HISA released its 2025 Second Quarter Metrics Report Monday, revealing a slight increase in racing-related fatalities compared to the same period last year. The report provides comprehensive analysis of key performance indicators related to Thoroughbred racing safety and integrity across the United States.
Racetracks operating under HISA’s rules reported 1.24 racing-related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts between April 1 and June 30, up from 0.76 fatalities per 1,000 starts during the same period in 2024.
For broader context, the nationwide racing-related fatality rate was 1.06 per 1,000 starts for the first half of 2025 and 1.02 per 1,000 starts for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2025.
Of the racing-related fatalities recorded this quarter, 85% were attributed to musculoskeletal causes, 13% to sudden death, and 2% to other causes.
HISA has identified several factors potentially contributing to this increase in fatalities. Data from the organization’s digital decision-support tool, HISA CHECKv, showed an increase in risk factors among affected horses, including long layoffs before returning to racing, history of Shock Wave Therapy, repeated unsoundness, joint treatments, and prior injuries.
The organization also noted a rise in fetlock-related fatalities. These injuries, typically resulting from accumulated microdamage, accounted for over 75% of musculoskeletal racing-related fatalities in Q2 2025, up from approximately two-thirds in 2024.
Researchers on HISA’s Exercise Associated Sudden Death Working Group discovered some racehorses had atrial fibrillation at rest and during exercise, leading to fatal heart arrhythmias. This finding suggests early detection through routine heart screenings could help prevent sudden deaths and improve safety outcomes.
While this quarter shows an increase from the same period last year, the rate represents a 16% decrease from the 1.48 fatalities per 1,000 starts recorded in Q2 2023—HISA’s first year of data collection.
“Progress isn’t always linear and it doesn’t happen passively–it takes discipline, a commitment to transparency and a shared daily focus on doing what’s right for our horses and our sport,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “Now is the time for every stakeholder to step up. Safety is a non-negotiable priority. The future of Thoroughbred racing depends on our collective will to embrace change and to adapt to improved standards across the industry.”
HISA Director of Racetrack Safety Ann McGovern added, “Our team continues to work closely with stakeholders to strengthen track safety. Through the creation of our Racing Office Advisory Group and Medical Advisory Committee, we’ve opened new lines of communication with horsemen and medical professionals to better protect both racehorses and jockeys.”
At the track level, nine facilities improved their year-over-year racing-related fatality rates in the second quarter. Four tracks recorded a 100% decline year over year—including Turf Paradise in Arizona, which collaborated with HISA over several months to implement practices designed to reduce equine fatalities.
During Q2 2025, racetracks reported 0.52 training-related fatalities per 1,000 workouts. Of these, 80% were attributed to musculoskeletal causes, 16% to sudden death, and 4% to other causes.
In total, 28,707 unique Covered Horses recorded either a published workout or a start in a Covered Race during the first half of the year. Combining racing and training fatalities, the fatality rate for the Covered Horse population stands at 0.36%.
The complete 2025 Second Quarter Metrics Report is available on the HISA website. The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit will publish a separate quarterly report detailing metrics from the Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program.
