Hold your horses! Revamped racing rule results in fewer falls for hardworking horses

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2022-10-14 10:52

New Zealand

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Researchers looked at NZ Thoroughbred Racing data from 2005 to 2019, and found that 20% of all falls happen on the final fence, and horse falls in steeplechase races (timber and brush fences) were 1.6 times more likely than in hurdle races (padded fences). They also found that greater jockey and horse experience were associated with lower rates of horse falls. A regulatory change which allows jockeys more discretion when pulling up a horse - stopping the horse when it is out of contention or tired - was associated with a reduction in falls, showing the major impact pragmatic rule changes can have on reducing risk and increasing horse welfare. The researchers say it is essential for horse welfare, jockey safety, and social licence to operate, that efforts are made to minimise horse falls.