Scientists Discover How ‘Speed Gene’ in Thoroughbred Racehorses Works

Researchers have discovered the inner workings of a known “speed gene” in Thoroughbred racehorses, which directly affects skeletal muscle growth and, in turn, race distance aptitude.
Share
Favorite
Please login to bookmarkClose
Please login

No account yet? Register

ADVERTISEMENT

speed gene in Thoroughbred racehorses
Researchers have discovered the inner workings of a known speed gene in Thoroughbred racehorses which directly affects skeletal muscle growth and, in turn, race distance aptitude. | Photo: iStock

Researchers have pinpointed the genetic basis that explains why some Thoroughbreds are better equipped to race over sprint distances and others over longer distances. The scientists from Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin (UCD), both in Ireland, have discovered the inner workings of a known “speed gene” in Thoroughbred racehorses, which directly affects skeletal muscle growth and, in turn, race distance aptitude.

Thoroughbred horses are finely-tuned athletes with a high aerobic capacity relative to their skeletal muscle mass, which can be attributed to centuries of genetic selection for speed and stamina. Nongenetic factors, such as training schedule variations, can also influence how racehorse distance aptitudes and preferences develop. However, prior work by UCD professor Emmeline Hill, PhD, had demonstrated that different versions (polymorphisms) of the myostatin gene, a pronounced inhibitor of skeletal muscle growth, almost singularly account for gene-based race distance aptitude in racehorses.

This prior discovery earned the myostatin gene the speed gene moniker. Horses with CC copies tend to develop into sprinters, those with CT copies generally develop into middle-distance performers, and those with TT copies are typically best equipped for long distances

Create a free account with TheHorse.com to view this content.

TheHorse.com is home to thousands of free articles about horse health care. In order to access some of our exclusive free content, you must be signed into TheHorse.com.

Start your free account today!

Already have an account?
and continue reading.

Share

Related Articles

Stay on top of the most recent Horse Health news with

FREE weekly newsletters from TheHorse.com

Sponsored Content

Weekly Poll

sponsored by:

Does your horse get turned out with a herd?
215 votes · 215 answers

Readers’ Most Popular

Sign In

Don’t have an account? Register for a FREE account here.

Need to update your account?

You need to be logged in to fill out this form

Create a free account with TheHorse.com!