A groundbreaking study, Unravelling the Speed-Going Relationship, published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, has shed light on how turf conditions affect racehorse speed.
Researchers from the University of Central Lancashire and Nottingham Trent University teamed up with Simon Rowlands, racing analyst, and Mark Lucey, retired veterinarian and eventing surface specialist, to establish that cushioning, a measure of the ground’s ability to absorb force, strongly predicts racehorse performance.
Professor of Equine and Human Locomotion at the University of Central Lancashire Sarah Jane Hobbs said: “We have been working alongside an international team of researchers since London 2012 with the goal of advancing our capability to measure and improve equine surfaces.
"This study takes our work a step further in understanding the impact of turf going on racing performance."
— Professor of Equine and Human Locomotion Sarah Jane Hobbs
“This study takes our work a step further in understanding the impact of turf going on racing performance.”
Using a moisture meter and a testing device called the Vienna Surface Tester, the researchers measured ground and going variables including cushioning, firmness, depth and energy return.
Analysing data from 50 British race turf meetings, the study’s findings reveal that speeds tend to peak on firmer ground but plateau once a critical cushioning level (approximately two body weights of a racehorse or 10 kN) is reached. Beyond this point, firmer ground did not significantly enhance speed possibly due to horses managing limb forces as the ground becomes firmer. Softer ground, on the other hand, showed greater variability in race speeds, likely due to the challenges of navigating softer, less stable surfaces.
"We are already starting to extend the work to include other surfaces, for example football pitches."
— Dr Jaime Martin, a senior lecturer from the School of Animal Rural and Environmental Sciences at Nottingham Trent University
Dr Jaime Martin, a senior lecturer from the School of Animal Rural and Environmental Sciences at Nottingham Trent University, said: “Detailed assessment of sports surfaces using our equipment demonstrates a real benefit. We are already starting to extend the work to include other surfaces, for example football pitches.”
The analysis pointed to cushioning as the most reliable indicator of racecourse condition that predicts racehorse performance. Previous studies link firmer ground with faster speeds and a higher risk of injury. In response, the research suggests implementing cushioning measurements across racecourses to verify that going is within acceptable limits.
These measurements will help officials better assess racecourse condition and inform race-day decisions, with potential benefits for horse welfare and for those who participate in and bet upon the sport.
"To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time that quantitative analysis of properly contextualised race times has appeared in an academic paper as an independent means for validating the nature of the racing surface."
— Racing analyst Simon Rowlands
"To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time that quantitative analysis of properly contextualised race times has appeared in an academic paper as an independent means for validating the nature of the racing surface”, said racing analyst Simon Rowlands.
“It is a process many within horseracing are aware of, and professionals and bettors alike may welcome some of the additional detail that has been gone into herein."
The implications are significant for equestrian sports and horse welfare. Firmer ground has long been associated with an increased risk of catastrophic injuries whilst these current findings suggest that a cushioning level of approximately 10 kN might provide the opportunity for optimal speed without compromising safety. In contrast, softer ground is less able to support the horse’s body weight and maintaining speeds in these conditions require greater muscular effort, which may lead to fatigue over longer races. Demonstrating that cushioning strongly predicts performance, opens the door to creating uniform performance-based standards that can better inform racecourse management and help protect horses from injury.
"This [research] may help in reducing injuries and improving horse welfare by quantifying ground impact forces."
— Retired veterinarian and eventing surface specialist Mark Lucey
Retired veterinarian and eventing surface specialist Mark Lucey commented: "As an equine vet I am happy to contribute to a racehorse speed versus racecourse going study using a novel impact device to measure the going. This may help in reducing injuries and improving horse welfare by quantifying ground impact forces."
The researchers emphasised the importance of translating these findings into real-world practices and recommend further studies across various environmental regions globally to help establish an international standard for cushioning measurements and racecourse maintenance.
Alison Northrop, a Senior Lecturer from the School of Animal Rural and Environmental Sciences at Nottingham Trent University, added: “This study reinforces the value of objective ground measurements in equestrian sports. Aligning racecourse management with scientific evidence can greatly enhance both performance and safety.”
"Aligning racecourse management with scientific evidence can greatly enhance both performance and safety."
— Alison Northrop, a Senior Lecturer from the School of Animal Rural and Environmental Sciences at Nottingham Trent University
Supported by the University of Central Lancashire and the Racing Foundation and linked to a larger study commissioned by the Horse Welfare Board, this proof-of-concept study paves the way for data-driven approaches in horseracing, promising enhanced safety and performance standards that may redefine the sport’s relationship with ground conditions.
The full research report can be downloaded from the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.