OUTCOMES for racehorses who suffer lower-limb fractures on the track are expected to improve significantly following the introduction of racehorse limb support kits by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board [IHRB] and Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK.

The kits, which are now available across Ireland, comprise compression boots and splints, and they are suitable for all racehorses.

The kit provides external support to the type of injury which may occur during racing, specifically in the lower limb. The use of a compression boot or splint during the immediate care of an injured horse enables the horse to be better transported, as comfortably and safely as possible, to an equine hospital for further assessment and treatment. By minimising further disruption to the bone and critical soft tissue structures in the leg, the kit helps ensure the best possible outcome for the injured horse and gives the best chance of future rehabilitation.

The introduction of the kits is the result of a collaboration between the Irish Equine Veterinary Association [IEVA] and the IHRB, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim and supported by the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association. The kits were developed by vets for use by vets and are supported by practitioners and experts from the Association of Irish Racecourse Veterinary Surgeons and the IEVA. These organisations will be working with the IHRB to support veterinary teams across all Irish tracks to use the boot and splints effectively.

Dr Lynn Hillyer, IHRB chief veterinary officer, commented: “Ensuring the highest standards of care, safety and welfare for all participants within Irish racing – human and horses – is a priority for the IHRB. These innovative racehorse limb support kits are state of the art pieces of equipment.

Expert

“By making these kits available to the dedicated teams of expert equine veterinary colleagues on duty at every race meeting across Ireland, horses will benefit, in terms of significantly minimising discomfort and stress on the horse, their recovery from injury and their longer-term future, be that a return to racing or to another career. I would like to thank Boehringer Ingelheim as a driving force behind these kits and their support on introducing them to Irish racing.”

Dr Claire Hawkes of the IEVA added: “The availability of the limb support system to veterinarians on-site at Irish racecourses is a positive step for racehorse welfare. Where stabilisation is appropriate, the kit provides the tools necessary to rapidly stabilise a fracture, allowing for improved comfort, load bearing, reduced anxiety and, importantly, the opportunity for the horse to be fully assessed for treatment.”

Dr Marc Laemmer of Boehringer Ingelheim said: “We are delighted to be able to sponsor these limb support kits and work with the IHRB to enhance the safety and welfare of all equine participants. We believe the kits will make a significant difference to equine participants and the sport.”