Veterinary session

Precautionary screenings have been conducted in the Kincsem Park since 2021 focusing on flat racing thoroughbreds by the equine veterinary surgeons of University of Veterinary Medicine of Budapest. These screenings consisted of visual inspections of the standing, walking and trotting horse before each race day. In this study 737 horses were entered to races 5204 times, from which 4635 horse starts of 716 horses were completed successfully in 2.5 seasons (2021, 2022 and the first part of 2023, including the 101st Hungarian Derby). According to the lameness grade 2 groups were made: recommended for re-inspection and sound. 238 (33,2%) horses were at least once re-inspected. The results of the screenings have been shared with the track veterinarian who could grant the racing license based on the sent data and the state of the horse at the re-inspection. 15,7% of re-inspected and 2% of the sound groups were non-runners. Throughout the 2.5 seasons 22 horses became lame during races therefore the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries was 4.7/1000 horse starts. 5 horses were euthanized so the incidence of fatal musculoskeletal injuries was 1.1/1000 horse starts. 13.6% of injured and 60% of euthanized horses were in the Re-inspection group.