Advanced Equine Imaging System at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course

planned

Prospective

New York State and Cornell University have agreed to use advanced imaging equipment to explore ways to prevent injuries and deaths to thoroughbred horses after a 2023 spike in fatalities nationwide. The research will use new advanced imaging equipment and techniques and could lead to permanent placement of the system adjacent to Belmont Park in Elmont and Saratoga Race Course. The project aims to identify leg fractures in horses' fetlocks and serve as a preventive measure by imaging horses with and without lameness. The study will target early signs in horses' leg bones and blood to avoid fatal fractures in the fetlock joint. The Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists Hospital, located next to Belmont Park, will conduct the research and may also screen and study horses not enrolled in the project, charging only for actual costs of screenings and imaging. The project will also compare the sensitivity and specificity of commonly used technology nationwide to the new imaging equipment. The project was proposed by Governor Kathy Hochul and is estimated to cost $17 million, funded by a 1% surcharge on certain bets involving gambling companies outside New York State. The New York Racing Association has committed $2 million to the project.

Equine Health and Safety

United States of America (USA)

New York

Newsday

Project

Hospital, Education, Government