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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Equine Sci / The effect of age on thoroughbred racing performance.
Journal of equine science2011; 21(4); 73-78; doi: 10.1294/jes.21.73

The effect of age on thoroughbred racing performance.

Abstract: Using a dataset of 274 male Thoroughbred racehorses in the United States, we study the effect of age on racing performance. Beyer speed figures, which are uniform measures of racing performance across distance and racing surface, are utilized in this study. A system of equations is estimated to determine quadratic improvement and decline in racing performance. We find that a typical horse's peak racing age is 4.45 years. The rate of improvement from age 2 to 4 1/2 is greater than the rate of decline after age 4 1/2. A typical horse will improve by 10 (horse) lengths in sprints (less than 1 mile) and 15 lengths in routes (one mile or greater) from age 2 to 4 1/2. Over the next five years the typical decline is 6 lengths for sprints and 9 1/2 lengths for routes.
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Publication Date: 2011-01-29 PubMed ID: 24833980PubMed Central: PMC4013968DOI: 10.1294/jes.21.73Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

The research article investigates how the racing speed of Thoroughbred racehorses changes as they age. Scientists discovered that these horses perform best when they are between 4 and 5 years old and that their average racing speed improves with growth till the mid-age of 4 years, after which it mostly remains constant.

Methodology

  • The research was based on the flat races on both turf and dirt tracks with firm or standard track conditions during the period from January 1st, 2002 to December 31st, 2010. These events were supervised by the Japan Racing Association.
  • The running speed of each horse was determined by dividing the raced distance (in meters) by the horse’s final time (in seconds).
  • Mean speeds per month for every age and distance condition were calculated for each gender group. The condition was such that there must be 30 or more starters per month for each age and distance condition for each gender group.

Results

  • The study found that the average racing speed of thoroughbreds increases until they reach the age of 4.5 years. Beyond this age, their speed stabilizes and shows little fluctuations.
  • Despite the increased carry weight, the average speed was noticed to hike along with the growth of horses. The impact of added carry weight on the average speed was found minimal.

Speculation

  • The researchers hypothesized that the constant speed after the age of 4.5 years might be resulting from decreases in the weight carried and the retirement of less performing horses, which assists in keeping the average speed unvarying.

Implications

  • The findings of this study are significant as they give an insight into the performance ability of Thoroughbred racehorses at different ages, which is important for breeders, trainers, and potential buyers.
  • They could help enhance training programs by allowing trainers to focus on optimal age periods when a horse’s racing speed is likely to enhance the most.

Cite This Article

APA
Gramm M, Marksteiner R. (2011). The effect of age on thoroughbred racing performance. J Equine Sci, 21(4), 73-78. https://doi.org/10.1294/jes.21.73

Publication

Journal of equine science
ISSN: 1340-3516
NlmUniqueID: 9503751
Country: Japan
Language: English
Volume: 21
Issue: 4
Pages: 73-78

Researcher Affiliations

Gramm, Marshall
  • Department of Economics and Business, Rhodes College, 2000 N. Parkway, Memphis, TN 38112-1690.
Marksteiner, Ryne
  • Department of Economics, University of Wisconsin, William H. Sewell Social Science Building, 1180 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI 53706-1393, USA.

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Citations

This article has been cited 13 times.
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