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Home / Equine Research Bank / PLoS One / Optimal speed in Thoroughbred horse racing.
PloS one2020; 15(12); e0235024; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235024

Optimal speed in Thoroughbred horse racing.

Abstract: The objective of this work is to provide a mathematical analysis on how a Thoroughbred horse should regulate its speed over the course of a race to optimize performance. Because Thoroughbred horses are not capable of running the whole race at top speed, determining what pace to set and when to unleash the burst of speed is essential. Our model relies on mechanics, energetics (both aerobic and anaerobic) and motor control. It is a system of coupled ordinary differential equations on the velocity, the propulsive force and the anaerobic energy, that leads to an optimal control problem that we solve. In order to identify the parameters meaningful for Thoroughbred horses, we use velocity data on races in Chantilly (France) provided by France Galop, the French governing body of flat horse racing in France. Our numerical simulations of performance optimization then provide the optimal speed along the race, the oxygen uptake evolution in a race, as well as the energy or the propulsive force. It also predicts how the horse has to change its effort and velocity according to the topography (altitude and bending) of the track.
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Publication Date: 2020-12-02 PubMed ID: 33264298PubMed Central: PMC7710124DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235024Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research paper presents a mathematical model for determining the optimal speed a Thoroughbred horse should maintain during a race to maximize performance. This was achieved by analyzing data from real horse races.

Methodology

  • The researchers approached the problem from the disciplines of mechanics, energetics, and motor control. Using these perspectives, they established a system of coupled ordinary differential equations. These equations represent the interdependent relationships between variables such as speed, force, and energy levels within a racing horse.
  • The relevance or significance of specific parameters in real-world Thoroughbred races was verified using actual velocity data from races held in Chantilly, France. These data were provided by France Galop, the French governing body of flat horse racing.

Findings

  • With the equations and data, they were able to simulate variants of Thoroughbred performances. These simulations allowed them to identify ideal speeds, oxygen uptake rates, energy consumptions, and the application of propulsive force for a race.
  • They could also make predictions on how a horse might need to adjust its effort and speed based on the topography or characteristics of the race track, including variables like altitude and bending.

Significance

  • This study contributes to the field of equine sports science by providing a theoretical framework grounded in empirical data. The results can be applied in training Thoroughbred horses to maximize their performance in races.
  • The methods and results of this research may also be useful for further studies in related fields, such as the optimization of physical performance in other animal or human athletes, or the design of racing strategies for autonomous vehicles.

Cite This Article

APA
Mercier Q, Aftalion A. (2020). Optimal speed in Thoroughbred horse racing. PLoS One, 15(12), e0235024. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0235024

Publication

PloS one
ISSN: 1932-6203
NlmUniqueID: 101285081
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 12
Pages: e0235024
PII: e0235024

Researcher Affiliations

Mercier, Quentin
  • Centre d'Analyse et de Mathématique Sociales, CNRS UMR-8557, Ecole des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales, Paris, France.
Aftalion, Amandine
  • Centre d'Analyse et de Mathématique Sociales, CNRS UMR-8557, Ecole des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales, Paris, France.

MeSH Terms

  • Algorithms
  • Altitude
  • Anaerobiosis
  • Animals
  • Competitive Behavior
  • Horses / physiology
  • Oxygen Consumption
  • Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
  • Running / physiology
  • Veterinary Sports Medicine / methods

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

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Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Wen X, Luo S, Lv D, Jia C, Zhou X, Zhai Q, Xi L, Yang C. Variations in the fecal microbiota and their functions of Thoroughbred, Mongolian, and Hybrid horses. Front Vet Sci 2022;9:920080.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.920080pubmed: 35968025google scholar: lookup
  2. Takahashi K, Mukai K, Ebisuda Y, Sugiyama F, Yoshida T, Hatta H, Kitaoka Y. Effects of pacing strategy on metabolic responses to 2-min intense exercise in Thoroughbred horses. Sci Rep 2024 Aug 7;14(1):18352.
    doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-69339-xpubmed: 39112781google scholar: lookup
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