. Although further research is required, it is not unreasonable to consider that temperament affects a horse's ability to learn, break from the gate, or handle the pressure of large crowds on race day.

Another performance trait, perhaps of more notable interest to thoroughbred enthusiasts is the “speed” gene, myostatin (MSTN). This insertion results in increased muscle growth in horses and other mammals. Genetically, horses can have two copies of the “Sprint” variant, two copies of the “Endurance” variant, or one copy of each, “Sprint/Endurance.” Thoroughbreds homozygous for the Sprint variant tend to excel earlier in age, at shorter distances (8 furlongs or less) with quick bursts of speed. Horses homozygous for Endurance excel later, and at longer distances (9 furlongs or more). However, heterozygous horses won at all distances, having both quick bursts of speed  and endurance capabilities.

Using genome-wide association studies (GWAS), scientists can analyse equine DNA and identify specific genes associated with various health and performance traits. This research holds immense promise, pinpointing genes responsible for desirable traits like speed, temperament, gait, size, and overall health. So how can we use it to produce horses with optimised genetic profiles for racing, while minimising risk and injury? The answer lies within our breeding programs.

Breeding & Buying Optimised With Genetics

For generations, breeders have been making selections for observed traits, such as pedigree, racing history, prior offspring performance, and conformation. Additionally, “Nicking,” the strategic crossing of certain lines with an observed affinity for one another, is another well-known method used to make breeding decisions. These techniques may be successful, as the chosen bloodlines possess underlying genetic traits that express and complement one another. Given science today, the next evolutionary step in this process is to genetically test and confirm the desired traits are present and will be passed on in the most advantageous combinations.

Inbreeding (having drastically reduced genetic diversity) poses a significant challenge within the thoroughbred racing industry due to the closed nature of the studbook. Science shows that a 10% increase in inbreeding reduces a horse’s likelihood of successful racing by 7%. Essentially, higher genomic inbreeding correlates with poorer performance. Traditionally, we have relied on pedigree and conformation to make mating decisions. Today, using actual genetics, we can calculate accurate genomic inbreeding and work toward decreasing it. On paper, two mares (full siblings) would appear to have the same inbreeding value. In reality, they can differ greatly, and if bred to the same stallion, may produce foals with drastically higher, or lower, genomic inbreeding values.

Using myostatin again, let’s look at a stallion that, by conformation and pedigree, appears to be the perfect match for your mare. Genetically, the mare is Sprint/Endurance and the stallion is Sprint/Sprint. This would result in a foal who is 50% likely to be Sprint/Endurance and 50% likely to be Sprint/Sprint. Now, if you breed that same mare with a stallion who has, at a minimum, one copy of endurance, the foal would still have a 25% chance of being Sprint/Sprint. However, it would also have a 50% chance of being Sprint/Endurance, and a 25% likelihood of being Endurance/Endurance, giving it longer-distance capabilities.

Beyond discovering performance-related traits, genetic research plays a vital role in promoting the overall health and sustainability of the breed. Health and soundness risks, such as Recurrent Laryngeal Neuropathy (RLN), or “roaring”, Kissing Spines, and Tendinopathy are being actively developed as genetically testable variants. Some of these traits can limit a thoroughbred's pre- or post-racing career. Other predispositions, like Chronic Idiopathic Anhidrosis (CIA), or “non-sweater,” or Fracture Risk, can be life-ending if they go undetected.

Through the use of genetic testing and associated technologies, breeders can “Build-A-Horse” to their specifications by crossing specific sires and dams using confirmed, heritable genetics, that create that optimal foal. By making breeding decisions based on maths and science, we can reduce the presence of undesirable health traits in our programs.

As more thoroughbred owners utilise genetics, collaborating researchers will continue identifying areas of strength and vulnerability in health and performance. This knowledge empowers breeders and buyers to make informed decisions that preserve genetic diversity and ensure the long-term strength of thoroughbred bloodlines. Given the considerable investment of both resources and effort involved in the production and training of horses destined for the track, decreasing risk and increasing financial management is paramount. Remarkably, the cost of utilising genetic testing to ascertain a horse’s optimal race distance is less than one week's feed, and can ultimately save owners and breeders both time and money.

Navigating Ethical Considerations

As genetic research becomes increasingly integrated into the thoroughbred racing industry, it’s wise to approach this technology with foresight instead of fear. Whilst it offers unprecedented opportunities for improvement and advancement, this research also carries the potential for unintended consequences and ethical dilemmas that must be carefully navigated. 

The topic of cloning has been hotly debated in the last decade. The first reaction appears to be to “ban” it in certain registries and competitions. Interestingly, the fears stoked by this technology have not materialised into truth for a seemingly simple reason: You can replicate the genetic code of an animal, but it’s another thing entirely to replicate the uterine environment, the training, feeding, life experiences, and competition circumstances.

Another recent concern within the industry is the concept of “gene doping” to create superhorses, which involves artificially modifying an athlete's genes to enhance their performance. For example, the myostatin gene may become the target of genome editing in horses, as it alters the amount and composition of muscle fibre types. Although there are no known foals born, to date, with genetically altered myostatin, could it happen? Maybe. Would the effect be instant in something like myostatin? No. Why? Because that’s not how it works! A live animal has a fully formed physical plan in place, especially for things such as muscle, tendons, and bone. Today’s most advanced gene therapies tend to be extremely targeted regions, take months to years to work, and are extraordinarily expensive. 

Assuming it’s possible to change the myostatin disposition of a horse, could we detect that it was manipulated? The answer, according to multiple experts, is a very strong, “maybe”. Technique and timing would matter as would the simple question of, “Could this foal’s parents have passed on this genotype?” As technology advances and provides the opportunity for a competitive edge, it’s safe to say that someone will try it. What then? The answer may just come down to numbers, like everything else on the track.

So, with all of this knowledge, can someone choose a bunch of genetic traits and create a Superhorse? Although you hear about it every day, complex genetic editing is just in its infancy. It is possible to change a gene or variant within an embryo- We’ve been doing it for decades already. So why not a Superhorse? Well…consider the following:

1. It’s not easy to insert a single correct genetic edit that results in a living animal. 

2. It takes a large number of iterations and time for that one change.

3. The process can be super expensive. Multiply this by many dollars and much more time for every additional genetic change you wish to add.

4. Once you’ve produced genetic change, now you have to wait years to see the foal perform at which point your choice of changes may no longer be the winning combination!

Although we are likely years away from this being a feasible, let alone common, issue, we need to take steps now to understand genetics and devise a reasonable path forward. Preventing the misuse of gene editing could be as simple as creating a standardised genetic testing requirement via hair sample in addition to the standard parentage verification. This initial hair sample would serve as a genetic baseline, offering a comparison for those taken at a later date when genetic modifications are suspected. 

By adhering to rigorous standards of ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability, we can harness the full potential of genetic research while safeguarding the welfare and integrity of thoroughbred racing.

Conclusion

Genetic research and testing represent a game-changing advancement for the thoroughbred racing industry. It is a powerful tool for enhancing the quality, health, and performance of racehorses- all of which are required to maintain the sport's integrity. As we increase our understanding of equine genetics and discover new traits applicable to the thoroughbred, we can produce healthier, more competitive horses, while reducing the historical struggles of inbreeding and breakdown. Although we must be careful to adhere to the ethical code set forth within the industry, by utilising genetics to build the next generation of improved thoroughbreds, we can take ownership of the technology and usher in a new era of excellence and innovation within the sport.

