• Download report PDF

  Download

Concerns regarding the current thoroughbred yearling sales endoscopy process has led to a lack of confidence in the system, with stakeholders questioning whether it is fit for purpose. This study aimed to understand those concerns, identify areas for improvement, and clarify the association between yearling laryngeal function and future race performance.

Stakeholders’ main concerns about the system were identified as being the lack of clarity regarding the relationship between yearling laryngeal function and future performance; variability in the laryngeal function grade assigned by different veterinarians; and variability in the laryngeal function grade of an individual horse when examined at different times or under different conditions.

By using a more granular approach to grading laryngeal function, the research team was able to categorise horses with ‘intermediate’ laryngeal function into two distinct groups, each with different future performance outcomes. For most horses passing through the Australian yearling sales, laryngeal function did not impact future race performance. However, a subset of horses that performed poorer in their later careers was identified. Going forward, veterinarians are encouraged to adopt a universal approach to grading laryngeal function using this system.

Implementation of the recommended changes is anticipated to result in greater confidence in the sales endoscopy process and more sales of yearlings previously identified as having ‘intermediate’ laryngeal function. Furthermore, training veterinarians to objectively interpret laryngeal function should reduce the variability of their assessments.