US Jockey Club engages Plusvital to consult on inbreeding trends

Irish equine science company Plusvital has been engaged by the US Jockey Club on an ongoing consultancy basis.

Plusvital is providing expert genomics advice and services to the Jockey Club as it examines breeding trends in the thoroughbred.

The company's research team, led by chief science officer Professor Emmeline Hill, has extensive experience in thoroughbred genomics research including investigating inbreeding.

Professor Hill is a leading figure in the international equine genomics research community, having first discovered the 'speed gene' in thoroughbreds in 2009, and leads a research group at University College Dublin.

Hill said: “We're delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Jockey Club. We welcome their proactive approach to addressing this critical issue. We believe that genomics should be at the core of measuring the extent of inbreeding in the thoroughbred as it has the potential to provide solutions beyond pedigree.

“We have always been active in engaging with the wide range of international industry regulatory bodies about our research to emphasise the opportunity genomics offers to support the breed.

"The Jockey Club’s responsibility to ensure the integrity of the breed and our goal to support breeding and management of the thoroughbred through cutting-edge science demonstrates a shared vision. This partnership is further evidence of the potential to use genomics for the benefit of the industry."

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