Researchers from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) have found that running on softer ground could decrease equine fatalities in jump racing. The RVC used racing risk models (RRMs) to analyze data from British jump race starts between 2010 and 2023, identifying factors that contribute to fatalities such as faller status, horse age, and ground conditions. The Equine Safety Group (ESG) in British racing is working to implement evidence-based recommendations to enhance the safety of the sport based on these findings.

The RVC’s research has led to recommendations for replacing birch hurdles with padded hurdles by October 2026 to reduce the risk of falls in jump racing. Enhanced pre-race veterinary inspections are also being introduced for horses at greater risk of injury or fatality. The project is a collaboration between the British Horseracing Authority, the Horse Welfare Board, and the RVC, with a focus on improving safety and reducing risk for racehorses based on scientifically rigorous evidence.

The RVC’s work with British racing aims to improve the understanding of negative outcomes in racehorses and prioritize the welfare of equine participants. The research is supported by funding from the Racing Foundation and emphasizes evidence-based decision-making to reduce risk and injury in the sport. The ESG is working to better understand how conditions within races influence fall risk and ground conditions to ultimately enhance the safety of jump racing.