Retrospective analysis of the population dynamics and racing outcomes of the 2014 and 2015 UK and Ireland Thoroughbred foal crops

Arango?Sabogal, Juan Carlos; Mouncey, Rebecca; Verheyen, Kristien; de Mestre, Amanda M.

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Up-to-date figures on early losses of Thoroughbreds from the racing industry can inform strategies to improve retention and incentivise traceability of Thoroughbreds during this early life period.
Methods: Data on Thoroughbred mares bred in 2013–2014 and training, racing and sales information of their live offspring were analysed. The proportions and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of the entire 2014–2015 United Kingdom and Ireland foal crops that entered training, raced, were imported and/or exported between birth and the end of their third year of life, as well as the racing performance of these horses as 2- and 3-year-olds were described.
Results: A total of 20,661 mares produced 28,282 live foals. Of them, 47.2% (95% CI: 46.7–47.8; n = 13,354) entered training by the end of their third year of life. Of these, 10,595 (79.3%; 95% CI: 78.7–80.0) raced at least once. Around 20% (n = 5712) of horses were exported by the end of their third year of life, of which 3526 (61.7%) had been in training. The overall mortality during the study period was 7.6% (n = 2123).
Conclusion: A considerable proportion of Thoroughbreds had not entered training by 3 years of age but of those that had, the proportion that raced at least once was high. Further research is needed to establish reasons for premature losses from the industry

Citation

Arango‐Sabogal, J. C., Mouncey, R., Verheyen, K., & de Mestre, A. M. (in press). Retrospective analysis of the population dynamics and racing outcomes of the 2014 and 2015 UK and Ireland Thoroughbred foal crops. Veterinary Record, https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.298

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 7, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Apr 18, 2021
• Deposit Date: Apr 20, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 23, 2021
• Journal: Veterinary Record
• Print ISSN: 0042-4900
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.298
• Keywords: General Veterinary; General Medicine
• Public URL: https://rvc-repository.worktribe.com/output/1548332