Sources

Hill, E. W., Stoffel, M. A., McGivney, B. A., MacHugh, D. E., & Pemberton, J. M. (2022). Inbreeding depression and the probability of racing in the thoroughbred horse. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 289(1977). https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2022.0487.

Momozawa, Y., Takeuchi, Y., Kusunose, R., Kikusui, T., & Mori, Y. (2005). Association between equine temperament and polymorphisms in dopamine D4 receptor gene. Mammalian genome, 16, 538-544. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00335-005-0021-3

Rooney, M. F., Hill, E. W., Kelly, V. P., & Porter, R. K. (2018). The “speed gene” effect of myostatin arises in thoroughbred horses due to a promoter proximal SINE insertion. PLoS One, 13(10). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0205664 

Tozaki, T., Ohnuma, A., Nakamura, K., Hano, K., Takasu, M., Takahashi, Y., ... & Nagata, S. I. (2022). Detection of indiscriminate genetic manipulation in thoroughbred racehorses by targeted resequencing for gene-doping control. Genes, 13(9), 1589. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13091589

The role of racing surfaces in horse welfare - Current trends and future challenges

Words - Virginia Lisco

Every thunderous stride of a racehorse is a delicate balance between power and vulnerability, and the surface beneath their hooves can make all the difference. Whether it’s turf, dirt, or synthetic tracks, these surfaces aren’t just where races are run, they play a critical role in protecting the health and welfare of the horses. The composition, maintenance, and resilience of these surfaces directly impact the likelihood of injuries, affecting everything from joint strain to catastrophic breakdowns.

In an era where the welfare of horses is more scrutinised than ever, the choice and upkeep of racing surfaces have become critical. Turf requires precise irrigation and aeration to remain safe and consistent; dirt demands meticulous grading and moisture control to prevent compaction; and synthetic tracks, though engineered for uniformity, must be closely monitored for temperature sensitivity and degradation over time.

But the challenges don’t stop there. With climate change rewriting the rules of weather patterns, bringing heavier rains, harsher droughts, and rising temperatures, the very nature of these tracks is being put to the test. Maintaining consistent conditions under these shifting extremes will require innovation and a commitment to sustainability, as the racing industry navigates the intersection of performance, safety, and environmental responsibility.

Traditionally, turf tracks dominate the European horse racing scene, serving as the primary surface in most racecourses due to their ability to provide optimal conditions for racing, particularly during the milder months. 

However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in synthetic surfaces, across Europe, where these tracks are gaining traction for their ability to withstand the challenges posed by winter weather. Major racecourses across the continent utilise synthetic surfaces like Polytrack and Tapeta to ensure safe and consistent racing even under adverse weather conditions. Synthetic tracks are particularly valued for their superior drainage, stability in cases of frost and heavy rain, and different maintenance requirements compared to turf, offering a practical and modern solution to tackle climate challenges while maintaining a continuous racing calendar.

Dirt tracks are now almost entirely absent in Europe, with rare exceptions at a few minor racecourses where the quality of racing is generally low. This is because dirt surfaces neither provide the technical advantages of synthetics nor carry the prestige and tradition associated with turf. The shift toward synthetic surfaces, particularly noticeable in regions with harsher winters, is gradually establishing itself as a key trend for the future of European racing, while the dominance of turf remains unchallenged for the most prestigious events.

The ongoing shift in surface preferences reflects a broader focus on equine welfare, a priority that has spurred significant research and collaboration among leading organisations in the racing industry. The adoption of synthetic tracks, driven in part by studies highlighting their safety benefits, is a direct response to growing concerns about horse injuries and fatalities. A key driver behind this shift is the safety record of synthetic tracks compared to other surfaces. 

Data from studies, such as those conducted by The US Jockey Club's Equine Injury Database (EID), provide critical insights into this trend. According to the EID, synthetic tracks report significantly lower rates of catastrophic injuries, approximately 1.2 incidents per 1,000 starts, compared to dirt tracks, which average 2.1 incidents per 1,000 starts, and slightly lower than turf tracks, which average 1.6 incidents per 1,000 starts. These findings underscore the uniformity and predictability of synthetic surfaces, which minimise variability in footing and reduce the risk of uneven impact during high-speed gallops. Additionally, synthetic tracks are less susceptible to environmental factors, such as extreme wet or dry conditions, which can compromise the performance and safety of both turf and dirt surfaces.

Several prominent organisations have dedicated substantial resources to studying the relationship between track surfaces and equine health. For instance, The US Jockey Club, through the EID, has compiled data since 2008 that consistently demonstrates the superior safety profile of synthetic surfaces, providing a foundation for their increasing adoption, particularly in regions with demanding climates or high year-round racing schedules. 

Similarly, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) conducts comprehensive reviews of racecourse safety, ensuring that maintenance protocols and track designs align with welfare goals. 

In France, France Galop has implemented robust injury monitoring systems, using the insights to refine track conditions and better match surface types to their environmental contexts. These efforts underline the growing recognition that track surfaces play a pivotal role in reducing injury risks, particularly in the high-impact phases of a horse's stride, as detailed in research such as the Equestrian Surfaces Guide. Despite the demonstrated safety advantages of synthetic surfaces, debates remain regarding their long-term impact on equine health. Critics suggest that synthetic tracks may contribute to soft tissue stress injuries due to their firmer composition compared to well-maintained turf. 

Building on the findings of the Equestrian Surfaces Guide, it becomes evident that the biomechanical interaction between the horse and the track surface is a critical determinant of safety and performance. Each phase of the stride: landing, support, and rollover, introduces distinct biomechanical stresses that vary based on the surface’s composition, maintenance, and environmental conditions. 

This research, further supported by Dr Mick Peterson’s, Racing Surfaces White Paper, highlights the importance of not only selecting appropriate surface types but also ensuring consistent maintenance to reduce injury risks.

Peterson’s study provides a detailed analysis of how surface properties, such as firmness, cushioning, and grip, directly influence the forces acting on a horse’s legs during high-speed galloping. The white paper emphasises that well-engineered synthetic tracks excel in delivering predictable and uniform performance, mitigating the variability often associated with dirt and turf surfaces. For example, in the landing phase, when shockwaves and braking forces are transmitted through the leg, synthetic tracks are designed to provide a controlled level of slide, dissipating some of the impact forces and reducing stress on the hoof and distal limb. In contrast, surfaces with excessive grip, such as poorly maintained dirt, amplify these forces, increasing the risk of injuries.

During the support phase, when the hoof absorbs up to 2.5 times the horse's body weight, surface uniformity becomes critical. Peterson’s research underscores that uneven surfaces, like waterlogged or overly compacted turf, can lead to uneven load distribution, raising the likelihood of strain injuries to tendons, ligaments, and joints. 

Synthetic tracks, with their engineered shock-absorbing properties, excel in maintaining stability during this phase, effectively minimising these risks. The rollover phase, where propulsion forces peak, also places significant demands on grip and shear strength. Synthetic surfaces are particularly effective here, offering consistent traction to prevent slips while avoiding the overstress on tendons and ligaments caused by overly hard or high-grip surfaces.

In addition to biomechanical insights, Peterson's white paper emphasises the importance of consistent surface maintenance. Even the best-engineered tracks can lose their safety advantages without proper upkeep. The study highlights the need for regular monitoring of moisture levels, compaction, and grip, alongside the use of advanced tools like surface testing equipment and ground-penetrating radar to proactively identify and address hazards. By maintaining these standards, synthetic surfaces can sustain their intended performance and safety benefits over time, reducing injury risks for both horses and riders.

