The 3 key risks to racehorse breeds — and how to improve their well-being

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Racehorses are some of the most majestic and valuable animals in the world. Their speed and strength make them stars of the racetrack, but their health is often at risk. Owners, trainers and veterinarians all agree that the health of their horses comes first. Below, we highlight the three main health risks to racehorse breeds and explore how different countries and farms are tackling them.



1. Respiratory Problems – The Hidden Enemy

Racehorses often suffer from respiratory diseases such as inflammatory airway disease (IAD) and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). These conditions reduce oxygen delivery, reducing performance and putting horses at serious risk.

Where it occurs most often: High-performance racing centers in the US (Kentucky) and the UK (Newmarket).

Farm example: Coolmore Stables (Ireland) invests heavily in ventilation systems and outdoor training fields.

Treatment: Nebulizers, anti-inflammatory drugs and better stable design.

Cost: Regular respiratory treatment can cost between $500 and $1,200 per horse per season.

2. Joint and Bone Injuries – The Price of Speed

Fast training on hard tracks can lead to arthritis, tendon injuries and fractures. These are the most common reasons for early retirement in young racehorses.

Hotspots: Australia’s Flemington Racecourse and Dubai Racecourse Club report high rates of cases due to climate and track conditions.

Veterinary care: Stem cell therapy and hydrotherapy pools are used at farms such as Godolphin Stables (UAE).

Cost: Advanced treatments can range from $2,000 to $15,000 depending on the severity.

3. Digestive problems – quiet but dangerous

High-grain diets and stress often lead to stomach ulcers in racehorses. Studies show that over 80% of active racehorses suffer from ulcers.

Regions: North America and Europe report the highest rates.

Example: Ashford Stables in Kentucky uses nutritional supplements and stress relievers to prevent ulcers.

Treatment: Proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole, which cost around $30-$50 per day.

Expert opinion and future prospects

Veterinarian Dr. Sarah Johnson (UK) believes:

  “Improving horse welfare is not just about treating disease, but also about preventing it through better nutrition, training conditions and early diagnosis.”

Trainers in Australia and France are now combining traditional methods with AI-based monitoring, ensuring early detection of health risks.

Conclusion: Health First

From the rolling hills of Coolmore, Ireland, to the desert tracks of Dubai, one message is clear: a racehorse’s health is worth more than any trophy. Investing in modern care, proper nutrition, and preventative medicine not only saves money, but also protects the well-being of these incredible animals.

👉 What do you think: Should horse racing invest more in AI-powered health monitoring or traditional veterinary care? Share your thoughts!

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