Key Takeaways
- The 12th Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit highlighted a 47 % decline in overall racehorse fatality rates since 2009, with North American tracks now averaging 1.07 fatalities per 1,000 starts.
- Advances in track‑surface science, data‑driven risk profiling, and preventive veterinary care are central to ongoing safety improvements.
- Industry stakeholders stress the need for early intervention, responsible ownership, and comprehensive after‑care plans to safeguard horses beyond their racing careers.
- Diagnostic technologies—including biometric sensors, lameness locators, and advanced imaging—are increasingly integrated into routine monitoring and necropsy reviews.
- Collaborative efforts among researchers, racetrack officials, veterinarians, and after‑care organizations continue to drive measurable progress in equine welfare and integrity.
Overview of the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit
The 12th Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit convened on June 29‑30, 2025, in the Keeneland Sales Pavilion in Lexington, Kentucky. Underwritten and coordinated by the Grayson‑Jockey Club Research Foundation and The Jockey Club, the event was hosted by Keeneland and open to the public, with track announcer Jessica Paquette serving as emcee. Presentations covered a breadth of topics ranging from injury epidemiology to after‑care strategies, reflecting the industry’s ongoing commitment to enhancing horse safety, welfare, and racing integrity. A livestream recording will be made available on The Jockey Club website in the coming days for those unable to attend in person.
Trends in the Equine Injury Database
Dr. Tim Parkin, head of the Bristol Veterinary School, opened the summit with an update on the Equine Injury Database (EID). Since its inception in 2009, the EID has documented a 47 % reduction in overall fatality rates, with specific declines of 46.2 % on dirt surfaces, 55.2 % on turf, and 34.9 % on all‑weather tracks. Consequently, the North American fatality rate has fallen from two fatalities per 1,000 starts in 2009 to 1.07 per 1,000 starts in 2025. Parkin emphasized that these improvements stem from better track maintenance, veterinary oversight, and data‑informed decision‑making, while noting that continued vigilance is required to sustain progress.
Track‑Surface Science and Maintenance Practices
A panel featuring Dr. Mick Peterson (University of Kentucky), Branden Brookfield (Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory), Jamie Richardson and Chris Bosley (Churchill Downs) examined track surfaces and maintenance reporting. Dr. Peterson detailed the Maintenance Quality System, which employs pre‑meet and daily measurements—such as moisture content, shear strength, and surface uniformity—to guide real‑time adjustments. The panelists agreed that objective, science‑based monitoring, coupled with transparent reporting, is essential for providing consistent, safe racing conditions and for identifying early signs of surface deterioration that could predispose horses to injury.
HISA’s CHECK Program and Individual Risk Profiling
Steve Keech, chief technology officer of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), described how the CHECK program integrates veterinary records with training and racing data to evaluate more than 127 risk factors per horse. This multivariate analysis yields an individualized risk profile that helps regulatory veterinarians prioritize horses that may benefit from additional scrutiny or preventive interventions. Keech highlighted that the program’s strength lies in its ability to uncover subtle patterns—such as cumulative workload effects or early biomechanical changes—that are not apparent through traditional observation alone.
Regulatory Veterinary Scratch Process and Outcomes
Moderated by Dr. Mary Scollay, a panel on the regulatory vet scratch process included Dr. Stuart Brown (Keeneland), Dr. Will Farmer (Churchill Downs), Dr. Nick Smith (Kentucky Racing & Gaming Commission), Barbara Borden (Kentucky Racing & Gaming Commission), and Dr. Shari Silverman (HISA). Dr. Smith presented statistics from Kentucky: between January 1 and April 25, 2025, 155 horses were scratched for unsoundness, of which 30 % did not race again within a year and 16 % showed no racetrack activity over the same period. He urged trainers to bring horses with abnormal gaits to veterinary staff well before race day, allowing time for advanced diagnostics such as PET scans, bone scans, and higher‑resolution imaging, thereby reducing reliance on snap judgments and improving long‑term soundness outcomes.
After‑Care and Retirement Planning for Thoroughbreds
Erin Halliwell (Thoroughbred Charities of America) moderated an after‑care panel featuring Lucinda Lovitt (CARMA), Chris Block (trainer), and Andy Belfiore (New York Thoroughbreds Horsemen’s Association). All panelists concurred that prospective owners must incorporate retirement planning into their business models from the outset. Lovitt asserted, “For me, that means you need it to be written into your business plan… This should be the first thing you think about when you decide to get into racehorse ownership.” While acknowledging progress in after‑care infrastructure, the group stressed that educating breeders and owners about responsible end‑of‑life options remains a critical industry challenge.
Hoof Balance as a Cornerstone of Soundness
Dr. Scott Morrison, equine podiatrist at Rood and Riddle, delivered a presentation on maintaining proper hoof balance. He argued that hoof balance is one of the most effective levers for reducing systemic stress in the horse, noting that restoring the foot’s natural mechanics—through precise trimming, supportive shoeing, or techniques that mimic barefoot conditions while preserving protection—enhances locomotion efficiency and diminishes injury risk. Morrison provided case examples where corrective hoof interventions preceded successful returns to training, underscoring the interplay between farriery, veterinary care, and training regimens.
Equine Surgery Timing and Developmental Considerations
A discussion moderated by Jessica Paquette brought together Dr. Larry Bramlage (Rood and Riddle), David Ingordo (bloodstock agent), Garrett O’Rourke (Juddmonte USA), and Mark Taylor (Taylor Made Farm) to examine the role of surgery in developing racehorses. Dr. Bramlage identified two common procedures: one addressing focal joint pathology and another correcting linear limb deviation. He stressed that timing is paramount; for instance, placing a screw across a growth plate too early can trigger compensatory growth that negates the intended correction. The panel concluded that surgical decisions must be grounded in a thorough understanding of the horse’s developmental stage, genetics, and long‑term athletic goals.
Necropsy and Mortality Reviews
To close the summit, Dr. Laura Kennedy (Kentucky Horse Racing Postmortem Program) and Dr. Dionne Benson (1/ST Racing) presented on necropsy practices and mortality reviews. They outlined how systematic post‑mortem examinations, coupled with standardized reporting, generate valuable data on underlying pathologies—such as cardiovascular events, gastrointestinal crises, or occult musculoskeletal lesions—that may not be antemortem detectable. The speakers advocated for broader adoption of necropsy protocols across jurisdictions to improve retrospective learning and to inform preventive strategies aimed at reducing sudden fatalities.
Diagnostic Technology Showcase
Tuesday’s session opened with a presentation by Dr. Evan Becker and Dr. Laura Werner (Hagyard Equine Medical Institute) on diagnostic equipment and injury patterns. Subsequent talks highlighted emerging tools: Ben Bernard (Pin Oak Stud) and Stable Analytics discussed wearable biometric monitors; Dr. David Lambert (Stride Safe) showcased gait‑analysis platforms; Dr. Jamie Textor (Sleip) demonstrated real‑time lameness sensors; Valentin Rapin (Arioneo) presented thermal imaging applications; Dr. Kevin Keegan (Lameness Locator) detailed objective lameness quantification; and Equimetrics shared a video overview of integrated data‑fusion systems. Collectively, these technologies illustrate a shift toward proactive, data‑driven health management that complements traditional veterinary expertise and supports the industry’s safety objectives.