Plasma lactate and uric acid responses to racing in pacing Standardbreds and relationships with performance.

The research explored the correlation between plasma lactate and uric acid levels in Standardbred racehorses with their racing performance. The study concluded that these metabolic markers, present as a response to maximum exercise, aren’t significant in evaluating the animals’ performance.

Study Overview

• This research focused on performance of Standardbred racehorses, and how it relates to plasma lactate and uric acid concentrations following a race. The aim was to examine and comprehend the factors impacting racing performance.
• There were two distance groups for races in the study – 1760 m and 2160 m. A total of 20 horses were scrutinized after 1760 m races and 28 horses were assessed post 2160 m races.
• Blood samples were collected 30-60 minutes before, and 8 and 30 minutes after a race.

Findings

• No significant discrepancies were observed in plasma lactate concentrations before and 8 minutes after the race between the two race distances.
• A relatively weak but significant correlation was identified between the post-race plasma lactate concentration after 8 minutes and the multiple performance descriptors – such as number of wins, number of top three placings (1st, 2nd, or 3rd), and lifetime earnings of the horses.
• There were no significant correlations found between uric acid levels and performance parameters in 1760 m races. However, these correlations were found between uric acid concentration and the post-race performance in 2160 m race categories.

Conclusion

• Only 10-15% of the variation in career performance in the pacing Standardbreds could be explained by these metabolic markers, which indicate the muscle’s anaerobic response to racing.
• The study concluded that plasma lactate and uric acid responses to maximum exercise are unlikely to be beneficial for evaluating racing performance in pacing Standardbreds through univariate analysis.