The welfare challenge of horse fatalities in racing and evidence-based track safety interventions that reduce injury rates.
Horse racing fatalities represent catastrophic individual welfare events within an industry that must take responsibility for the welfare risks inherent to the sport. Progress has been made through systematic safety reforms including improved track surfaces, pre-race screening, and medication regulation. The Santa Anita reforms demonstrate that comprehensive, evidence-based safety programs can substantially reduce fatality rates. However, the fundamental welfare question of whether thoroughbred racing can be justified given its intrinsic risks requires ongoing ethical scrutiny. Industry accountability through transparent public reporting of injury and fatality data, independent veterinary oversight, and funding of safety research provides the minimum responsible framework for racing to continue.