Thoroughbred Breeding & Racehorse Injury Risk: A Detailed Look

Question
Are Thoroughbred breeding practices a major cause of racehorse injuries (breakdowns on the track)?

Answer
Anne,

As in any type of animal, or any breed of horse, poor breeding practices can cause a predisposition to illness or injury.  Look at many small dog breeds that have an affinity for eye problems, or Shepherds who suffer in large part from hip displaysia.
Certain sire lines have long been believed to have a higher incidence of certain types of injury.  Whether or not this is actually true, I have no idea, as I believe that no definitive studies have been done.  But I would hardly call it a major cause of breakdown.  Poor training practices,  and less time off for minor injury, is probably a far greater factor in the incidence of breakdown than breeding is.

Stephanie Frost