Distribution of race and training-related musculoskeletal injuries by track and location in Thoroughbred and Arabian racehorses.

Background: Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) are a major concern in the horse racing industry, often leading to career-ending outcomes. Contributing factors include conformation, limb and joint defects, hoof structure, age, and hard track surfaces.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the distribution of MSI in Thoroughbred and Arabian racehorses during racing and training, categorised by breed and track surface.

Study design: Retrospective cohort study.

Methods: The data from 2018 to 2023 were collected at the Turkish Jockey Club's Şirinyer Hippodrome (38°23'03.7″ N 27°09'01.0″ E), covering 553 MSI cases. The distribution of MSI, categorised by track surface and race/training, was evaluated using a 2 × 3 Pearson chi-square analysis and a post hoc Z-test. MSI occurrences during racing and training were examined based on breed and track surface by gender, age, category, location, and impact on the horses' racing career, was calculated using descriptive statistical indicators such as frequency and percentage.

Results: The majority of MSI occurred between June and September, the summer and dry period in the northern hemisphere. The 553 MSI cases included 45.3% fractures, 40.3% tendon injuries, 9.8% bone fissure. Distribution of MSI occurring during races and training according to track surface in Thoroughbred and Arabian horses had significant differences (p < 0.0001). Among Thoroughbreds, injuries were most common at 2- and 3-year-old, while in Arabians, they were most frequent at 3- and 4-year-old. The highest prevalence of MSI occurred in the forelimbs during racing, affecting 91.3% of Thoroughbreds and 92.7% of Arabians, with a particular focus on the carpal joint and its distal structures. MSI ended the racing careers of 66.3% of Thoroughbreds and 46.4% of Arabians.

Main limitations: This study relied on routinely recorded hospital data.

Conclusions: Fractures predominated in Thoroughbreds, particularly on dirt tracks, while tendon injuries were common in Arabians across both surfaces. Findings indicate the need to improve track maintenance and training practices to support racehorse welfare and longevity.