Track Review

[JJ Flash 2,455]

NZTR to Launch Independent Review Into Synthetic Track Performance

 

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has today announced an independent review into the performance of the country's three synthetic racetracks.

 

The review, to be led by Massey University, will involve independent world-leading experts from the Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory, based out of The University of Kentucky.

 

The review will analyse all existing data as well as carry out additional testing to better understand the performance of New Zealand’s synthetic tracks.

 

The current stated objectives of the review are:

 

·         Provide a concise summary of the hoof limb interaction on synthetic and turf tracks based on the published literature

 

·         Provide a description of the synthetic tracks in New Zealand, their physical properties, the management techniques employed and the current metrics on horse use and performance

 

Analysis by Massey University of the 2023/24 racing season revealed that New Zealand remains one of the safest horse racing jurisdictions in the world, with a fracture rate on turf tracks of 0.37 per 1,000 starts.

 

While still world leading, the fracture rate on synthetic tracks appears higher than turf at 0.81 per 1,000 starts.

 

Although the data pool remains small due to the limited number of starts when compared to turf tracks, it is hoped the review will help explain the disparities as well as highlight areas of improvement. This in turn should lead to improved track performance and help alleviate any industry concerns.

 

“The review is part of our commitment to industry stakeholders to seek continuous improvement and investigate any concerns,” says NZTR Chief Operating Officer, Darin Balcombe.

 

“NZTR is aware of the concerns raised which is why we are engaging the experts to lead this review and identify what we can do to improve conditions at Cambridge, Awapuni and Riccarton."

 

Chief Technology Officer, Kaleb Dempsey from the Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory is due to fly out to begin work within the next few weeks. He will be followed by Professor Mick Petersen in early 2025. Prof. Petersen is a highly regarded world expert in racetrack surfaces and is the Director of the Racetrack Safety Program at the University of Kentucky.

 

The report is expected to be published mid-2025.

 

Corporate Communications
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing
Contact: Catlyn Calder
+64 27 252 2803
nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz

[jack 446]

"  Analysis by Massey University of the 2023/24 racing season revealed that New Zealand remains one of the safest horse racing jurisdictions in the world, with a fracture rate on turf tracks of 0.37 per 1,000 starts.  "

... How do you measure 0.37 per 1,000 starts? (Just Curious)

[racingoutsider 200]

52 minutes ago, jack said:

"  Analysis by Massey University of the 2023/24 racing season revealed that New Zealand remains one of the safest horse racing jurisdictions in the world, with a fracture rate on turf tracks of 0.37 per 1,000 starts.  "

... How do you measure 0.37 per 1,000 starts? (Just Curious)

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/4/612

[jack 446]

2 hours ago, racingoutsider said:

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/4/612

Briliiant!! ... Now I know why they water tracks , To allow cushioning  when hooves make contact with surface of the ground ,  less fracturing /injuries to horses.

 "The majority of fatal fractures occurred in the forelimb, in particular in the metacarpus and proximal phalanx. Fractures at these sites are often associated with stress, where repetitive loading of the bone causes microdamage and increases the likelihood of catastrophic failure [20]. Fracture risk increases with age as a result of bone fatigue [23]. Bone fatigue can occur due to high volumes of loading under the monotonic force threshold for catastrophic failure which causes microscopic damage in a localised area where the force is placed. The accumulation of microdamage increases fracture risk over time [24]. "

[Hi Ho Silver 806]

"Analysis by Massey University of the 2023/24 racing season revealed that New Zealand remains one of the safest horse racing jurisdictions in the world, with a fracture rate on turf tracks of 0.37 per 1,000 starts.

 

While still world leading, the fracture rate on synthetic tracks appears higher than turf at 0.81 per 1,000 starts."

 

Information on the 23/24 season has been a closely guarded secret till now.  That figure on grass tracks has dropped significantly on other seasons.  However, the synthetic fracture rate that does not include the bowed tendons etc is alarming, you'd have to deduce.

This analysis clearly proves the problem many in the industry have been trying to portray with regards to synthetic surfaces in this country.  NZTR should really be apologising to many passionate participants.

One stat glossed over as NZ is hard to compare to other countries which run races for less credentialed riders, is the higher number of bone breaks of horses ridden by lesser experienced and poorer quality riders.  Our riders are lumped in together, and quality across the board is questioned in almost every post on here.

[nomates 4,960]

IMO a lot of the issues we have now with limb injuries are because the horse is such a more refined animal than even 30 years ago . And we continue to breed the same way that has got us to this spot , what will it look like in another 30 years .

The one rider is that our grass does make a difference to our young horses . 

[nomates 4,960]

6 hours ago, JJ Flash said:

NZTR to Launch Independent Review Into Synthetic Track Performance

 

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has today announced an independent review into the performance of the country's three synthetic racetracks.

