A cross-industry panel examined ways to improve thoroughbred wellbeing from birth through retirement during an event at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile racecourse on 15 May. Speakers highlighted staff education, positive role models and reliable research as central to the effort. The discussion brought together researchers, trainers and educators focused on practices across racing careers and beyond.
Andrew Braithwaite, chief executive of the British Racing School, described how mentoring and environment shape what people view as normal. He pointed to recent yard upgrades that added friendship grilles and dual-aspect windows to support horse contact and light. Braithwaite stressed that kindness toward horses must remain central throughout trainees’ careers.
