Catastrophic racehorse injuries are a major cause of equine mortality and financial loss in the racing industry, not to mention a serious public relations challenge.

But a newly funded study at the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center may help researchers better understand the origins of musculoskeletal injuries, the primary cause of breakdowns on the track.

The Virginia Horse Industry board has approved the first year of a three-year proposal from Drs. Nathaniel White, the Theodora Ayer Randolph Professor of Equine Surgery, and EMC Center Director G. Frederick Fregin, to investigate racing and training injuries at Colonial Downs in New Kent County.

Musculoskeletal injuries- including injuries to bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments, muscles, and the hoof, are a major cause of decreased horse use in the racing industry, according to White