 

The review, to be led by Massey University, will involve independent world-leading experts from the Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory, based out of The University of Kentucky.

 

The review will analyse all existing data as well as carry out additional testing to better understand the performance of New Zealand’s synthetic tracks.

 

The current stated objectives of the review are:

 

·         Provide a concise summary of the hoof limb interaction on synthetic and turf tracks based on the published literature

 

·         Provide a description of the synthetic tracks in New Zealand, their physical properties, the management techniques employed and the current metrics on horse use and performance

 

Analysis by Massey University of the 2023/24 racing season revealed that New Zealand remains one of the safest horse racing jurisdictions in the world, with a fracture rate on turf tracks of 0.37 per 1,000 starts.

 

While still world leading, the fracture rate on synthetic tracks appears higher than turf at 0.81 per 1,000 starts.

 

Although the data pool remains small due to the limited number of starts when compared to turf tracks, it is hoped the review will help explain the disparities as well as highlight areas of improvement. This in turn should lead to improved track performance and help alleviate any industry concerns.

 

“The review is part of our commitment to industry stakeholders to seek continuous improvement and investigate any concerns,” says NZTR Chief Operating Officer, Darin Balcombe.

 

“NZTR is aware of the concerns raised which is why we are engaging the experts to lead this review and identify what we can do to improve conditions at Cambridge, Awapuni and Riccarton."

 

Chief Technology Officer, Kaleb Dempsey from the Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory is due to fly out to begin work within the next few weeks. He will be followed by Professor Mick Petersen in early 2025. Prof. Petersen is a highly regarded world expert in racetrack surfaces and is the Director of the Racetrack Safety Program at the University of Kentucky.

 

The report is expected to be published mid-2025.

 

Corporate Communications
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing
Contact: Catlyn Calder
+64 27 252 2803
nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz

My money is there will be nothing to see here , and I don't mean because there really is nothing to see .

[JJ Flash 2,455]

2 minutes ago, nomates said:

IMO a lot of the issues we have now with limb injuries are because the horse is such a more refined animal than even 30 years ago

im with you 100% on that point NM

I might add that IMO this point is of limited use

"with a fracture rate on turf tracks of 0.37 per 1,000 starts." 

It fails to include off racetrack injuries and only records raceday incidents

[nomates 4,960]

8 minutes ago, JJ Flash said:

im with you 100% on that point NM

I might add that IMO this point is of limited use

"with a fracture rate on turf tracks of 0.37 per 1,000 starts." 

It fails to include off racetrack injuries and only records raceday incidents

Exactly , how many have gotten injuries in training , whether at speed or in pace work , I have heard through the grapevine that there have been numerous at Awapuni .

[racingoutsider 200]

6 minutes ago, nomates said:

Exactly , how many have gotten injuries in training , whether at speed or in pace work , I have heard through the grapevine that there have been numerous at Awapuni .

Those are harder to quantify. At present there is only anecdotal evidence but plenty of it. The same down here at Riccarton. I think clubs are supposed to be collecting reports of those though and the other way to measure it is the racing longevity of the horses either trained or raced on different surfaces. I doubt we have sufficient data from either yet to do any robust analysis though.

[Nerula 1,474]

Sure they will have data on "on track" Fatalities but No accurate data on retirement caused by injury. The reason is the inadequate return of the SR form to NZTR on retirement of the horse.

This is because NZTR do not have the systems in place to ensure returns of the SR24 forms and their computer systems are inadequate to prosecute that.

I may make another thread on this matter as I have written a paper.

The 1% Welfare fund is eating up 800k plus of stakes and no data comes from the SR24. That an epic Welfare fail.

[Canterbury Man 113]

If we collect this data what are we going to do with it?  Shoot ourselves in the feet?  Just like Greyhound racing has done by setting KPI's that are probably less than the natural injury rate.

[Nerula 1,474]

Following is a piece I wrote for the Owners Blletin Winter2024. it did not get me much love.

If you as an Owner hate what I wrote then please say on here how you would ensure the Manager of your horse completes the SR24 so we get DATA.

To those of you who are the manager DO YOU COMPLETE THE FORM AT RETIREMENT YOUR HORSE?

THE SR24 – INSUFFICIENT DATA THAT LEADS NOWHERE GOOD – A SOLUTION?

IN THE PREVIOUS TWO ISSUES I HAVE WRITTEN FIRSTLY ABOUT TAKING ON THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BEING A MANAGER/ ACCOUNTABLE PERSON FOR A HORSE. SECONDLY, WHEN THE HORSE WAS INJURED, RETIRED AND SUCCESSFULLY RE-HOMED.

This led me to thoughts around the processes of the NZTR required SR24 document upon retirement of all thoroughbreds. It seemed obvious that here was a meaningful way to collect data that could improve the welfare of thoroughbred horses substantially.

