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Genetics of Thoroughbred Racehorse Performance
Ernest Bailey1, Jessica L Petersen2, Theodore S Kalbfleisch1
1MH Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA; email: ebailey@uky.edu, ted.kalbfleisch@uky.edu.
Annual Review of Animal Biosciences
|November 15, 2021
Summary
Genetic variation for Thoroughbred racing performance persists despite 400 years of selection. New genomic tools reveal diverse genetic strategies contributing to athletic success in racehorses.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics
- Equine Science
- Sports Science
Background:
- Thoroughbred horses have been selectively bred for racing for over 400 years.
- Despite extensive selection, significant improvements in race times have plateaued in the last 60 years.
- This raises questions about the existence of genetic variation for racing performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of genetic variation for racing performance in Thoroughbreds.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of traditional performance metrics versus genomic data.
- To understand the genetic underpinnings of athletic success in racehorses.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of traditional phenotypes (race time, earnings, handicapping).
- Utilizing advanced genomic tools to identify DNA variants.
- Correlating genetic variants with racing success and performance traits.
Main Results:
- Traditional phenotypes indicate heritable variation but are imperfect measures of success.
- Genomic analysis is identifying DNA variants associated with racing success.
- Myostatin variants show strong associations with optimal racing distance, while other genomic regions have weaker associations.
Conclusions:
- Diverse genetic strategies contribute to successful racehorses.
- Genetic variation influencing athleticism remains crucial for racing performance.
- Genomic approaches offer a more nuanced understanding of racing success compared to traditional metrics.
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