Oral Presentation 24th International Conference of Racing Analysts and Veterinarians 2026

Incidence of injury and risk factors for Gracilis muscle injury on Australasian greyhound racing tracks (2017 to 2024) (128139)

Sarah M Rosanowski 1 , Judith Medd 2 3 , Tony Kuipers 4 , Tim Parkin 5 , Steve Clarke 6 , Steven Karamatic 7
  1. Independent, Palmerston North, MANAWATU-WANGANUI, New Zealand
  2. Veterinary Services, Racing and Wagering Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
  3. Head of Veterinary Services, Racing and Wagering Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
  4. Chief Veterinary Officer, Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission, Bathurst, NSW, Australia
  5. Professor of Veterinary Epidemiology, Bristol Verinary School, Bristol University, Bristol, UK
  6. National project manager, Greyhounds Australasia, Springvale, VIC, Australia
  7. Chief Veterinarian, Greyhound Racing Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Gracilis muscle injury (GMI) is an important health and welfare concern for racing greyhounds. Evidence-based identification of race-day risk factors specific to GMI, including greyhound signalment, racing history, track and race characteristics, is central to developing targeted strategies that reduce harm and enhance welfare. Since 2016, standardized data collection across Australasia has enabled analyses of GMI across all racing jurisdictions.

This retrospective cohort study included all greyhound racing starts between 2017 and 31 March 2024. GMI was identified as any greyhound assessed by race-day veterinarians as having a GMI or suspected GMI following a race and where the greyhound did not return to racing within 21 days of injury. Multivariable logistic regression modelling was conducted to investigate variables associated with GMI.

There were 2,619,118 race starts over an 8-year period across Australia and New Zealand. The incidence of GMI was 2.56 per 1,000 starts (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.50-2.62). There were 19 statistically significant risk factors for GMI, linked to greyhound signalment, racing history, and trainer performance. As age (in months) increased, the odds of GMI increased. Greyhounds racing in maiden races were at 1.13 (95% CI 1.03-1.25) times the risk of GMI compared to those in Grade 5 races. Good performance, as indicated by first three placing in the previous start was protective against GMI, as was starting within the previous 14 days. The risk of GMI varied by the year, the track and by the state or country where the race was held.

This research establishes a foundation for advancing animal welfare outcomes through proactive, informed regulation. Adoption of these strategies offers the potential to reduce injury rates, enhance clinical oversight, and uphold the integrity of the sport. The findings from this study will empower regulators to implement informed interventions and educate stakeholders to assure greyhound welfare.