DR Lynn Hillyer, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board’s chief veterinary officer, recently attended the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) Global Summit on Equine Safety and Technology in Toronto, Canada.

The event, hosted at Woodbine Racetrack, was attended by approximately 90 world-leading research scientists, clinicians, veterinarians and racing regulators from at least 13 countries.

Leading scientists, veterinarians and regulators participated in dedicated workshops throughout the three-day event to investigate critical issues relating to, and recent technological advances in, fracture prevention and exercise associated sudden death (EASD).

Dr Hillyer commented: “The IHRB maintains a relentless focus on the safety of our participants and is committed to engaging and supporting in relevant research and findings to support evidence based policies and decisions in support of that.

“This summit was a unique gathering that brought together regulators and some of the best researchers in the world to present, discuss and plan science-based approaches to tackle two of the biggest challenges we face to equine safety and welfare - fracture and sudden death.

“Working together with Horse Racing Ireland, our veterinary team at the IHRB looks forward to contributing to this important global effort amongst racing authorities. Our Equine Injury in Irish Racing Risk Reduction Project will play a significant role in that.”

The outcomes from the summit will be analysed by the IFHA Executive Council, with a view towards developing recommendations for the IFHA members, including Ireland, on addressing the risk of fractures and EASD in racing.