Hidden Injuries: The Challenges of Preventing Fatalities in Horse Racing

There is no easy or reliable method to identify microscopic injuries in race horses that can lead to catastrophic breakdowns while racing. In an attempt to prevent as many fatalities as possible, at Golden Gate Fields in Albany, California, veterinarians inspect horses before and after every race. But despite best efforts, some horses that pass the medical examination and show no external signs of injury or lameness will still suffer fatal injuries. The best that participants in the racing industry can do is ensure that horses have as high a quality of life as possible before, during and after their racing career.