In this edition of Science Corner, we put performance under the microscope and explore ways to improve or predict future racetrack performance, before and after injury. From anti-doping techniques and demystifying yearling radiographs to different trainer tools, we shine a light on recent developments in the science of sport.
Each month, we break down five recently published scientific studies that could affect the way we breed, train, and race Thoroughbreds. We explain what the research found and what it means for you.
You can click the title of each paper to read it in full.
1. Biomarker identification the next step in anti-doping efforts
What’s it about?
This study investigates the identification of transcriptomic biomarkers in equine blood that indicate the administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO), a substance used to treat anaemia in humans and purported to have performance-enhancing properties in horses.
Key findings:
RNA sequencing revealed specific changes in gene expression associated with rhEPO administration.
These biomarkers can potentially serve as indicators for detecting rhEPO doping in horses.
What it means for you:
Identifying these biomarkers provides a new and valuable tool to promote both integrity and welfare standards in the racing industry. By being able to detect the presence of rhEPO up to 11 days after it has been administered, it makes it possible to test for the substance’s presence at times other than routine pre- and post-race swabbing.
2. Location of sesamoid fracture affects post-operative chances of return to the races
What’s it about?
This retrospective study seeks to quantify the post-surgical outcomes of horses that have had sesamoid fractures.
Key findings:
Horses that receive surgical repairs to hind limb sesamoid fractures are more likely to return to the races than those with fore limb fractures.
Horses that receive surgical repairs to mid-body sesamoid fractures are far less likely (15.8%) to make a racetrack return than horses with sesamoidal fractures in other places (up to 60.5% rate of success).
Equine Sesamoid bone | Image courtesy of Streamz Global
What it means for you:
Sesamoid fracture repair surgery is a life-saving procedure, but being that only half of horses undergoing the procedure return to the races and a fracture’s location can significantly affect the likelihood of raceday return, this study helps set realistic expectations for owners and trainers. It also throws into light how important injury prevention is.
3. Applying the pyramid training model to thoroughbred racing
What’s it about?
The pyramid training model is already a proven methodology for training human athletes, so this review outlines and explores applying this same methodology to training racehorses.
Key findings:
The model emphasises a structured approach to training, gradually increasing intensity and complexity as the athlete progresses towards their chosen goal. The majority (70-80%) of training is low intensity, with less of the training volume allotted to moderate and high intensity training sessions.
The methodology’s aim is to optimise an athlete’s performance while reducing the risk of injury from overtraining.
Pyramidal training model | Image courtesy of Science Direct
What it means for you:
The pyramid training model sets out a training structure for increasing fitness and performance that already is fairly familiar to trainers. By laying it out in no uncertain terms, less experienced trainers can utilise the training model as a foundation for their training regimes.
4. Can a sensor on the rider detect a horse’s gait?
What’s it about?
This study assessed the placement of sensors on the rider, instead of the horse, and whether the sensors could accurately pick up what gait the horse was travelling at.
Key findings:
Sensors placed on four different rider body parts (knee, chest, back, and arm) could identify distinct horse gaits, using machine learning to analyse the findings, with up to 89.7% accuracy.
A specialised neural network model (ConvLSTM2D) proved the most accurate computerised model for assessing gait.
Sensor placement and orientation on riders both on and off the horse | Image courtesy of MDPI
What it means for you:
An accurate sensor worn by the rider offers an alternative, less invasive method for exercise tracking that may be beneficial for improving equine welfare during training. It has the potential to be another tool in a trainer’s toolbox for assessing horses in training.
5. What is the relationship between yearling radiograph lesions and racing performance?
What’s it about?
AgriFutures Australia’s Thoroughbred Horses division is currently undertaking research to assess on a deeper level what the effects of various lesions found on x-ray can have on future race track performance. While there is literature on the topic already, there’s still disagreement between studies on what is and isn’t relevant, and much of the current research has been conducted on very different populations.
Yearling knee radiographs | Image courtesy of Tamworth Equine Veterinary Centre
Key research points:
This research will look at a variety of different lesions in the foot, fetlock, knee, hock, and stifle, and will be consistently graded on severity, which can then be compared to performance.
The research will also aim to assess the actual amount of lesion occurrence by analysing radiographs from over 2500 Australian yearlings.
What it means for you:
The intention is to produce a volume of research specific to the Australian Thoroughbred industry that will give buyers and vendors alike a more accurate idea of what to expect when a yearling has a lesion on x-ray, and how common it actually is for a yearling to have that lesion.
