The heart score theory in the racehorse.
Abstract: During the last three decades in Australia and New Zealand the heart score theory has been used in the cardiovascular assessment of racehorses in training (Steel 1957, 1963, 1966-67; Irvine 1964, 1966; Stewart and Steel 1970; Steel and Stewart 1972, 1974). In particular the heart score has been of value as one of several factors employed in assessing the potential of the horse for different types of racing. More recently, studies indicating the heritability of heart score and its possible sex-linkage (Steel et al 1977) have suggested its use also as one of several criteria for selection in racehorse breeding. Relationships between heart score, racing per-formance and heart weight were first described by Steel (1957, 1963) from the University of Sydney. Later these were developed further, in other species as well, and in the light of aerobic power, by the group which Steel headed as Professor of Veterinary Physiology in the University of Melbourne between 1965 and 1977. It is from this broad base of aerobic metabolism during severe exercise that the heart score theory in the racehorse should now be siewed, particularly with respect to the relationship between heart score and racing performance. Understanding and suc-cessfully applying this relationship depends upon an understanding of both the nature of horse rac-ing and the cardiovascular requirements of dif-ferent types of exercise. Since Professor Steel's untimely death in December 1977, much of his data and early recor-dings have remained accessible. In preparing this review it has been possible to return to some of that material.
Publication Date: 1981-09-01 PubMed ID: 7034709DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1981.tb00551.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
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Summary
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The research article discusses the use and significance of the heart score theory in assessing the performance and breeding potential of racehorses in Australia and New Zealand over the past three decades.
Overview of the Heart Score Theory
- The heart score theory has been extensively used in Australia and New Zealand for cardiovascular assessment of racehorses in training.
- Primarily used as a determinant for a horse’s potential in different types of racing, the heart score of a horse is indicative of its performance attributes.
- The theory, initially conceived by Steel from the University of Sydney, was further developed and extended to other species as well.
Heritability and Sex-Linkage
- Notably, recent studies have suggested that the heart score is inheritable and could have sex-linked traits.
- This particular finding has prompted the deployment of heart score as a criterion for selection in racehorse breeding programs.
Heart Score, Racing Performance, and Heart Weight
- The research points out the correlation between a horse’s heart score, racing performance, and heart weight.
- These relationships were first explained by Steel and later developed further by his team at the University of Melbourne.
The Importance of Aerobic Power
- The study draws attention to aerobic metabolism during severe exercise as a significant factor to consider when evaluating the heart score theory, especially when discerning the link between heart score and racing performance.
- It asserts that a comprehensive understanding of horse racing, along with the cardiovascular demands of different exercise types, is essential for successful application of this relationship.
Influence of Professor Steel’s Work
- The research acknowledges the foundational work of Professor Steel in developing the heart score theory. His untimely death led to much of his data and recordings being left untouched.
- For the purpose of this study, the authors returned to some of Professor Steel’s original material to prepare their review.
Cite This Article
APA
Stewart GA.
(1981).
The heart score theory in the racehorse.
Aust Vet J, 57(9), 422-428.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.1981.tb00551.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Electrocardiography / veterinary
- Female
- Heart / anatomy & histology
- Heart / physiology
- Heart Rate
- Horses / physiology
- Male
- Organ Size
- Physical Exertion
- Sex Factors
- Sports
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Larsson J, Pilborg PH, Johansen M, Christophersen MT, Holte A, Roepstorff L, Olsen LH, Harrison AP. Physiological parameters of endurance horses pre- compared to post-race, correlated with performance: a two race study from scandinavia. ISRN Vet Sci 2013;2013:684353.
- Amory H, Rollin FA, Genicot BC, Beduin JM, Lekeux PM. Comparative study of the body surface electrocardiogram in double-muscled and conventional calves. Can J Vet Res 1993 Jul;57(3):139-45.
- Gunn HM. Heart weight and running ability. J Anat 1989 Dec;167:225-33.
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