Raw data - Associations for yearling laryngeal function and race performance

AbstractBackground: The relationship between Thoroughbred yearling laryngeal function (YLF) grade and race performance is unclear.Objectives: To determine the effect of YLF on future race performance.Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.Methods: Post‐sale endoscopic recordings were reviewed from Australian yearling sales in 2018–2019. Race performance was evaluated for career and as 2‐, 3‐ and ≥4‐year‐olds. Multivariable generalised linear modelling examined the association between YLF and performance, with risk estimates presented as coefficients (95% CI).Results: The YLF in 5175 examinations was graded I in 29.8% (n = 1542); II.1 in 49.0% (n = 2537), II.2 in 16.5% (n = 855), III.1 in 3.9% (n = 200), III.2 in 0.8% (n = 39) and III.3 in Main Limitations: Lack of follow‐up data due to retrospective nature of study. Exclusion of unraced horses and those with no prize money from analysis.Conclusions: Ninety‐five percent of the yearling population had grades I, II.1 or II.2 YLF and minimal difference in race performance was identified between them. Horses with grade III.1 YLF performed similarly to grades I/II.1 in their early careers but had reduced race performance at ≥4‐year‐old.