Thoroughbred racing involves welfare challenges from musculoskeletal injury risk and exercise intensity. Evidence-based training and track management reduces fatalities and injuries.
Catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses cause acute severe suffering and necessitate euthanasia on track. The welfare priority is prevention through evidence-based training management, appropriate racing frequency and surface quality maintenance. Pre-race veterinary inspections reduce but cannot eliminate all preventable fatalities as many injuries are not detectable in advance. Mandatory rest intervals between races in multiple jurisdictions have demonstrated fatality rate reductions. Retirement planning and rehoming schemes address the welfare of horses leaving racing — the end of a racing career should not mean immediate welfare compromise.