Plusvital's Emmeline Hill makes breakthrough in 'speed gene' research

The link between the cause and effect of the so-called speed gene has been proved, according to research published by Professor Emmeline Hill in conjunction with scientists from Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin.

It's was Hill's Equinome that added a new dimension to the assessment of the likely ability of a thoroughbred in 2010 courtesy of the breakthrough discovery of the speed gene, claiming a horse's racing performance could be linked directly to its genetic make-up.

The test, with Equinome subsequently purchased by Plusvital in 2015, is available to be conducted for €295 and seeks to predict a horse's optimum race distance by categorising it as one of three genetic types.

Those suited to sprint exercise are classed as C:C, while those suited to a blend of speed and stamina are C:T. Horses likely to be suited exclusively to exercise requiring stamina are denoted as T:T.

Among the racing world's biggest advocates of the science is Jim Bolger, a co-founder of Equinome, with arguably the most famous example of its practical application coming in the wake of Dawn Approach's 2,000 Guineas success as pundits debated whether he would stay the 1m4f Derby trip.

Hugo Palmer also made a significant decision with the aid of the test, electing to bypass the 2016 Derby with Galileo Gold, after the Guineas winner's test categorised him as a C:C.

Now Hill, Plusvital’s chief science officer, has presented evidence of the effectiveness of the science, publishing in the journal PLOS ONE findings that show muscle growth in horses is controlled by the speed gene by its limiting of the production of the myostatin protein.

“This new research unambiguously demonstrates a direct link between cause and effect of the speed gene," said Hill. "We are committed to adding to the growing body of scientific evidence supporting the benefits that can be gained by the industry from genetic tests, which are being developed to maximise the opportunity for success for each horse.

“A simple DNA test can have a major impact on success by placing horses in the most suitable races according to their genetic profile, which cannot be accurately established from pedigree analysis. It removes the guesswork that is an ongoing conversation among trainers about their horses."

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