These findings align closely with real-world injury data, such as that collected through the EID, which shows significantly lower rates of injuries and fatalities on synthetic tracks compared to dirt and turf. Peterson’s work further supports this data by demonstrating how the controlled grip, shock absorption, and uniformity of synthetic surfaces mitigate the extreme forces associated with high-speed galloping. 

As racing organisations increasingly prioritise equine welfare, integrating these biomechanical insights and maintenance best practices into surface design is becoming essential. This evolution not only addresses safety concerns but also ensures that performance standards are upheld across diverse environmental conditions and year-round racing schedules.

Another pressing challenge tied to track surfaces and horse welfare is the impact of climate change, which is increasingly complicating the maintenance and safety of racing tracks. Extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall, prolonged droughts, and unexpected temperature fluctuations, threaten the integrity of turf, dirt, and even synthetic surfaces. Maintaining tracks in optimal condition under these conditions is not only a logistical challenge but also critical to equine welfare and the continuity of racing schedules.

Turf tracks, which dominate the European racing landscape, are particularly vulnerable to these climate pressures. Heavy rainfall can waterlog turf, reducing its ability to provide a stable and uniform footing. Prolonged droughts pose a different but equally severe threat. 

In 2022, during an exceptionally dry summer, several racecourses in the UK, including Newmarket, faced challenges in maintaining adequate irrigation. The lack of rainfall led to concerns about the firmness of the ground, which can increase the risk of injuries to horses. To address this, racecourses have had to rely heavily on irrigation systems, though these solutions come with significant costs and raise concerns about water sustainability in drought-prone regions. 

Dirt tracks, though rare in Europe, face their own set of challenges under extreme weather conditions. Unlike synthetic tracks, dirt surfaces are highly susceptible to changes in moisture levels. Heavy rains can turn dirt tracks into dangerously muddy and slippery courses, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Even synthetic tracks, while more resilient to climatic variability, are not immune. Extreme heat can affect the surface properties, potentially leading to inconsistent footing. This highlights the need for ongoing innovation in synthetic surface technology to enhance resilience under extreme temperature conditions.

As climate change intensifies, the industry faces an urgent need to adapt its infrastructure and maintenance practices. Investment in weather-resistant technologies, such as hybrid turf systems that combine natural grass with synthetic reinforcement, is one promising avenue. Additionally, many racecourses are exploring more sustainable water use strategies and heat-resistant materials to future-proof their tracks. While these measures require significant financial and operational resources, they are crucial to maintaining the safety and sustainability of horse racing in an increasingly unpredictable climate.

At its core, the quality and maintenance of racing surfaces are fundamental to ensuring the safety and performance of both horses and jockeys. The interaction between a horse’s stride and the track is critical, with every phase: landing, support, and rollover, subjecting the horse’s legs to significant forces that vary depending on the surface type. This makes the choice and upkeep of racing surfaces a cornerstone of the sport. 

While turf continues to dominate prestigious events for its tradition, aesthetic appeal, and performance characteristics, synthetic tracks are increasingly recognised for their ability to minimise injury risks, maintain consistency across diverse weather conditions, and meet the demands of year-round racing. 

Insights from organisations like The US Jockey Club and BHA, combined with research such as Peterson’s Racing Surfaces White Paper, underline the importance of balancing innovation and tradition in surface design and maintenance. Synthetic surfaces, with their engineered properties, offer uniformity and controlled shock absorption, mitigating the biomechanical stresses that lead to injuries. 

However, turf’s natural cushioning and long-standing association with the heritage of the sport ensure its continued dominance at elite racing events. Maintaining this delicate balance is essential to enabling horses and jockeys to perform at their peak while prioritising safety and welfare. As the industry adapts to modern challenges, including climate variability and evolving performance demands, racing surfaces will remain central to ensuring the sport’s longevity and sustainability for future generations.

What if my mare did not get pregnant? Why embryo’s fail and improving odds of successful horse breeding

Words - Jackie Bellamy-Zions

If entering the winter, your breeding prospects have come up empty, there are considerations to ponder and actions you can take for successful breeding next year.  “Don’t let those mares sit all winter, with untreated conditions such as a uterine infection,” says Dr. Tracey Chenier, Theriogenologist and researcher from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph.  “Have a thorough veterinary evaluation now to help ensure her uterus is clean and she is healthy and cycling early next year, for the best chance of a positive outcome.”

Common Issues Conceiving and Potential Solutions

“The number one reason your mare didn't get pregnant in any given year may be due to uterine infection,” says Chenier.  “The term we use is endometritis.”  Most often caused by a bacterial infection, it is often associated with poor perineal conformation.  In other words, your mare has a tilt to her vulva causing the vagina and uterus to become contaminated with bacteria every time she defecates.  It is also common for these mares to wind suck, which can lead to infection and inflammation that results in a hostile environment the embryo cannot survive in.  A minor surgical procedure known as a Caslick’s suture reduces the chance of contamination in most affected mares. Severely affected mares may require additional procedures to reconstruct the perineal body.

Another common form of endometritis is PBIE, or persistent breeding induced endometritis.   In these cases, there is a prolonged inflammatory response to semen and contamination that occurs at breeding.  Again, the mare has a hostile uterine environment in which the embryo cannot survive.  To improve the chance of conception, this condition can be managed by ultrasound within 6 to 12 hours after breeding.  She is checked for fluid retention and inflammation and if present, the uterus is lavaged to remove the fluid and calm the inflammation.  The veterinarian may also advise administration of oxytocin to increase uterine contractions and help remove the fluid.

Another very common reason for the mare not getting pregnant is their age.  “We actually consider mare’s fertility to decline as early as 12 years of age,” says Chenier, “and that surprises people that as early as 12 years, their fertility can decline significantly.”  Older mares can have poorer oocyte (egg) quality.  This reduces their chances of getting pregnant and can result in higher rates of mid-gestational losses.

Older mares are more susceptible to many circumstances including uterine conditions, metabolic disease, changes to the uterus, fibrosis and cysts.  Fibrosis of the uterus will reduce the chances of carrying a pregnancy to term.  Endometrial cysts or fluid filled sacs in the lymphatics of the uterus can block the ability of the embryo to move around and interfere with the placenta formation.

Less Common Conception Issues

“Stress, nutritional issues, and hormone deficiencies can make it difficult for an embryo to survive,” explains Chenier “but these issues are generally less common.”  

The corpus luteum is the structure that forms on the ovary after the mare ovulates and its progesterone production maintains the pregnancy early on.  This structure may be susceptible to effects of severe stress, illness, or inflammation in the uterus.  Progesterone/altrenogest supplementation can often save these early pregnancies but the mare will have to stay on the supplements until the fetoplacental unit takes over pregnancy maintenance by 120 days.  The fetoplacental unit is a crucial interface between maternal and foetal circulatory systems, providing essential nutrients and oxygen to support foetal growth and development.

Early pregnancy loss can happen from days 0–60 of gestation.  To help avoid risk factors like excessive stress, ask your vet before changing or adding anything to your mare’s routine. Consult your vet before administering any vaccines or deworming products.

“Oviductal blockage is another uncommon condition,” says Chenier, “but in mares that are not conceiving and everything else is normal (no uterine infection, good stallion fertility…) it should be considered.”  An effective treatment the veterinarian may suggest, involves applying the hormone prostaglandin E to the oviductal papillae, which opens the oviduct and allows that blockage to be cleared out. 

