An analysis of data from the Equine Injury Database, comparing 2015 statistics with figures from 2014, has shown a 14 percent decrease in the frequency of fatal injury, The Jockey Club announced Tuesday. Across all surfaces, ages and distances, the fatality rate dropped from 1.89 per 1,000 starts in 2014 to 1.62 per 1,000 in 2015–the lowest since the database started publishing annual statistics in 2009.
“We've seen a significant decrease in the number of fatalities and that is certainly very encouraging,” said Dr. Tim Parkin, a veterinarian and epidemiologist from the University of Glasgow serving as consultant on the Equine Injury Database. “We will continue to examine data and look for trends, but the wide-ranging safety initiatives embraced by tracks, horsemen, and regulators in recent years have very likely played a role in the reduction of injuries and fatalities.”
The encouraging news drew praise from members of a number of racing jurisdictions, including Rick Violette Jr., president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA).
“We applaud the work of the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance, which was formed in 2008 and, with the cooperation of the accredited racetracks, has made great strides in protecting our horses and riders,” Violette said. “Our work is just beginning. We must collectively do all we can to get every jurisdiction in the country, large and small, fully compliant with the National Uniform Medication Program, and we will continue to find and fund initiatives that will strengthen our efforts to promote equine welfare.”
Divided by surfaces, there were 1.22 fatalities per 1,000 starts in 2015 turf races; 1.78 fatalities per 1,000 starts in 2015 dirt races; and 1.18 fatalities per 1,000 start in synthetic races. More information about statistical data pertaining to surface, distance and age is available at the Jockey Club website.
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