Letter to the Editor: Positive Steps in Horse Racing Safety

The recently concluded Santa Anita/Hollywood winter/spring meet, where 6,678 horses raced on both dirt and turf with a remarkable 99.97% safety record, marks a significant achievement. Coupled with the latest data from HISA showing a national fatality rate of .83 per 1,000 starts in early 2024, it's evident that Thoroughbred Racing is making strides towards greater safety for its equine athletes.

Reflecting on the troubling spike in horse fatalities at Santa Anita in 2019, I had reservations about attributing them solely to rain or poor track conditions. While those conditions were indeed unique, high fatalities were a widespread issue across the U.S., inviting criticism beyond animal rights groups.

With the California state government's intervention and public scrutiny mounting, concerns about horse racing's safety became more pronounced. However, data indicated that the majority of horses raced without incident, challenging the notion that racing itself was inherently dangerous.

Drawing from my years of handicapping and observing the sport, I noted patterns where certain horses showed signs of declining form due to rigorous race schedules. In 2019, I theorised that identifying and addressing pre-existing conditions could prevent many racing fatalities. While not a vet or trainer, my analytical background suggested there were detectable factors predisposing horses to breakdowns that could be managed.

HISA's CEO, Lisa Lazarus, has recently emphasised the identification of warning signs for potential racing injuries and fatalities, affirming HISA's commitment to reducing equine fatalities. This goal is crucial for sustaining the sport's integrity and ensuring the well-being of its participants.

The progress made in enhancing safety measures for Thoroughbreds competing in racing is commendable and signifies a positive direction for the sport.