Diagnostics used to investigate early embryonic loss

“A good reproductive evaluation is really important to find out the reasons why a mare either didn't get pregnant or lost a pregnancy,” says Chenier.

Veterinarians use rectal palpation, especially with ultrasound, to help detect fluid and infection.  Palpation with ultrasound can detect the presence of endometrial cysts, conditions on the ovary, such as failure to ovulate and ovulatory follicles.

Cultures, gained from swabs of the uterus, are performed to detect inflammation and infection.  This is helpful in cases where antibiotic use is required in order to determine what type of antibiotic to use.

Uterine biopsy is indicated in certain cases.  “I recommend a biopsy in any mare that fails to get pregnant after three attempts, especially if we are not getting good answers on a swab culture and ultrasound,” says Chenier.  As well as providing a prognosis, it provides a lot of information on treatment options to improve the mare’s fertility.

A biopsy can help provide better information about what's going on in the uterus and in the case of inflammation, identify the type of inflammation present.

Chronic infections are more likely to be caused by something like a dormant strep infection, and biopsy may be the only way to diagnose the fibrosis of the uterus that would be directly related to prognosis.  If you found out your mare’s uterine biopsy was a Grade 3, meaning she has a lot of permanent severe changes in that uterus, her likelihood of carrying a foal to term is between zero and ten percent.  This is really important information to help the breeder to decide whether they want to invest the time and money to attempt to breed a mare with a prognosis revealing these challenges.

Ultrasound is useful in identifying conditions such as endometrial cysts.  Cysts can be removed by putting an endoscope in the uterus and then using either laser or electrocautery to a blade to improve a mare’s chances of pregnancy.  Electrocautery involves using a heated electrode to cut or coagulate tissue during surgery. When applied to a blade, it allows for precise cutting with minimal bleeding.

“In really rare cases where all else has been ruled out, a karyotype might be considered,” says Chenier.  “If it's a young maiden and everything else seems to be working, there may be a genetic reason that she's not able to get pregnant, but that would be the exception.”  Karyotyping involves staining chromosomes and examining them to identify structural changes or numerical abnormalities. 

Improving the odds of pregnancy

The all-important veterinary evaluation will check the mare’s general health, body condition and uterine health as well as rule out metabolic diseases like insulin resistance and Cushings.

One must ensure the broodmare’s nutritional needs are met.  Calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals are all passed on to the foal while in utero.  Consult your vet or an equine nutritionist to ensure your mare gets a balanced diet and to learn how her nutritional needs increase during pregnancy.

Use of light to manipulate the season is a consideration if you want to breed your mare early in the season for a January – March foal.  Mares stop cycling during the winter.  “I think it's helpful to expose the mare to the cold and the darkness of the fall to reset her system before you start her under lights,” say’s Chenier.  She recommends lighting programs begin around December 1st with what amounts to ten-foot candles, which is equivalent to 100 lux intensity of light.  In old style lighting with incandescent bulbs that was the 100 Watt bulb and the old saying was you needed to be able to read a newspaper in every corner of the stall.  16 hours of total light per day is recommended, and this includes natural light.  From a practical point of view, that means if you turn your mare out at 8:00 o'clock in the morning, bring her in at four, and have the lights on in the stall until 11:00 PM, you will be providing an adequate amount of light.  Chenier also describes the use of a commercially available equine light mask that is worn 24/7, like a fly mask.  It is battery powered and delivers blue light to one eye on a timed basis.

“Good breeding management is always key,” emphasises Chenier.  “Negative uterine swabs before breeding ensure the mare is free of infection, limit to one cover in mares prone to infection or inflammation, correcting poor perineal conformation and then practise optimal timing.”

Not breeding at the right time is much less likely in the thoroughbred industry, where mares are being bred by natural cover.  If the mare is not in heat and not ready to ovulate, she is not likely to stand for the stallion.  

If a mare is bred too early, the sperm will not live long enough.  Mares can stay in heat a day or two after they have ovulated.  If breeding happens too late (after ovulation), the oocytes will no longer be viable.

If the chosen stallion has fertility issues, the breeder may need to closely monitor their mare’s ovulation for the most optimal timing of breeding to improve odds of success.  Chenier says, “If their sperm doesn't live very long inside the mare, we have to manage those cases differently and make sure we're breeding those mares really close to ovulation to get good fertility for those stallions.”  Stallion fertility should always be considered a possibility when mares are not conceiving.

If breeding early in the season, one needs to make sure the mare is cycling properly and not just in spring transition.  A vet check will confirm the mare is experiencing a real heat and ovulating for early breeding (Feb – April).

Bacterial gut diversity - new research!

Words Alysen Miller

The link between a healthy gut and overall health in both humans and equines has long been promoted by scientists and veterinarians.

Now a new study by the University of Surrey provides the clearest link yet between gut health and athletic performance in Thoroughbred racehorses, and identifies a “critical window” for immunological development which may provide owners and trainers with a glimpse into a racehorse’s future success on the track.

The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, found that the composition of gut bacteria at just one month old can predict future athletic performance – measured by BHA official ratings (OR), earnings and placings – with a greater diversity of gut bacteria associated with better performance metrics. The study also found that foals with lower bacterial diversity at just 28 days old had a significantly higher risk of respiratory diseases and even soft tissue injuries later in life.

The study’s lead, Professor Chris Proudman, has dedicated his career to equine gastrointestinal health; first as a veterinary surgeon specialising in the clinical management of colic cases and latterly as head of the University of Surrey’s School of Veterinary Medicine. Since stepping down as Head of School last year, he now devotes his time to horse gut research. “I’ve got a small group of people investigating various aspects of intestinal health in horses, particularly around bacterial populations associated with health and disease,” he tells Trainer Magazine. The latest study is the culmination of more than a decade’s worth of research into the influence of gut bacteria on the development of immunological competence and susceptibility to disease. “I was aware of emerging evidence in the human field to suggest that these early life gut bacteria are really important in priming the immunological system and effectively setting up humans or animals for a healthy life in the future,” he says. “So with funding from ALBORADA Trust [the study’s sponsor], this was an opportunity to look in more detail at the impact of early life experiences in foals.”

So how does gut bacterial community structure in the first few months of life predict the risk of specific diseases and athletic performance in racehorses? To answer that question, Professor Proudman and his team performed DNA sequencing on faecal samples from 52 Thoroughbred foals born across five stud farms in 2018. These samples were collected at nine sample points within the first year of the foals’ lives: at 2, 8, 14, 28, 60, 90, 180, 272 and 365 days old. In addition, weekly written or verbal health updates were obtained for all horses reporting any veterinary investigation or treatment for orthopaedic, soft tissue, respiratory or gastrointestinal disease or injury. The researchers then compared this with the horses’ athletic performances at 2 and 3 years old: finishing position and OR were obtained after every race start, while total prize money earnings and cumulative performance metrics (total starts, total placings, total wins) were collected for all race starts until the end of December 2021.

