A Cross-Sectional Survey of the Training and Management of a Cohort of 2-Year-Old Standardbred Racehorses in New Zealand

Abstract

There are limited data on the training and management practices of Standardbred trainers in New Zealand. The aims of this study were to describe the 2-year-old training practices of Standardbred trainers and to examine if there were differences in the production process between public (commercial) and amateur (licensed-to-train) trainers. An online Qualtrics survey was conducted after the 2016/7 racing season and completed by 154 Standardbred trainers, 88 (57%) of which had 2-year-olds in training. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data stratified by public and licensed-to-train trainers. Most of the 2-year-old horses in work were homebred (bred by the trainer), with public trainers more likely to break in their horses themselves (85% vs. 64%, P = .04). The training pattern of 2-year-olds was similar for public trainers and licensed-to-train trainers, and was influenced by either convenience or the physical maturity of individual horses. Most trainers were reluctant to retire any 2-year-old. The prevalence of involuntary breaks for 2-year-olds was low (9.1%, 95% CI 6.6%–12.4%). Most trainers used 800 m (½ mile) oval, crusher dust (“all-weather”) or sand tracks, with most public trainers using tracks with banked corners (88% vs. 59%, P < .01) and recording the times of horse workouts (79% vs. 45%, P < .01). The cross-section of trainers surveyed reflected the nature of the Standardbred industry in New Zealand with a high bias toward amateur owner/breeder/trainers, with few horses in work than public trainers who had a more commercial focus.