Race horses are highly trained and conditioned athletes and as such, they are prone to injury, illness, and death. It is not uncommon for horses to suffer from broken bones, heart failure, joint issues, and laminitis. In addition, the high-speed and intense environment of horse racing can lead to fatal accidents. In Australia, the death rate of race horses is relatively low, but it still occurs.
Heart Failure
Heart failure is one of the main causes of death in race horses. The condition can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, exercise-related stress, and electrolyte imbalances. When a horse’s heart fails, the horse will experience severe breathing difficulties and can eventually die from the lack of oxygen.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are another common cause of death in race horses. This can occur during a race or in the stables. Horses can suffer from bone fractures due to intense exercise, slips, falls, and collisions. In some cases, the fractures can be so severe that the horse will not survive the injury.
Laminitis
Laminitis is an inflammation of the laminae in a horse’s hoof. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including infection, over-exercising, and poor nutrition. Laminitis can be painful for horses and can lead to lameness and, in some cases, death.
How Common is Race Horse Death in Australia?
The death rate of race horses in Australia is relatively low. According to the Australian Racing Board, there were 13,395 race starts in 2018-2019, with only 8 deaths. This equates to a death rate of 0.06%.
Factors Affecting Death Rates
There are a number of factors that can affect the death rate of race horses in Australia. These include:
- Horse Management: Proper horse management is essential in preventing injury and illness. This includes providing the horse with a balanced diet, adequate exercise, and regular veterinary care.
- Race Track Conditions: Race track conditions can have a significant impact on the safety of horses. Poorly maintained tracks can lead to slips, falls, and other accidents.
- Horse Fitness: Horses must be properly trained and conditioned in order to compete in races. If a horse is not adequately prepared, it can be more prone to injuries and death.
- Race Stewards: Race stewards are responsible for ensuring the safety of both horses and riders. They can stop a race if they deem the conditions to be unsafe.
How Can Race Horse Deaths be Prevented?
There are a number of measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of race horse death in Australia. These include:
- Strict Regulation: Strict regulation of the racing industry is essential to ensure the safety of horses. Rules and regulations should be enforced by race stewards and any breaches should be dealt with swiftly and severely.
- Better Track Maintenance: Proper track maintenance is essential for the safety of horses. Tracks should be inspected regularly to ensure that they are in good condition.
- Improved Horse Management: Horses should be provided with proper nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care. This will help to reduce the risk of injury and illness.
- Better Training and Conditioning: Horses should be properly trained and conditioned in order to compete in races. This will help to reduce the risk of injury and death.
Conclusion
Race horse death in Australia is a rare occurrence, but it still happens. The death rate of race horses is relatively low, but there are measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of horse death. These include strict regulation of the racing industry, better track maintenance, improved horse management, and better training and conditioning. By implementing these measures, the death rate of race horses in Australia can be further reduced.
References
Australian Racing Board. (2019). 2018-2019 Racing Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.australianracingboard.com.au/data-centre/statistics/
Faull, S. (2017). What Causes Race Horse Deaths?. Retrieved from https://www.thesprucepets.com/causes-of-race-horse-deaths-1881516
Racing NSW. (n.d.). Racehorse Welfare and Safety. Retrieved from https://www.racingnsw.com.au/about/welfare-and-safety/