Retrospective Analysis of the Horse Racing Industry in Türkiye with a Specific Focus on Population, Earnings, and Injury Rates

Abstract

Objective: The global horse racing industry is expanding in terms of horses and market value, but these growths may not always yield positive outcomes. The study aims to evaluate the current situation of horse racing on a Türkiye scale and provide information for the industry. Material and Methods: This study conducts a retrospective analysis. Data from all horse races held across the country were used in the study. The data utilised came from the TJC software support team and the official website. Results: The study observed a notable increase in the number of horses participating in races, and the number of races being held from these races over the years. However, it’s important to note that while the number of young horses participating in races has seen a proportional increase, the ratio of horses in older age groups has seen a decrease. Furthermore, the average earnings of horses in the older age groups have seen a proportional decline, leading to a significant decrease in all age groups. The findings from this study suggest that over the years, horses in Türkiye have been tending to shorten their racing life. Conclusion: The relative decrease in the number of horses participating in races in the senior age categories, along with the decrease in the amount of earnings within the total values, is predicted to have a negative impact on the future of the industry. The study proposes early identification and removal of horses with restricted athletic abilities. These limitations may arise from conformational defects, biomechanical predisposition, or developmental delays.

Keywords

• horse
• age
• injury
• thoroughbred
• arabian horse

References

1. Anderson TM, McIlwraith CW, Douay P. The role of conformation in musculoskeletal problems in the racing Thoroughbred. Equine Vet J. 2004; 36(7):571-575.
2. Bakhtiari J, Heshmat G. Estimation of genetic parameters of conformation traits in Iranian Thoroughbred horses. Livestock Science. 2009; 123(2-3):116-120.
3. Belloy E, Bathe, AP. The importance of standardising the evaluation of conformation in the horse. Equine Vet J. 1996; 28(6):429-430.
4. Cheetham J, Riordan AS, Mohammed HO, McIlwraith CW, Fortier LA. Relationships between race earnings and horse age, sex, gait, track surface and number of race starts for Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses in North America. Equine Vet J. 2010; 42(4):346-350.
5. Cogger N, Perkins N, Hodgson DR, Reid SW, Evans DL. Risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries in 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses. Prev Vet Med. 2006; 74(1):36-43.
6. Crawford KL, Finnane A, Greer RM, et al. Survival analysis of training methodologies and other risk factors for musculoskeletal injury in 2-Year-Old Thoroughbred Racehorses in Queensland, Australia. Front Vet Sci. 2021; 8:698298.
7. Global And Regional Industry Overview, Market Intelligence, Comprehensive Analysis, Historical Data, And Forecasts 2023-2030. Available at: https://www.zionmarketresearch. com/report/horse-racing-market. Accessed Dec 25, 2023.
8. Hardy G, Limoli P. Measurement of economic impact of the Australian thoroughbred breeding industry. Australia: AgriFutures Australia Publication; 2019.

9. Lawrence LA. Feeding the performance horse. Available at: https://content.libraries.wsu.edu/index.php/utils/getfile/collection/cahnrs-arch/id/192/filename/1927182432004_ eb1612.pdf. Accessed Jun 03, 2023.
10. Love S, Wyse CA, Stirk AJ, et al. Prevalence, heritability and significance of musculoskeletal conformational traits in Thoroughbred yearlings. Equine Vet J. 2006; 38(7):597-603.
11. Morrice-West AV, Hitchens PL, Walmsley EA, Wong ASM, Whitton RC. Association of Thoroughbred Racehorse workloads and rest practices with trainer success. Animals (Basel). 2021; 11(11):3130.
12. Perkins NR, Reid SW, Morris RS. Risk factors for injury to the superficial digital flexor tendon and suspensory apparatus in Thoroughbred racehorses in New Zealand. N Z Vet J. 2005a; 53(3):184-192.
13. Perkins NR, Reid SW, Morris RS. Risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries of the lower limbs in Thoroughbred racehorses in New Zealand. N Z Vet J. 2005b; 53(3):171-183.
14. Robert C, Valette JP, Denoix JM. Longitudinal development of equine forelimb conformation from birth to weaning in three different horse breeds. Vet J. 2013; 198: 75-80.
15. Smith A, Staniar WB, Splan RK. Associations between yearling body measurements and career racing performance in Thoroughbred racehorses. Equine Vet Sci. 2006; 26:212-214.
16. Stover SM. The epidemiology of Thoroughbred racehorse injures. Clin Tech Eq Prac. 2003; 2(4):312-322. Türkiye Jockey Club Detailed Statistics. Available at: https://www.tjk.org/TR/YarisSever/Static/Page/AyrintiliIstatistikler Accessed June 03, 2023.
17. Wood LJ, Lancaster B, Breheny MR, Rogers CW. Trainers perceptions of the impact of different feeding and management practices on racehorses they identified displaying symptoms of recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis. Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 2020;80: 90-94
18. Yıldırım IG, Erden H. Conformational characteristics in Arabian and Thoroughbred horses. Anim. Health Prod. Hyg. 2023; 12(2):27-35.
19. Yıldırım IG. Atlarda Vücut Yapısının Değerlendirilmesi. Neden bazı atlar daha başarılıdır? Nobel Tıp Kitabevleri Tic. Ltd. Şti, Türkiye; 2014.
20. Yildirim İG, Karaarslan S, Erkan A. Distribution of race and training-related musculoskeletal injuries by track and location in Thoroughbred and Arabian racehorses. Equine Vet J. Published online January 7, 2025.