The horse racing industry has been at the forefront of the news in 2021, with reports of numerous fatalities among racehorses. This article will take a look at how many racehorses have died in 2021 and what factors may have contributed to the deaths. Additionally, this article will explore the measures that are being taken to reduce the number of fatalities and protect the welfare of racehorses.
What is the Scale of the Problem?
According to the Jockey Club, the number of racehorse fatalities in 2021 has already exceeded the total for the previous year. As of mid-April, a total of 86 horses had died in the United States due to racing or training-related incidents. This figure is significantly higher than the total of 57 deaths in 2020 and represents a 51% increase.
The number of fatalities in 2021 is also concerning when compared to the average for the past five years. The average number of fatalities for this time period is just 71 deaths, which is 15 fewer than the current total. This suggests that the number of racehorse fatalities could increase further in 2021.
What Factors Could be Contributing to the Deaths?
The exact causes of the fatalities are not yet known, but there are several potential factors that could be contributing to the increased number of deaths.
Training Regimes
It is possible that some trainers are pushing their horses too hard in training, leading to injury and death. This could be a result of the high pressure that trainers are under to produce winners, or simply due to a lack of knowledge or experience.
Drugs and Medications
Another potential factor could be the misuse of drugs and medications. Racehorses are often given a variety of medications to help them perform at their best, but some of these substances can be dangerous if not used correctly.
Track Conditions
The condition of the track can also have an impact on the safety of horses. Poorly maintained tracks can be slippery and uneven, making it more likely that horses could suffer serious injuries.
What Steps are Being Taken to Reduce Fatalities?
The Jockey Club is taking a number of steps to reduce the number of fatalities in 2021.
Stricter Regulations
The Jockey Club has implemented stricter regulations for trainers, including limits on the number of horses that can be trained at any one time and restrictions on the use of certain drugs and medications. These regulations are designed to ensure that horses are not overworked and that they are given the best care possible.
Improved Track Maintenance
The organization is also working to improve the maintenance of race tracks. This includes ensuring that tracks are regularly inspected and repaired to reduce the risk of injuries.
Education and Awareness
The Jockey Club is also running an education and awareness campaign to highlight the issue of racehorse fatalities and encourage owners and trainers to take steps to ensure the safety of their horses.
What Other Measures are Being Taken?
In addition to the measures outlined above, the Jockey Club is also taking a number of other steps to reduce the number of fatalities in 2021.
Increased Surveillance
The organization is increasing its surveillance of trainers, with a particular focus on those with a history of poor performance or rule violations. This is designed to ensure that trainers are adhering to the regulations and that horses are not being mistreated.
Better Reporting
The Jockey Club is also working to improve the reporting of racehorse fatalities. This includes introducing a new system that will allow veterinarians to report any suspicious deaths.
New Technology
The organization is also looking into the use of new technology to improve the safety of racehorses. This could include the use of sensors to monitor the vital signs of horses and detect any abnormalities.
Conclusion
The number of racehorse fatalities in 2021 is already significantly higher than the average for the past five years. This is a concerning trend and highlights the need for more stringent regulations and better track maintenance. The Jockey Club is taking a number of steps to reduce the number of fatalities, including stricter regulations, improved track maintenance, increased surveillance, better reporting, and the use of new technology. These measures should help to reduce the number of fatalities in 2021 and ensure that racehorses are given the best possible care.