The findings were striking. Not only did researchers observe that the athletic performance of the foals was positively associated with higher faecal bacterial diversity at just one month old, they also identified that a higher abundance of the bacteria Anaeroplasmataceae was associated with a higher OR, and increased levels of the bacteria Bacillaceae at 28 days old were linked to higher race placings. “We weren’t necessarily expecting to see [a correlation between gut health and performance], so the fact that early life gut bacteria influenced athletic performance came as a bit of a surprise to us,” admits Professor Proudman. “But it is consistent with the whole picture around health,” he continues. Professor Proudman is hesitant to attribute too much importance to the precise identity of the bacteria that were present: “I think what is probably more important is what those bacteria are doing, the mechanism by which those bacteria are affecting the animal, and we don’t understand that at the moment,” he suggests. The two different bacteria identified “could potentially be doing the same thing or they could be doing different things,” he continues. “It’s just an indication that there are bacteria that have a beneficial effect.” Further study is planned to try to identify in more granular detail the precise bacteria that are important to a horse’s performance. Nevertheless, the findings are the best evidence to date of a causal link between gut health and athletic aptitude: “This is really hard science that there are measurable beneficial effects both in terms of health and in terms of performance associated with diversity of the gut bacteria, and also with species of bacteria if they are present at this very early stage in life,” says Professor Proudman.

The concept of a “critical window” for immunological development is not new. Many lines of evidence point to the existence of such a period, during which time the immune system can be “trained” to tolerate particular microbes, and thus avoid later destructive immunopathology associated with these same microbes. While the window has been demonstrated in laboratory animals, “humans studies haven’t really been able to nail down the time period,” says Professor Proudman. “Most of the human studies state that it’s somewhere between birth and weaning,” he continues. “That’s a window of about 6-8 months for a lot of human babies. Because we were able to sample our foals very frequently during the first six months of life, we’ve been able to identify with a reasonable degree of accuracy a critical window for performance that happens very, very early – the first 28 days,” says Professor Proudman. Again, Professor Proudman is cautious about drawing a hard line at the 28-day mark: “I wouldn’t obsess about 28 days exactly – I think this is just telling us there’s something really early in life, in the first few weeks, which is the critical period,” he says.

It is not only future athletic performance which is determined within this critical window; higher bacterial diversity at 28 days old was significantly associated with a reduced risk of respiratory diseases later in life. “It’s likely that what we’re looking at here is the process of immunological priming,” explains Professor Proudman. Immunological priming is the process by which a host improves its immune defences following an initial pathogenic exposure, leading to better protection after a subsequent infection with the same – or different – pathogens. Or to put it another way: “When the horse (or any animal) is first born, the body has to learn to recognise the difference between the ‘self’ and the ‘non-self’ – the potential organisms, bacteria and viruses that are trying to invade the animal. And then it learns to fight those off,” explains Professor Proudman. “But there’s an initial learning period – this so-called period of immunological priming – and it seems that bacterial composition of the gut is important because the gut is a really important interface between the animal and the external environment,” he continues. “And that’s where this immunological priming takes place.

“This is the area in which most of the human research has been done, particularly around respiratory disease. And there’s really good evidence in both human and animal models that the gut microbiota have a significant impact on the development of the early immune system very early in life. So it’s highly likely, although we didn’t look at it specifically in our study, that this is an immunological effect that we’re seeing.”

Researchers also identified a positive association between the abundance of the particular bacteria Streptococcaceae and Moraxellaceae and the risk of soft-tissue health events such as infected wounds, cellulitis and abscesses. “There are specific bacteria that we know cause soft tissue infections,” explains Professor Proudman. “And again, it’s that resistance to bacterial infection that is mediated by the immune system.”

But where do these bacteria come from, and what could the answer mean for the way racehorses are bred and reared? The answer appears to be partly nature and partly nurture. Your gut is full of trillions of bacteria and other microbes help you digest food and support immune, heart and brain health. These are known collectively as the microbiome. It has long been thought that foals (and humans) are first exposed to microbes when they pass through their mother’s birth canal. However, evidence from human studies suggests that babies may come into contact with some microbes while inside the womb. A follow-on study by Professor Proudman’s team, scheduled to commence in early 2025, aims to identify where exactly the bacteria come from by tracking pairs of mares and their foals. But for now, “it’s a question that we don’t currently have an answer to,” concedes Professor Proudman. “People have had theories and you can make plausible explanations of where they might come from. Extrapolating from humans, the suggestion is that a lot of those bacteria actually come from faecal contamination of the foal by the mother. But there’s some really intriguing evidence around breast milk, for example.”

Certainly, the gut microbiome continues to diversify as the foal matures, suggesting environmental factors play a role. This includes the food they eat as well as factors such as whether antibiotics are administered. Ah, antibiotics. The epidemiological elephant in the room. Any discussion around antibiotics inevitably leads back to antibiotic resistance. Also known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), antibiotic resistance is when bacteria change so antibiotic medicines can't kill them or stop their growth. This makes certain bacterial infections difficult to treat. AMR is caused by the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals and plants. The World Health Organisation has identified AMR as one of the top global public health and development threats. (It is estimated that bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths.) So what does this have to do with racehorses? Professor Proudman’s team also investigated the long-term impact of foals receiving antibiotics during the first month of life. It was found that these foals had significantly lower faecal bacterial diversity at 28 days old compared to other foals who did not receive such treatments. Further analysis revealed that these foals won significantly lower prize money earnings (an indicator of athletic performance) in their subsequent racing careers. In addition, foals who received antibiotics during their first 28 days of life had a significantly increased rate of developing a respiratory disease compared to their counterparts.

While the study does not necessarily demonstrate causality, “we can demonstrate an association between an event, in this case the composition of the microbial community in the gut and a downstream outcome which is either a health related event, or performance,” explains Professor Proudman. “We go to pains in the paper to say we can’t prove that it’s causal,” he emphasises. “However, as we say in the paper, we do believe that a causal association is a credible interpretation of our data. And one of the strongest reasons for this is simply the timeline. We’ve got something happening early in the animal’s life that is then leading to something that happens much later on in the animal’s life. A plausible explanation is that the antibiotics are hitting the gut bacterial population, disrupting it, and then that, in turn, is disrupting immunological development, which leads to an animal that is more susceptible to respiratory disease.”

While it is recognised that antibiotics play a vital role in treating infections and protecting the long-term health of foals, Professor Proudman is clear that they need to be used responsibly: “[AMR] can develop in animals and then transfer to humans and vice versa. So it helps everybody to minimise the use of antibiotics. Even accepting that some foals need to have antibiotics for medical reasons, if there’s something we can do to minimise the damage that those antibiotics do to gut bacteria, that's the question we’re asking.”

So what are the implications of this research for the racing and breeding industries? “I suspect the gut microbiome is only part of the story,” says Professor Proudman. “There are lots of other factors [that contribute to a horse’s health and performance], such as genetics, environment, and its response to training. I don’t think we are anywhere near a situation yet where we’ll be able to screen horses for potential on the basis of their bacterial communities,” he says. “However, I think there are some really simple things that the racing industry and, in particular, the breeding industry could take on board which could help them.” To that end, a follow-on study, funded by the Horserace Betting Levy Board, will look for potential probiotic bacteria that can be fed to foals in the form of feed supplements that will then colonise their intestine and produce beneficial effects. “In the same way that you could go to the supermarket and get yoghurt with probiotic bacteria in them, we’re identifying bacteria which might do the same thing for horses; in particular, for foals,” explains Professor Proudman. His team is already working with various players in the feed and supplement industries. “There might be some new products in development within the next few years directly arising from this research,” he hints.

“The Thoroughbred breeding industry is very traditional,” Professor Proudman continues. “And I think there probably has been an under-recognition of the genetic contribution of gut bacteria to foals’ health and ultimately their performance. It’s quite theoretical at the moment and we need to explore it in more detail. But certainly I think in the future, if stud farms have mares that have good, healthy gut bacteria, we think that’s going to be passed on to foals. So, it’s another aspect of racehorse genetics that has value as a commercial proposition.”

