Dr. Erwin Koenen

Recent discussions about racing fatalities are putting the sustainability of Thoroughbred racing to the test. Various solutions have been suggested to reduce fatalities and maintain public acceptance of our wonderful sport. We should pay more attention to the opportunities of breeding to improve sustainability. Let us look at the history of dairy cattle breeding for inspiration to breed more sustainable Thoroughbreds. For a long time, farmers focused almost exclusively on maximizing milk yield until their attention shifted towards reducing involuntary culling and improving animal health and welfare. Breed associations supported...