06/10/2025
A recent study by Bacon et al., published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, explores which factors help off-the-track Thoroughbreds succeed in eventing careers, offering some interesting insights for breeders, owners and trainers.
The study examined how prior racing performance influences the eventing competition level achieved by retired Thoroughbred racehorses in Australia.
Key findings indicate that horses successful at longer race distances and those with more time off the racetrack tend to reach higher levels in eventing.
However, superior racehorses—those with the most wins and earnings—were actually less likely to reach advanced eventing levels, likely due to a higher risk of musculoskeletal injuries accumulated during longer, more intense racing careers.
Genomic testing for 'stayer' racing lines with analysis of myostatin (MSTN) gene variants and other markers linked to stamina, could potentially be used by breeders and trainers to improve predictions about which thoroughbreds are better suited for post-racing careers in eventing.
The study acknowledges strong associations between certain MSTN genotypes (already connected to optimum racing distance performance) and musculoskeletal qualities relevant for cross-country stamina and event condition.
“Genetic variation in the Myostatin gene (MSTN) has been extensively associated with race distance performance, [so] it is highly plausible that the musculoskeletal effects of MSTN variation are also favourable for higher levels of eventing due to similar physiological requirements.
As eventing levels increase, so too do the distance requirements for cross-country as well as the musculoskeletal demands needed to avoid incurring time penalties. Long format events further add to this effect, whereby the distances travelled during the cross-country phase are even more extended.”
By integrating genomic testing, breeders and trainers could screen for innate physiological advantages earlier, refine rehabilitation and retraining plans, and potentially match retired racehorses earlier and more accurately with new performance careers that minimise reinjury risk while maximising athletic ability.
Elouise K Bacon, Danica Parnell, Gary Muscatello, Jaimie McElroy, Brandon D Velie, How prior racing performance influences competition level in off-the-track Thoroughbred horses’ post-racing eventing careers.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105679
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