Research question - physical differences of a good vs bad racehorse

[SusannahCentreScreen]

Hello!

I wonder if anyone can help me with some research I am currently doing at work?

I would like to know the physical differences of a good racehorse and a bad racehorse - what physicality can make for a winning racehorse? Are there subtle differences between a racehorse and a riding horse or is it hard to tell?

I am also looking for some graphic images or photographs to outline the differences.

Please let me know if this is something you can answer / help with!

Many Thanks,
Susannah

 

[jinnyj]

Its the million dollar question! And its a hard one to answer straight off. Actually though your question comes at a very apt time with Europe's premier yearling sales being on in Newmarket.
http://www.tattersalls.com/4DCGI/Sale/Live
This is where the crème de la crème of young racehorses pass from breeder (or producer in some cases) to trainer & owner prior to be being prepared for their career as equine athletes. The case for buying an individual comes down to pretty much 2 things - who they are related to and what they look like.

The genetic side isn't really what you are looking for so we need to take a glance at their appearance. Each trainer/owner/bloodstock agent invariably has their "type" (likewise with the pedigree side of things, they can tend to favour particular families they know or like). But what it all boils down to is "will the horse be an athlete?" At yearling sales, you only get the chance to see the horse walk up and down - not trotting and definitely no cantering/galloping. Which you may think is odd when you consider that last years highest price for a yearling was 5million! But the gallop is a 4-time movement - as is the walk and if a horse has a lovely swinging athletic walk, it should be able to gallop in a similar fashion.

I have found these books which may be helpful (both are American but still relevant I think)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Breeding-So...61998&sr=1-10&keywords=racehorse+conformation

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Equine-Leve...862237&sr=1-1&keywords=racehorse+conformation

However what it can come down to is the horse's attitude to overcome adversity. There was a well known filly a few years ago called Attraction (some forum members know this horse more personally than others!) who was rejected due to the fact she had an appallingly crooked set of front legs. However the trainer who did end up training her, was rewarded by her becoming one of the best race fillies of her year. But this was an exception. When you have exaggerated conformation defects such as hers, there is a higher risk of injury - most especially with bone chips occurring, which then can require surgery.

Ideally the most beautiful horse will be the most athletic and he will transmit this beautiful movement to the racetrack and become a sensational racehorse. BUT he may not have an engine to match those looks. He may end up the prettiest pony out there and the slowest. Likewise with pedigrees, you would think that by breeding a Derby winner to an Oaks winner, you would get a champion. Often not although I do appreciate it has happened this year with Australia (the horse not the country).

There is no exact science with either breeding or conformation which is the great thing about racing. To see the horse who cost £500 beat the one who cost £100,000 is rather satisfying!