Hoof conformation and performance in the racing Thoroughbred in Macau

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate associations between race performance and hoof-ground angle (HG), pastern-hoof angle (PH) and mediolateral hoof angle (ML) of the left forelimb.

Methods: A total of 1570 starts were recorded from 636 horses, and meetings were equally divided between sand and turf tracks. HG, PH and ML were measured on each starter in a race, over a 3-month period, using a Finnegan hoof gauge (Tallahesse Asia Holdings Ltd, Hong Kong) and digital photographic images. Race performance was recorded as win or place (1st-3rd).

Results: There was no association between the probability of winning or placing and gauge HG, photographic HG or photographic ML. There was a significant negative association between PH and the probability of winning on the turf track. On the turf surface, the odds ratio of winning for each 1° decrease in PH was 1.06 (95% confidence interval 1.01-1. 12). There was no association between the probability of winning or placing on the sand track and PH.

Conclusions and clinical relevance: Direct measures of hoof conformation (HG and ML) were not related to racehorse performance in Macau. Lower PH was associated with better performance on a turf track. Further investigation into factors affecting PH and why it is related to performance are warranted. This study demonstrated that PH was associated with performance on a turf track. This information may be useful in the management and selection of Thoroughbred racehorses.