Haematology of the racing Thoroughbred in Australia 2: haematological values compared to performance.

This research paper explores whether there are any links between the blood values of Thoroughbred racehorses and their performance in races. However, after studying over 800 blood samples and comparing them to race results, the researchers could not find any significant connection between the two.

Study Setup and Blood Sample Collection

• The study took samples from Thoroughbred racehorses 1 to 3 hours before they were set to race.
• A total of 816 blood samples were collected from these racehorses.
• The blood samples were subjected to standard haematological examinations to reveal their values (the haemogram of a horse).

Performance Evaluation and Comparison

• The horse races were categorized by different factors including the age of the horse, the class of the race, and the distance of the race.
• The performance of the horses in these races was grouped according to their positions from the first horse across the line.
• The researchers attempted to find a correlation by comparing the haemogram of the horses with their performance in the races.

Study Findings

• Despite attempts to correlate haemogram with performance, no significant relationship was found.
• The increase or decrease in red and white cell parameters – both when the horses were at rest and immediately before racing – were also examined for their potential as performance indicators. Again, no correlation was found.
• Taking into account different factors such as race class, distance, and age of the horses, the researchers concluded that the blood values of a Thoroughbred racehorse do not appear to impact its performance in races.