Is SDFT tendinopathy a “professional condition” in the jumping racehorse?

Words - Jean Baptiste Pavard

Tendon and ligament disorders are one major cause of poor performance and wastage in equine athletes. The most common structures involved are the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), the suspensory ligament (SL), the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) and the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT), also called the inferior check ligament.

Thoroughbred racehorses are particularly predisposed to tendon and ligament injuries accounting for approximately 50% of all musculoskeletal injuries to competing racehorses. However, some structures are much more exposed to injuries than others in this population of equine athletes.

Most tendon injuries in racehorses occur to the forelimb tendons, with overstrain injury of the SDFT at the very top of the list. This is particularly true in jump racing, where the prevalence of superficial digital flexor tendinopathy has been found to involve up to 24% of horses in training over 2 seasons (Avella et al. 2009) and could be considered as a “professional condition”. 

The higher exposure of tendon injury in jumping horses compared to flat racehorses might be explained by the fact they compete over longer distances, for more seasons and are generally older than horses that race on the flat. Another reason is very likely that the SDFT of jumping horses support bigger strains, and repetitively, when landing over fences. 

The main issue for this type of injuries is that tendon healing is slow and requires a long recovery between 10 to 18 months depending on the severity of cases. Although the scar tissue of tendon injuries can be optimised with an effective rehabilitation program, its functionality remains inferior with relatively high re-injury rates in the years following the original lesion. Thus, a complete understanding of SDF tendinopathy and its major risk factors in jump racing are very important to improve prevention and early management of the condition which is a potentially career-ending condition. In the racing community, it has become crucial given big issues it involves in sporting and economic terms, as well as for the health and the welfare of racehorses. 

SDF tendonitis - characteristics in jumping racehorses

SDF tendinopathy is one of the most common injuries in jump horses with a prevalence from 10 to 45% depending on epidemiological studies with some variations among trainers. Most of the cases involve the forelimbs, but hindlimb injuries also occur. Typically, lesions are found at the mid-cannon level in a central core lesion. 

The disruption of the tendon fibres might generally occur in this area because it appears to be preferentially loaded and degenerates more over the time. However, injuries of the SDFT can be seen at all the levels of the tendon. They are most commonly unilateral, but bilateral SDFT injuries can also occur.

Tendinopathy is a result of mechanical overload, varying from single fibril disruption to complete rupture of the whole tendon. The most common cause of SDFT overstrain injuries in NH horses is an accumulation of damages from repetitive overloading. 

The structure of the tendons in horses is matured around 2 years old, and after maturity there is very limited or no adaptation possible. It means that if tendons accumulate an excess of micro-damage over the time (tendon cells have a capacity to repair defects, but it is limited and need time), they become weaker with a loss of elasticity and strength leading to a point where higher SDFT loads / strains result in disruption of fibres with a clinical tendon injury. 

Moreover, it is important to be precise that forelimb flexor tendons in racehorses function close to their maximal load / strain-bearing capacity with a narrow safety margin. While failure of the SDFT has been shown occurring for tensile strain* from 12 to 20% in vitro, peak strains within SDFT at the gallop are by around 16%. Since racehorses operate close to the functional limit of the SDFT during fast work, any risk factors that lead to higher loads on tendons during training or racing can result in clinical injury with significant disruption of tendon fibres. Some of these in NH horses are discussed below.

* % increase in length from original length / tensile strain

Causes – Risk factors

Epidemiological studies have identified risk factors for SDF tendinopathy in racehorses. As discussed previously, jump horses are at greater risk than flat racehorses and it could be partially explained by horses being older in jump racing. 

Indeed, risk of SDFT injuries increases considerably with age and it appears that the prevalence in jump horses is more important in horses older than 5 years old, with the maximum injury rate seen in horses 12 to 14 years of age. 

Other major risk factors identified for SDF tendinopathy are frequent high-speed work, longer race distance, harder racetrack surface, heavier bodyweight and longer training career. Although they were not clearly identified as such, fatigue in relation with exercise duration or lack of fitness and conformation / shoeing (long toe, low heel) might increase the risk of SDF tendon injuries.  

In jump racing, SDF tendonitis appeared more common in steeplechasers than in hurdlers, but the reason may be the older age of the first ones rather than the type of racing. 

Diagnostic

Assessment of suspected tendon injuries should be based on history and clinical signs associated with diagnostic imaging. In many racing stables, people assess forelimb flexor tendons daily which can help to detect the early lesions of SDF tendinopathy. 

However, first signs may be very subtle and variable depending on history, severity and location of injury. They are usually noted within 24 hours of fast work or racing but can also develop at slower work. It is often subclinical and resolves quickly for non-severe injuries with acute lesions characterised by heat, soft tissue swelling and pain on palpation, whilst chronic ones appear with fibrosed thickening. 

Overstrain SDFT injuries are classically in the mid-cannon area and present a more or less severe change in profile of the back of the limb leading to the well-known qualification of “bowed tendon”.  

However, the obvious signs of inflammation (thickening and heat) are not always present even for some significant injuries and lameness doesn’t appear to be a very consistent feature associated with SDFT injuries. It is typically mild (1 to 2 grades out of 5 at the trot) and improves rapidly over the first week after the injury, however the tendon remains weakened. Consequently, the level of lameness and pain on palpation don’t have a good correlation with the severity of the lesion, except in the most severe cases.

In cases of apparent “bowed” injury with pain response on palpation, it is sufficient to consider there is likely an active tendonitis. In more subtle configuration, the need for ultrasound is indicated to confirm and assess the extent of the lesion.  

It may be best to perform or repeat tendon scans at 1 to 3 weeks after clinical injury first noted. Indeed, it allows us to assess lesion severity more accurately because of ultrasonographic underestimation of lesion extent at the beginning of tendon injuries. It is also very important in cases of suspected lesions but initially not well defined. 

Moreover, both tendons should be systematically examined on ultrasound for 2 major reasons. Firstly, SDFT tendinopathy are bilateral in up to 67% of cases (Webbon), and secondly it helps to differentiate active lesions versus subclinical changes on ultrasound (ex. “juvenile tendinitis”). A careful ultrasound assessment is also keen to exclude the presence of potential concomitant lesions (ex. SL desmitis).

When SDFT lesions are suspected, the horse should be put at stall rest with only short hand walking until the injury is confirmed or not by ultrasound a few weeks later.  

Ultrasound is routinely used by equine veterinarians and is elected to diagnose SDFT injuries as first-line diagnostic imaging. Whilst it is particularly relevant to document tendon lesions, it has been beneficial to develop a scoring system using specific measurements in order to categorise the severity of SDFT tendinopathy. 

It is also very useful to establish prognosis and monitor the healing process in line with an adapted rehabilitation program.

Prognosis and return for racing

The prognosis of SDF tendinopathy can be very variable depending on the severity of injury, the convalescence program and the type of racing. Overall, sport prognosis in the Thoroughbred is guarded with a reported return to racing from 20 to 60 % of cases. The major issue of tendon injuries in racehorses is the need for a long recovery and the high rate of re-injury due to poor regenerative capacity of tendon tissue, which is considered as a limiting factor for racing. However, return to training / racing activity is common for most mild / moderate SDFT injuries.

