Performance Evaluations of Racing Thoroughbreds

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Although various, often dramatic, experiments in new conditioning methods for the racehorse have been conducted in the past 10 years, very few significant results have been realized. The biggest problem has been a lack of a factual means of evaluating the conditioning program because of the enormous variability in the athlete's environment while performing work. University research has been assisted uemendously with the introduction of high speed tread mills, but has been oriented to single specific research parameters on a non-racing population. The results have been very enlightening and of significant importance to the basic understanding of equine physiology. At this time in the evolution of this science, however, virtually no practical applied usage of this information has been made. This preliminary report describes how the purchase of a high-speed treadmill and the use of horses performing at a racetrack has allowed an investigation of specific physical and physiological parameters of racing Thoroughbreds of a higher class than normally used in university research. The goal of the project was and continues to be to identify specifically as many relevant parameters of racing performance as possible. Seventy-seven (77) Thoroughbred horses (to date) in all stages of conditioning and actively in racing modes have been examined over the past 14 months. Forty-nine (49) different parameters have been examined carefully on each athlete during the course of a 24-day standard exercise test (SET). The procedure has been developed by trial and error through comparisons of on-track works/races and 'soft-track' mill performance on the same athlete. The final chosen parameters have proven to be the basis for evaluating performance, level of conditioning, and maximum physiological capability. The horsepopulation has ranged from middle class stakes horses to those incapable of breaking their maiden status. The data has allowed the development of a performance profile test (PPT) that has accurately identified the level of conditioning present and the maximum fitness level attainable by each athlete. It also has identified horses which simply do not have the physiological capability of being a competitive athlete. The PPT also allows ongoing awareness as to the stress recovery periods between works and races. The author believes this objective awareness of the status of the athlete will reduce injuries as result of fatigue, overtraining, undertraining and will prolong their racing careers when coupled with solid management/training teams. Years of experience in conditioning methods, horsemanship, modem technologies, high-speed treadmills and modern customized sports medicine laboratories with properly qualified technicians; all combine with research results and specific data on racing athletes to make a very formidable racing team for qualified athletes.