biostudies-literatureUnknown58(1)Choi Y<h4>Background</h4>Superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendinopathy is one of the most common musculoskeletal diseases in Thoroughbreds and a major cause of retirement from racing among racehorses in South Korea. However, there are no previous epidemiological studies on SDF tendinopathy-related risk factors for racehorses in South Korea. The interventions derived from such a study could reduce the occurrence of SDF tendinopathy and, therefore, extend horses' racing careers.<h4>Objectives</h4>To identify the risk factors associated with SDF tendinopathy for Thoroughbreds in South Korea.<h4>Study design</h4>Retrospective case-control study (2015-2019).<h4>Methods</h4>A total of 101 Thoroughbreds that were diagnosed with SDF tendinopathy following a recorded fast-exercise (training gallop, trialEquine veterinary journal31-39https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12699112biostudies-literatureRisk factors for superficial digital flexor tendinopathy in Thoroughbred racehorses in South Korea (2015-2019).PMC12699112Choi YParkin TfalseRisk factors for superficial digital flexor tendinopathy in Thoroughbred racehorses in South Korea (2015-2019).<h4>Background</h4>Superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendinopathy is one of the most common musculoskeletal diseases in Thoroughbreds and a major cause of retirement from racing among racehorses in South Korea. However, there are no previous epidemiological studies on SDF tendinopathy-related risk factors for racehorses in South Korea. The interventions derived from such a study could reduce the occurrence of SDF tendinopathy and, therefore, extend horses' racing careers.<h4>Objectives</h4>To identify the risk factors associated with SDF tendinopathy for Thoroughbreds in South Korea.<h4>Study design</h4>Retrospective case-control study (2015-2019).<h4>Methods</h4>A total of 101 Thoroughbreds that were diagnosed with SDF tendinopathy following a recorded fast-exercise (training gallop, trial2026-01-01T00:00:00Z2026 Jan2026-06-06T01:57:36.312Z2026-05-24T03:12:24.787ZS-EPMC126991124010493510.1111/evj.14493