It’s no secret genetics play a major role in determining how successful a racehorse will be.

Genetics are the reason breeders spend hours deliberating over the perfect mating match to produce the DNA sequence of a Group One winning horse.

However, despite the dedication to pedigree analysis and statistics around nicks and crosses, there is always an element of luck, that intangible sense of magic, that determines the speed, stamina and athletic potential of a foal.

In an age when technology knows few bounds, thoroughbreds are one of the rare production animals where artificial insemination is prohibited and the process is kept as natural as possible.

Research has already identified the genes that affect athletic performance in thoroughbreds, the ‘speed gene test’ being used routinely around the world by breeders, trainers and owners.

Take this concept and look at scientific advancements in other species where gene editing is becoming more common as people strive to breed the ‘perfect’ animal in any species and it doesn’t take much to see the implications for thoroughbreds. Put more simply, the technology is there to take luck out of the equation.

Gene editing is the insertion, deletion or replacement of DNA at a specific site in the genome of an organism or cell. It uses genes that are already present in a species.

This ‘precision breeding’ can amplify or repress traits and is already being used to improve animal welfare by enhancing natural disease resilience, and increase animal productivity and sustainability.

For example, in a thoroughbred a specific gene could be edited to enhance muscle growth and short-term speed.

So how does this affect the thoroughbred industry?

Since the science is there, there needs to be testing to ensure that gene editing doesn’t occur in the thoroughbred industry to maintain the integrity of the product it is producing.

Countries such as Australia and Japan had made major investment into the testing required which essentially collects a massive sample of DNA so when foals are testing during registration, any anomalies that indicate genetic modification will be picked up.

In New Zealand InfogeneNZ, located at the Massey University campus, have been parentage verifying foal crops for 38 years and more recently the New Zealand studbook has utilised their genetic screening services.

Michelle Fremaux, Director of InfogeneNZ, will be one of the guest speakers at the Genetics seminar to be held in Cambridge on the 7th August.

“We’ve brought several experts together for this seminar so breeders have the opportunity to hear what is happening in the realm of DNA and genetics in the thoroughbred industry,” Head of Registrations and Keeper of the Stud Book Julie Walker said.

“Parentage verification is already completed during foal registrations and we want breeders to be aware of the purpose and reasoning behind any other testing that becomes part of the process in the future.”

“There are already animals being produced using gene modification technology so it would be naïve to think people won’t attempt to use it in the thoroughbred industry.

“The goal is to have a ‘simple’ test that will be used worldwide to check for any edited DNA sequences.

“Dr Natasha Hamilton, the Racing Australia Equine Genetics Research Centre Director, will also present at the seminar. She will give an overview of what gene editing is and speak about the progress made in regard to detecting it and the prosecution framework for racing jurisdictions.

“It comes down to protecting the integrity of the horse we are producing. It is future proofing the industry - the technology is already available and it is about ensuring it doesn’t get used which would undermine the validity of breeding and racing.”

Seminar details:
Where: Onyx, Cambridge
Date: Wednesday 7th August
Time: 1-3pm
Register for free by emailing: studbook@nztr.co.nz