Outcomes and racing performance in thoroughbreds following a long‐term injury sustained during a jump race in Great Britain

Abstract Background Limited literature is available about the career outcomes of horses sustaining a long‐term injury (LTI) in a jump race. Methods All Thoroughbreds that sustained an LTI, defined as any non‐fatal musculoskeletal injury requiring a minimum 90‐day break from racing, in a British jump race between May 2018 and April 2023 were followed up for at least 24 months and outcomes described. Pre‐injury racing performance was compared between horses that did and did not return to racing, and post‐injury racing performance was compared between horses that sustained tendon/ligament injuries and fractures. Results There were 793 LTIs recorded in 780 horses. Overall, 28.4% ( n = 793, 95% confidence interval: 25.3%–31.7%) returned to racing and started a median of five races (interquartile range IQR: 3–7) within 12 months. Horses that returned to racing were younger ( p < 0.001), earned more pre‐injury ( p < 0.01), had shorter careers ( p < 0.04) and more wins ( p < 0.03). Horses with tendon/ligament injuries were less likely to return to racing (18.9%, n = 107) and took longer to return (median 496 days, IQR: 304–670 days) than those with fractures (50.9%, n = 86, 275 days, IQR: 215–346 days). Limitations Injury classification commonly relied upn presumptive diagnoses. Conclusions Over 70% of racehorses failed to return to racing following LTI, highlighting the need to minimise injury risk.