NZTR have a duty of care with equine welfare and there is also the so-called“social licence” aspect. A downer is activism towards the racing code. This makes the whole issue sensitive.

I have a good relationship with NZTR and initially asked their welfare people to write about the data collection from the SR24.

It transpires that there is an ongoing struggle to get Manager/Accountable Persons to fill in the form and thus the resultant incomplete data gets you nowhere. This situation reflects badly on Managers most of whom are Owners – and is surely untenable.

What if complete data was attained ?– Injury accidents could provide a “red flag” to lead to investigations and remedial measures be that Racetrack – Transportation – Training Facility – Paddock – Etc.

What if the cause of the loss of the horse was in the Breeding? – Oesophageal – Temperament – Fetlock – Ligament – Etc.

Let’s not rely on the anecdotal – but use real data to breed the problem out.

My suggested solution – Owners become recognised in NZTR Rules and Manager/ Accountable Persons become Licensees.

There were 2864 horses registered last season thus there were the same number of Manager APs.

Compliance is vital so I propose a “Bond” be paid at registration. It would be the only cost Owners are sure to get back providing Managers comply at the termination of Ownership, with the completion of the SR24.

My thought – I would propose a meaningful sum of say $600 per registration giving an Annual fund of around 1.7 million dollars. The interest on those monies to defray the

cost of managing the SR24 situation properly and refund bonds where compliance occurs. As most horses are active more than one season the interest would accrue.

To keep on top of the management I think all Manager/Accountable Persons should answer a simple annual return as to the status of the horse they are accountable for. Even a text message. We all have cell phones now.

In conclusion NZTR have this tool of the SA24 and it does not work. Poor compliance by Manager/Accountable persons renders it so.

A bond situation could be viewed as a “nil cost” insurance not an expense as it is returnable.

Lets get meaningful data that will in time assist our horses welfare and perhaps save us the heartache of loss of an early retirement.

NOTE – The above copy is submitted as a personal opinion. I would be interested in yours. Neil M

[racingoutsider 200]

Who or what exactly are Manager/Accountable Persons? I've never heard of them. Do you mean horses' official Racing Managers? They are already responsible for the SR24, are they not, otherwise the owner is? I'm struggling to understand what that has to do with the above synthetic track review but may be I'm missing something?

[Nerula 1,474]

Its the Manager of the horse as described in NZTR rules.

We need DATA of ALL horses retired. WTF is the point of spending all that money bringing people from Oz or KY just to deal with ontrack fatalities.

Pardon my shouting

[racingoutsider 200]

2 hours ago, Nerula said:

Its the Manager of the horse as described in NZTR rules.

We need DATA of ALL horses retired. WTF is the point of spending all that money bringing people from Oz or KY just to deal with ontrack fatalities.

Pardon my shouting

OK. Thanks. I get it now. There is already a rule requiring that though for the last decade and in my experience it is always done, often by trainers:

417 (1) (a) On the retirement of any registered horse from racing and/or breeding, the Owner or
Racing Manager of the Horse (as the case may be) at the time of retirement shall, within
one month of the date on which the horse was retired, notify NZTR of the retirement by
completing the prescribed form and forwarding it to NZTR. [Added 1 May 2015]

Are you saying that is not being complied with or adequately enforced?

 

[Pam Robson 1,781]

From my  perspective i would suggest that many just don't bother, don't care, can't see the point....you get my drift. 

[racingoutsider 200]

20 minutes ago, Pam Robson said:

From my  perspective i would suggest that many just don't bother, don't care, can't see the point....you get my drift. 

You may well be right but after 10 years you'd think they would have got reasonable compliance. This is from the September Welfare update so that might throw some light on the extent of the problem (if Nerula doesn't already know) and what they are doing about it.

Traceability

$11,042.57 was allocated to Traceability in the fourth quarter (YTD = $51,852.32).

This spend contributed to the Population Analysis project which will provide better reporting of data and therefore allow better planning.

Once the final figures for the 2023-24 season have been analysed, the Population Analysis project will release its findings. We have already identified that industry participants need to improve processes and need to be more diligent, completing SR24 retirement forms in a timely manner so the retired racehorse population data is more accurate.

 

[Nerula 1,474]

The compliance from Managers around retirement of horses is pathetic.

I tried hard to get a paper from NZTR to tell Owners how the Data was being assembled and could only ger a 'swerve.' 

I asked a sole owner of many horses over the years if she had filled in SR24s at their retirement. No she hadn't and nobody had been in touch with her about it.

So we dont learn how - why - when a career ending injury occurs. .

Nor can we breed a congenital problem out by dismissing a breeding partner out that is defective.

Its been done in livestock for many years.