The establishment of the Equine Injury Database in North America in 2008 represented a major paradigm shift in how equine welfare can be objectively documented and prioritised. The impact of this initiative over the last 16 years, since data collection began in 2009, has been substantial. Without it, the consequent analyses and identification of risk factors for different causes of fatal injury would not have been possible. In 2024 the risk of fatal injury in North American racing reduced by 45% - now down to 1.11/1000 starts compared to a high of 2.0/1000 starts in 2009 - equivalent to 200 fewer race-related horse fatalities each year (if the number of starts had remained the same).
Several risk factors which have directly resulted in regulatory change or greater awareness of their impact have undoubtedly contributed to that very substantial reduction in risk. Among them is the Void Claim Rule (VCR). The development and widespread adoption of VCRs with increasing scope can be directly linked to reductions in injury risk at racetracks at which they have been introduced.
Of the range of different VCRs in use over the duration of the EID the most recently introduced (HISA) rule is most effective at reducing fatal injury risk. Horses racing at tracks where the ‘HISA VCR’ is in place are at approximately 32% lower risk of fatal injury compared with horses racing where no VCR is in place.
The (potential) impact of other risk factors (and the regulations that followed), such as those related to trainer changes, previous injury occurrence and having been on the ‘vets’ list’ will also be described to present a ‘full circle’ review of how from early beginnings with data being collected by hand the EID is now perhaps the most important data-driven welfare initiative in North American racing.