Once a racehorse's career comes to an end, they may pursue various paths depending on their achievements. Some become breeding stallions, transition into new careers, are euthanized, or end up in slaughter auctions.
Racehorses retire for various reasons, regardless of their success on the track. All racehorses, whether successful or not, are retired at a young age due to their fertility. While some may continue to run independently, their age at retirement does not reflect their success in racing.
Racehorses that remain untouched and win a sufficient number of races will be retired at a young age, typically before turning 3 years old. This practice helps prevent injuries and enables owners to start generating income through breeding fees.
Participating in racing as a sport involves a risk of injury, particularly given the high speeds at which race horses compete. According to statistics, the average rate of fatal injury in official Thoroughbred events in 2017 was 1.46 per 1000 race starts.
Severe injuries such as limb fractures, joint fractures, and laminitis can be life-threatening. Injuries such as strained tendons, chronic knee problems, and ligament issues are likely to result in retirement due to debilitating inflammation, lameness, and joint complications.
Limb fractures in horses are often non-repairable due to their size and requirement to stand. In such cases, owners often choose to euthanise the horse to prevent further suffering.
Unfortunately, there is an excess of thoroughbred foals bred each year for racing purposes, resulting in a surplus of horses with limited options once they can no longer earn money. The lack of available homes for these horses highlights the harsh reality of their exploitation.
Despite efforts by various organisations to prevent it, many unsuccessful horses ultimately end up at slaughter auctions.
Fortunately, numerous organisations are dedicated to assisting retired racehorses in finding secure and caring homes.
In Canada, Truro Raceway is excited to host a special event on Sunday, June 9th to raise funds for New Start Standardbreds Maritimes, a volunteer charity established in 2020. This organisation is committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding forever homes for retired standardbred racehorses, ensuring they receive the care and love they deserve.
According to Truro Raceway’s General Manager, Steve Fitzsimmons, they are honoured to back a vital charity that assists retired racehorses in need of a new home after their racing careers or unfortunate circumstances. As an industry, they consider it their responsibility to support the aftercare of these amazing animals and they are excited to join Christina and her team in their valuable work in Atlantic Canada and to celebrate these retired or rehomed horses.
Christina Robertson, Director of Maritime Development and Outreach for New Start Standardbreds, on behalf of the organisation and its dedicated volunteers, stated that they are grateful to Truro Raceway for their support and the incredible opportunity provided for them to showcase the program in the Maritime provinces.
The racetrack will be hosting a silent auction to support the organisation, as well as offering race sponsorships with proceeds going to New Start Standardbreds. One of the organisation’s adoptees will be leading out the post parade for several races, and there will be a booth on-site for the public to learn more about the charitable initiatives.