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Curious about genetics? Take part in our reader Q&A with Professor Emmeline Hill

Here's your chance to pick the brain of the eminent equine geneticist

Professor Emmeline Hill: co-founder of Equinome, which launched the Speed Gene Test
Professor Emmeline Hill: co-founder of Equinome, which launched the Speed Gene TestCredit: Peter Houlihan/Fennell Photography

Do you have a question about thoroughbred genetics?

Here's your chance to put a question to eminent equine geneticist Professor Emmeline Hill.

Professor Hill is a professor in equine science at University College Dublin. She was a co-founder of Equinome, which in 2010 launched the Speed Gene Test. The test examines changes in the DNA within the 'myostatin' gene, which is responsible for muscle development and muscle fibre type.

The Speed Gene test then categorises horses into three distinctive types: C:C are sprint/mile types; C:T are middle-distance types; and T:T are staying types. Famously, the decision not to run 2,000 Guineas winner Galileo Gold in the Derby was informed by the horse's DNA sample being returned with a C:C genotype result.

Professor Hill now leads the Plusvital research and development team, which has developed a broad range of genetic tests offered to clients that include the Elite Performance Test, which predicts the chance of elite success on the track or at stud, and the Raced/Unraced Test, which identifies individuals with the greatest potential to have a racecourse start as a two or three-year-old.

The full range of tests offered by Plusvital can be viewed here.

Professor Hill has been at the forefront of thoroughbred performance genomics during the last decade and has published more scientific papers on equine exercise genomics than any other researcher worldwide. Her most recent published research has shown a significant increase in inbreeding in the population.

To submit your question about anything to do with equine genetics, her pathway into this career or the Plusvital tests, please email bloodstocknews@racingpost.com or comment on our Twitter or Facebook channels by midnight on Sunday, March 29.

Professor Hill's answers will be published here next week.

Please note, Professor Hill cannot answer questions about individual clients or horses.


Read more about Professor Hill's work

From incredulity to acceptance: ten years on from the discovery of the speed gene

Martin StevensBloodstock journalist

Published on 27 March 2020inNews

Last updated 15:23, 27 March 2020

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