Governor Kathy Hochul has spearheaded a $20 million initiative, including $18 million from New York State and $2 million from the New York Racing Association (NYRA), to fund a three-year study at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine aimed at improving detection and prevention of fatal musculoskeletal injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses. Utilizing advanced imaging technologies such as standing CT and PET scans at the Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists hospital near Belmont Park, the study will refine risk assessments, enhance understanding of the fetlock joint, and develop protocols to reduce injuries. This research builds on prior international work and leverages Cornell’s expertise alongside the modernization of Belmont Park, consolidating racing operations to provide an ideal setting for the study.

The project seeks to identify early bone pathology and pre-fracture conditions often missed by conventional diagnostic methods, improving early detection and safety for racehorses. It will compare the sensitivity of CT, PET, MRI, and radiographs, characterize biomarkers, and refine risk factor indices based on epidemiological and clinical data. The findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences, reflecting a collaborative effort to enhance equine health, protect horses and jockeys, and sustain New York’s historic Thoroughbred racing industry. Key stakeholders, including state officials and NYRA leadership, emphasize the study’s importance in advancing humane practices and industry safety standards.