Past and Future Vision of Veterinary Research

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) Veterinary Departments have enabled an environment suitable to set an international benchmark on a project concept to enhance the welfare of racehorses, based on research using extensive and detailed data collection within an integrated framework.Retrospective analysis of data collected over the past several years has been made available. The approach outlined in this book has two broad objectives. The first is to investigate outcomes of interest using data which has already been collected. Outcomes of interest are likely to include (though not be limited to), variables that influence injury, retirement or performance. The second broad objective is to extend the approach to a more general assessment of the usefulness of different data types and different variables, and the assessment of data collection, collation, analysis and reporting methodology, as well as the development of intervention strategy.This book concludes with a philosophical view point on the veterinary management of thoroughbred racing injuries in which a “think-out-of-the-box” concept in assessing the risk of racehorse injuries is discussed. One outcome of this is an integrated technology approach for tracking horse performance, recently developed by Cambridge Design UK.The integrated technology (flight deck recorder concept) for monitoring trackwork and race performance of racehorses can allow a standardised review of detailed training data and biometric readings from direct measurements of individual horse, to assess the progress of performance and the effect of track conditions. The development of integrated performance tracking technology is mission critical for the worldwide racing industry to optimize horse welfare, safety and racing performance, as well as to enhance the integrity of racing.