A study with jump racehorses affected by SDFT injuries classifying lesions severity by ultrasound established that all horses with mild lesions returned to training, and 63% raced. 50% of moderately affected horses returned to training, and 23% raced. 

In severe lesions, only 30% of horses resumed training, and 23% raced. In the study, the mean of reinjury rate for horses resuming work was 40% over a period of follow-up from 9 to 30 months, but some studies with longer follow-up reported up to 80% of horses sustaining a re-injury. Also, it is remarkable to note that a significant number of re-injuries affect the opposite normal limb.

Definitely, long-term prognosis is influenced by the severity of the lesions. The more severe SDFT lesions are, the lower chance of return to racing, shorter racing career and drop in racing class of those resuming there are. Complete ruptures of SDFT are hopeless for sport prognosis, but paddock life remains possible. 
The other factors established to influence the sport prognosis in racehorses affected by SDFT lesions are concomitant lesions, and more particularly bilateral tendinitis which have very poor prognosis. The less classical SDFT lesions like those at the level of carpal or proximal cannon have poorer prognosis for racing and ongoing lameness is frequently present. While it is difficult to study the influence of rehabilitation programs due to the need for a long period of follow-up, controlled exercise showed to provide better prognosis than only uncontrolled pasture rest. 

Treatment & Management: How to optimise the healing of tendon lesions?

Contrary to bone, healing of tendon lesions doesn’t allow you to get back pre-injury tissue due to its poor regenerative capacity. It means the structure and function of healed tendons are modified with different mechanical properties. Thus, the aim of SDF tendinopathies’ treatment is to optimise the healing process in order to get a strong and functional repaired tendon as much as possible. 

Although there are different options available in the management of SDFT lesions in racehorses, all of them should respect a long recovery with progressive return to work. As said previously, tendon healing is slow, and it is common to consider at least 12 months for return to racing in horses affected by SDFT injuries. 

To understand how to manage SDFT tendinopathy, it is important to consider the different phases in the tendon healing process.

In the initial days following the injury, the acute phase is characterised by inflammatory reaction. For a long time, it was advised to control quickly and aggressively the inflammatory response to limit damage to the tendon. However, it is now more and more controversial because the initial inflammatory phase would be beneficial for the repair process of tendons. 

The best management of this phase is to treat only in case of excessive pain and acute swelling through the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and cold therapy locally for a period of 3 to 5 days. During this phase, it is important to minimise exercise with stable confinement for the initial weeks. As we discussed previously, the ultrasound assessment of tendon injuries is generally best performed 1 to 3 weeks after the initiation of the injury because it allows to determine the full extent of the lesion. Thus, it is recommended to scan flexor tendons at the end of the acute phase to grade the severity of the lesion and establish a rehabilitation program and prognosis for return to racing activity. 

The other crucial period in the management of SDFT tendinopathy is the rehabilitation phase which can begin soon after the inflammation subsides. The cornerstones of healing tendon are the need for time and progressive graded and controlled exercise program. Protocols are quite empirical due to the difficulty to compare long-term outcome with homogenous groups. 

Indeed, the program should be determined in relation to the severity of the injury, but classically at least 6 months are necessary for return to cantering. A typical program is to introduce walking once the acute phase has passed with gradual increasing duration until 12 weeks. Ideally, monitoring of healing with ultrasound assessment every 3 months allows to control the evolution of the repair through an assessment of fiber pattern alignment and tendon/lesion size. In normal evolution, trotting can be introduced after 12 weeks and cantering after 32 weeks. Generally, the re-introduction to normal race training is resumed not before 8 to 12 months. Prognosis of SDFT lesions reported for horses rested for less than 6 months is poorer with higher risk of re-injury. 

Additional therapies can be used in the aim of optimising the healing of tendon tissue after injuries. Some of them are more and more popular and promising, but it is still difficult to evaluate and compare their efficacy. These modalities have to be considered as an additional intervention to graded exercise programs. 

The main interest of these therapies is not to reduce rehabilitation, but to optimise the healing process reducing the chance of re-injury after return to training. These additional therapies range from firing to intralesional therapies with PRP (Platele-rich plasma), PSGAGs (Polysulfated glycoaminoglycans), growth factors (IGF-1) or stem cells. To optimise the efficiency of these therapies, the treatment should be generally realised during the acute phase (more or less 2 weeks after the initiation of the injury). 

How SDF tendinopathy can be prevented in racehorses

Prevention is very important due to long recovery and guarded prognosis linked to high re-injury rate. 23–67% of horses with tendon injury treated using conservative methods will re-injure their tendons within 2 years of the original injury.

Strategies with success in preventing/reducing the incidence of tendon injury have not been validated; however, awareness of risk factors associated with SDFT tendinitis provides some useful guidance. 

• Avoid excessive training to fatigue and permit sufficient recovery time after racing or high-speed training. 

• Avoid use of poorly prepared or inappropriate track surfaces. 

• Long-term use of exercise boots/bandages may also contribute to increased risk; magnitude of this risk is unknown but should be balanced against rationale for routine use of bandages in horses that are not prone to interference injuries. 

• Strategies to reduce risk of reinjury of a rehabilitating/ rehabilitated tendon have also not been validated; however, it is rational to limit excessive loading of tendon. 

• Possible aspects to assist with above: incorporate treadmill use in training programme; attention to rider weight; minimise horse accruing excessive body condition; ensure maintenance of good dorsopalmar foot balance. 

• Possible benefit to be derived from regular post-exercise cryotherapy (such as cold water immersion): cooling the lower limb effectively can reduce enzymatic activity in tendon and potentially inhibit cell attrition resulting from high-intensity exercise. 

Tracks that are very hard result in higher speeds and increased peak impact loads. These fast tracks are therefore more likely to produce overstrain injuries of tendons. 

However, tracks where the surface is uneven, slippery, or shifty seem also to contribute to damaging loading patterns on tendons. Numerous factors influence the mechanical behaviour of a track surface; the weather and track maintenance have a major influence. Moisture content affects all tracks’ mechanical properties, and extreme temperatures appear to affect some synthetic tracks’ mechanical characteristics dramatically. 

Experience over years with a particular track type will allow identification of track conditions that may predispose to tendon injuries.

Fatigue is influenced primarily by the horse’s work schedule, level of fitness, and intensity of competition. Fatigue should be considered as a contributor to tendon injuries. With the onset of muscle fatigue, a horse’s stride characteristics change,13 altering the forces on the tendons. Fatigue in any sport results in an inevitable loss of form and coordination in each stride, which is likely to result in an increased risk of injury.

At high speed, lameness may result in excessive loading of the tendons in the contralateral limb.

Horses who are overweight or carrying excess weight will produce greater forces on their tendons compared with lower weight individuals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tendon and ligament disorders prove to be a major cause of poor performance and lameness within the racing industry. With SDF tendinopathy being at the forefront of these lameness’, there are many strategies that can be adopted to prevent / reduce the incidences of tendon injuries within the thoroughbred.

A herbal approach to digestive health

Words - Catherine Rudenko

Introduction

The use of herbs and plant extracts to manage digestive ailments in other species is well documented. Whilst equine specific research is somewhat limited, some research is available and shows promising results. The principle common to traditional herbal medicines, whichever system is adopted, is that the patient is considered as a whole. This includes taking into account age, current level of vitality, emotional state or personality, along with environmental challenges. 

