Thanks to the efforts of Governor Kathy Hochul, Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine has commenced a comprehensive three-year study to improve detection of Thoroughbred racehorse injuries. Data will be provided by horses seen at Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists equine hospital, which is located next to Belmont Park.
The study, funded by New York State and The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), seeks to build upon previous international research and the ongoing industry goal to prevent fatal musculoskeletal injuries. Specifically, the study seeks to:
- Refine risk factor assessments for fatal musculoskeletal injuries in Thoroughbreds
- Increase understanding of the fetlock joint
- Develop protocols to reduce musculoskeletal injury
State-of-the-art standing computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) machines will be installed at Cornell Ruffian as part of the project. The standing CT provides a high-resolution image of the bony anatomy, allowing for identification of microstructural changes prior to being apparent on a radiograph. PET detects increased bone metabolic activity in three different planes, allowing for the exact identification of regions of bone pathology. It also provides a highly sensitive detection of bone abnormalities and remodeling.
In 2023, Governor Hochul's Executive Budget included a proposal for NYRA to modernize Belmont Park, and the FY24 Enacted Budget granted that approval, providing NYRA with a $455 million loan to build new racing facilities at the historic property in Elmont, N.Y. The renovations to Belmont Park will result in the consolidation of all downstate racing operations to the Elmont, N.Y. facility, which provides the ideal location for the study. That, combined with the world-renowned expertise of Cornell faculty clinicians, radiologists, and epidemiologists creates an unparalleled opportunity to conduct comprehensive research into the fetlock joint, which is often the cause of fatal musculoskeletal-related injuries.
Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine is a global leader in veterinary medical education, animal medicine, and biomedical research. For decades, the College has conducted groundbreaking research to promote equine health for New York's racing and breeding industry, much of it funded by the Harry M. Zweig Fund for Equine Research in partnership with New York State.
Racehorses are routinely examined by veterinarians who use diagnostic imaging. However, such scans can miss hairline fractures and pre-fracture pathology that can lead to fatal injuries. In such cases, horses with such undetected factors may be considered sound and, therefore, train and race until they experience a serious or fatal injury.
The three-year project seeks to:
- Identify fetlock fractures and pre-fracture pathology in horses with and without lameness;
- Determine the sensitivity and specificity of CT, PET and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared to digital radiographs
- Use photo-counting CT and high field MRI scans to further define early bone pathology in horses that suffered fatal fractures of the fetlock joint
- Further characterize biomarker findings in healthy and lame horses
- Further refine a risk factor index for fatal musculoskeletal injury based on epidemiological findings, preliminary scanning technology, clinical examination, and advance imaging.
The results of the study will be published in peer-reviewed periodicals and presented at veterinary research conferences.
New York State is investing $18 million over the next three years to fund the project as part of Governor Hochul's 2025-26 Enacted Budget. NYRA donated $2 million toward the purchase of advanced imaging equipment at Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists.
New York Franchise Oversight Board Chair Robert Williams said, "This innovative study to prevent equine injuries is just another part of Governor Hochul's ongoing commitment to New York's unmatched horseracing and breeding industries. New York State is proud to partner with NYRA and Cornell to conduct this important research to protect our horses and preserve New York's storied Thoroughbred racing."
New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., Chair of the New York State Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering said, "New York has long set the national standard for integrity, safety, and excellence in horse racing, and this groundbreaking partnership with Cornell University and NYRA represents a critical step forward in protecting the health and welfare of our Thoroughbreds. By investing in advanced imaging technology and cutting-edge research, we are strengthening our commitment to early injury detection, improving safety for both horses and jockeys, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of New York's racing industry. This study reinforces our responsibility to support humane practices while preserving the economic and social significance of horse racing across our state."
Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, Chair of the Assembly's Standing Committee on Racing and Wagering (D-Round Lake) said, "Protecting the health and welfare of our Thoroughbreds and the future of horseracing is a priority of our committee, my district and for me, personally. I am grateful for Governor Hochul's commitment to the safety our equine athletes and to NYRA for its financial support of this important study. I have no doubt the research obtained over the next three-years will help New York develop effective strategies in reducing injuries to our beloved racehorses and improve this historical industry in our state."
David O'Rourke, President and CEO of NYRA, said: "Continuously improving equine safety is an organizational imperative at NYRA. This partnership will dramatically expand access to an important veterinary diagnostic tool while improving scientific research around thoroughbreds training and competing in New York. We thank Governor Hochul for her steadfast commitment to horse racing as we look forward to the opening of a new Belmont Park in September."
John Pigott, DVM, MS, ACVS, Clinical Director of Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists, said, "This landmark study will provide critical information to the state Thoroughbred industry members and veterinarians to help keep our horses and jockeys as safe as possible. We are thankful for this research opportunity and will maintain a collaborative approach throughout the project as we continue to make strides towards eliminating catastrophic injuries and further refining the industry safety paradigm."
Lorin D. Warnick, Cornell's Austin O. Hooey Dean of Veterinary Medicine, said, "We are grateful to Governor Hochul, New York State lawmakers and the New York Racing Association for investing in research that will benefit equine health and improve racing safety. We look forward to working collaboratively with owners, trainers and veterinarians to conduct this important study."
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