Speed Gene Is Main Determinant of Optimum Race Distance: Study

[Wandering Eyes]

A new study of the race records and genetics of over 3,000 racehorses published this week in the Equine Veterinary Journal says the myostatin gene-or ‘speed gene’-is the almost singular genetic determinant of a horse’s optimum race distance.

The research was led by UCD Associate Professor of Equine Science, Emmeline Hill, who is also chief science officer at leading Irish equine science company Plusvital, and included racehorses from Europe, Australia, South Africa and the U.S. The study found that in Europe, more than 83% of speed gene type C:C (sprint) horses had an optimum race distance of a mile or shorter, and more than 89% of T:T (staying) horses ran best over distances greater than a mile.

“We have replicated and validated our original research findings on a massively larger scale,” Hill said. “The power in the numbers has shown that the association of the ‘speed gene’ with race distance is as statistically strong as the most highly genetically influenced traits in humans, including eye colour and the probability of an individual going bald.”

Hill said the research also indicates that stayers face a serious threat of extinction.

“Since there is just one gene that is a major player in the sprinting versus staying stakes, it is extremely vulnerable to selection pressures. This has been recognised by the concern in the industry over the potential reduction in genetic diversity by favouring precocious, commercially attractive horses. This concern is well justified, with the staying type facing a serious threat of extinction in the global population. T:T (staying) types make up less than 17% of elite race winners in Britain and Ireland and less than 7% of the Australian elite winning population. This is a complete reversal from the picture of genetics of the Thoroughbred 150 years ago.”

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