It appears that the forelimbs are the most involved in racing injuries, usually below the carpus. It also appears that it is the suspensory apparatus that is most frequently injured. The studies revealed that older horses are at a higher risk for injury and that males are two times higher risk than females. Higher quality race horses have fewer injuries, although there is an Australian study that contradicts this observation. Racing surfaces also seem to be a factor in racing injuries.
Exercise intensity plays a role in injury as well.
One study revealed that horses with an excessive two-month exercise density cluster were at more than 15 times higher risk for sustaining a fatal injury. Another study revealed that the more furlongs worked at speed during a two month period the greater the risk of catastrophic injury. Pre-existing conditions put horses at risk for additional injury. Shoeing also can put a horse at risk. For example, shoes with toe grabs, especially the higher toe grabs, are more likely to be involved in catastrophic injury, while rim shoes are found to decrease the risk.