Prevention is better than cure, and no more so when it comes to racehorse injuries, which can easily end a champion’s career.

Despite apparent advances in stem cell techniques to repair damaged tendons in horses, trainers and owners say they would like more help preventing costly injuries in the first place and this is where researchers should focus their attention, according to a study recently published in the Equine Veterinary Journal.

The view emerged from a 2012 meeting organized by researchers at the University of Glasgow, in Scotland, to discuss research into superficial digital flexor tendon injuries, also known as bowed tendons. These affect up to 30% of Thoroughbred racehorses and are both exercise- and age-related.

Tendon injuries are slow-healing and can easily recur, effectively ending the racing career of many horses