The digestive system is considered of primary importance as digestive health influences other aspects of health within the body. That traditional view is one that is now upheld firmly in modern science, as we become increasingly aware of the influence of gut health on other body systems. Within the human food sector there now exists a multitude of supplements targeting gut function, changing the microbiome, and promoting various health benefits derived from such changes. 

Plants present an opportunity to do more to manage digestive health for horses in training but supply and safety are significant challenges. Not all herbs are approved for use in racing as they contain substances that are banned in racing, for example ephedrine commonly found in Indian snakeroot, or synephrine that is often found in bitter orange cultivars. Just because a herb is available online and marketed for equine does not mean it is safe to use in racing. There is also the consideration of supply chain, as the global herbal market does not operate with the racing industry in mind. Whilst many herbs are themselves safe for use in racing by their action or composition, the supply chain may expose them to contamination with herbs or other materials containing banned substances. It is therefore essential only to use herbs and blends from companies operating under codes of practice, such as BETA NOPS who are assessing and managing the risk of contamination with naturally occurring prohibited substances (NOPS). 

The information below discusses some of the plants most commonly used or better evidenced for their effects on aspects of digestive health. Research is other species unless specifically stating equine. The information below is designed to provide an introduction to herbs commonly used for digestive health, the majority of which are available through reputable brands. 

Herbs noted for antiulcer or antacid effects

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Traditionally used for symptoms including inflammation, gastritis and gastric ulcer. In a study looking at the effect of curcuma longa extract the effects noted were reduced gastric acid secretion and protection against gastric mucosal lesions (1). Effect noted as from blocking of H2 histamine receptors.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

One of the most widely studied herbs. Well known for its antioxidant and inflammatory properties. It has also been studied for its effects on management of diarrhoea and gastric ulcers (2). Effect likely from antioxidant properties.

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Milk thistle has been reported as having protective effects against ulceration through its positive effects on mucosa.

Fenugreek Seeds (Trigonella foenum-graceum)

Traditionally used for a variety of digestive disorders. Fenugreek seeds have been studied and compared with omeprazole for their protective effects against ulcers. In one study the soluble gel extract from fenugreek seeds was found to be as effective as omeprazole for experimentally induced ulcers (3).

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Well known for its antiulcer properties in humans and documented as an effective antacid. Research has shown that licorice used in donkeys with glandular ulcers induced by phenylbutazone was effective at reducing ulcer severity. Licorice was also effective at preventing associated phenylbutazone induced hypoglycaemia (4).

There are other herbs also with reported ulcer benefits mostly from a healing perspective including corydalis, gotu kola and bacopa. 

Combinations

Herbs are most often prescribed in combination, as a cocktail of herbs will provide more than one mode of action, and will take into consideration other aspects of a state of disease. 

Herbal combinations for ulcers within equine research is limited but some studies exist for marketed products. An Italian company has shown efficacy of a combination of minerals and herbs, namely fenugreek, licorice aloe vera and fleawort extract at reducing ulcer severity score of thoroughbreds in training (5). 

Another commercial preparation trialled in humans based on bitter candytuft, melissa leaf matricaria flower, caraway fruit, peppermint leaf, angelica root, milk thistle, elan-dine herb and licorice root was proven effective at lowering gastric acidity and inhibiting serum gastrin levels (6).

Herbs noted for anti-inflammatory effects of digestive disorders

Although gastric ulcers are the most common concern for horses the remainder of the digestive tract is equally challenged by the training environment and needs for high energy feeds. Herbs are often used, and well documented, for the management of human digestive disorders. Whilst there is not always a direct equine equivalent the similarities in conditions makes a herbal approach an interesting consideration. 

Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)

A potent anti-inflammatory herb with evidence for use in management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Chron’s disease. In both cases, research proves Boswellia as effective as medication in some studies. 

Chamomile (Matricaria recuita)

A herb with multiple benefits, including carminative effects. Widely used for any inflammatory condition of the bowel and gastrointestinal spasms. 

Demulcent Herbs

This group of herbs is used to lubricate and protect digestive tract membranes. Some herbs in this group are also in the anti-ulcerogenic group, highlighting that herbs are often carry multiple benefits across categories. Their primary mode of action comes from mucilaginous substances, namely polysaccharide gels, that protect mucosal surfaces by adhering to them. They may also act as prebiotics and influence intestinal flora. 

Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)

Used in humans for the management of inflammation of gastric mucosa.

Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva)

Used for inflammation and ulceration of the stomach and for cases of colitis. 

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice has a similar effect, although slightly different mode of action, through increasing mucus production and promoting mucosal blood flow.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graceum)

Used in the management of gastritis. 

Antimicrobial Herbs

There are numerous herbs with antimicrobial effects. The mostly widely studied group for gastrointestinal infections are those containing the active component berberine. It has been found effective in treating diarrhoea caused by Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae and Salmonella paratyphi B, amongst others. Berberine is found in plants such as goldenseal, Oregon grape root and coptis root. 

Chamomile and thyme are also in this category although not of the berberine group. Chamomile oil is reported as having antifungal activity and activity against gram positive bacteria. Thyme oil has antifungal activities against a wide range of organisms. 

Antiviral Herbs 

Whilst there are several herbs considered as having antiviral properties, such as Echinacea, there is little information specifically for efficacy against gastrointestinal viruses. The exception being for tormentil root, which has been investigated for its effects against rotavirus diarrhoea in children. Research has shown an extract of tormentil root was effective in shortening the duration of rotaviral diarrhoea. 

Considerations

There is a considerable amount of research and evidence around the efficacy of some herbs, along with increasing understanding of their modes of action. As is often the case, equine specific research is limited and research from other species must be relied on. 

Herbs that are well researched, are worth considering alongside a well-balanced approach to nutrition. The main challenge is not finding evidence of efficacy, but finding a source that is most appropriate to racing. Although herbs and extracts are readily available online it is important to purchase through companies that are aware of the risks of naturally occurring prohibited substances and are managing this risk with a focus on racing, and not to use any supplement containing known banned substances. 

References

1. Kim DC, Kim SH, Choi BH, Baek NI, Kim D, Kim MJ, Kim KT. Curcuma longa extract protects against gastric ulcers by blocking H2 histamine receptors. Biol Pharm Bull. 2005, Volume 28, Issue 12

2. Mohamed-Amine Jabri, Nadhem Aissani, Haifa Tounsi, Mohsen Sakly, Lamjed Marzouki, Hichem Sebai. Protective effect of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) decoction extract against alcohol-induced injury in rat gastric mucosa. Pathophysiology, 2017, Volume 24, Issue 1

3. R Suja Pandian, C.V Anuradha, P Viswanathan, Gastroprotective effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) on experimental gastric ulcer in rats, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2002, Volume 81, Issue 3

4. Masoud Ahmadnejad, Ghader Jalilzadeh-Amin, Benjamin W Sykes. Prophylactic effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract on phenylbutazone-induced Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD). Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 2022, V olume118.

5. Stucchi,L. Enrica,Z. Alessia,S. Giovanni,S. Serena,C. Contura,B. Ferro,E. Ferrucci,F. Efficacy of the administration of a natural feed supplement in the management of equine gastric ulcer syndrome in 7 sport horses: a field trial. American Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences. 2017, Volume 12, Issue 3

6. M.T. Khayyal , M. Seif-El-Nasr , M.A. El-Ghazaly , S.N. Okpanyi , O. Kelber , D. Weiser. Mechanisms involved in the gastro-protective effect of STW5 (Iberogast) and its components against ulcers and rebound acidity. Phytomedicine. 2006, Volume 13, Issue 1