A horse race is a sporting event in which two or more horses compete over a given distance. It is one of the oldest sports and has a relatively simple structure, with the winning horse determined by the first to cross the finish line.
Historically, races have taken many forms in different parts of the world. In the 17th and 18th centuries, they were usually matches between two or more horses, with a wager between the owners of each. They were run over a range of distances from two to four miles (3.2-6.4 km), and they often continued until a horse won twice or “distanced” the opponent.
In the modern era, races have evolved into major-stakes events, which typically involve large purses. The stakes are typically set before the race and paid to the winner, who is generally the owner of the winning horse.
There are several factors that influence a horse’s performance in a race, including its age and health, the speed of the track, the jockey’s skill, and the weight it carries. Moreover, the position of a horse in relation to the inside barrier and its gender can have an impact on a horse’s performance as well.
While athletic phenotypes are largely determined by environment and training, genetic variants at loci that influence exercise are present in elite-racing Thoroughbreds5,6,7. However, to date, the specific genes underlying these traits have not been identified.
MSTN Variation
Variation in the MSTN gene, located on chromosome 6, is associated with fitness-related traits and is known to be influenced by environmental and management variables. It has also been found to be polygenic and influences a variety of anatomical and metabolic adaptations that enable elite-racing performance.
The MSTN gene is a common marker for Thoroughbreds, and it has been shown to be correlated with early skeletal muscle development and the aptitude for racing at short distances. It is also the most frequent gene associated with a horse’s ability to perform at a high level of exercise in different environments, and its distribution varies over time.
As racing in the United States began to develop after the Civil War, it became a lucrative business. In 1863 John C. Morrissey, a former boxing champion and professional gambler, built Saratoga Race Course near New York City. This racecourse eventually produced the American classics: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes.
These three races form the American Triple Crown series, a group of prestigious races that have since become international events. A winner of all three races at their various distances would be considered the best of the best in America and the world.
As the sport grew in popularity, it was regulated by various laws and organizations, such as the Jockey Club in England and the California Racing Commission in the US. These laws and rules were often based on gambling and the need to keep the sport fair to owners and bettors, rather than on the welfare of racehorses. These laws and the resulting penalties made it difficult for trainers to cheat.