Does anyone know if any studies have been done on top racing fillies and mares to see what shared physiological characteristics they have? I’m thinking specifically if horses like Rachael Alexandra, Zenyatta, Havre de Grace, had unusually high VO2max or other physical characteristic. I’m curious whether the racing community has done studies of physical characteristics like that or other qualities.
The really top notch fillies are masculine as to physical character. Don’t know of any definitive research in the US.
[QUOTE=Shammy Davis;8144284]
The really top notch fillies are masculine as to physical character. Don’t know of any definitive research in the US.[/QUOTE]
That’s not my impression. Racemares such as Goldikova, Havre de Grace, Blind Luck and Plum Pretty are quite feminine looking.
I don’t know what VO2max is?
VO2 max is the maximum rate of oxygen consumption. It’s the cardiac output multiplied by the difference in arterial and venous oxygen levels.
It’s more a measure of athletic fitness than something that is truly heritable. Any athlete at the top of his/her sport is going to have a higher than average VO2 max. It’s just hard to pinpoint whether it’s a function of superior genetics or really good conditioning.
Thanks for the explanation, Texarkana. 
[QUOTE=LaurieB;8144729]
That’s not my impression. Racemares such as Goldikova, Havre de Grace, Blind Luck and Plum Pretty are quite feminine looking.
I don’t know what VO2max is?[/QUOTE]
Eye of the beholder?
[QUOTE=Texarkana;8144759]
VO2 max is the maximum rate of oxygen consumption. It’s the cardiac output multiplied by the difference in arterial and venous oxygen levels.
It’s more a measure of athletic fitness than something that is truly heritable. Any athlete at the top of his/her sport is going to have a higher than average VO2 max. It’s just hard to pinpoint whether it’s a function of superior genetics or really good conditioning.[/QUOTE]
I was wondering if any studies have been performed in horses because there are strong indications in humans that VO2Max is largely inherited but can be improved to some degree through proper training. A runner like Paula Radcliffe (marathon record holder) has a freakishly large VO2Max , but apparently other aspects of her physiology also help (long legs and low body weight).
Just curious if for horses anyone has looked at what it is about the fillies that helps them beat the boys.
[QUOTE=Shammy Davis;8144811]
Eye of the beholder?[/QUOTE]
Seriously, Goldikova masculine?
In the eye of any beholder, Goldikova, Ouija Board, Treve, Zarakava, Danedream were are about as feminine as you can get in an equine. With the exception of Zarkava, all were multiple G1 winners against males.
[QUOTE=SnicklefritzG;8144845]
I was wondering if any studies have been performed in horses because there are strong indications in humans that VO2Max is largely inherited but can be improved to some degree through proper training. A runner like Paula Radcliffe (marathon record holder) has a freakishly large , but apparently other aspects of her physiology also help (long legs and low body weight).
Just curious if for horses anyone has looked at what it is about the fillies that helps them beat the boys.[/QUOTE]
Weight allowance is a big help.
Fillies go toe to toe with colts and geldings all the time.
You don’t see it as much stateside because there are so many restricted filly mare races with lucrative purses that there is less push to step outside into open company. Not so much in other parts of the world were there are less sex restricted G1s and the purses are generally quite a bit lower, so if you have a good filly/mare you often have less options and have to race them against the boys.
Not exactly a proven scientific fact, but IME they are always a little bit difficult. I’m not saying they are necessarily mean or crazy, just difficult in some way or another, or rather “particular” about what they do and don’t like. A great horseman told me that difficult fillies and mares had taught him the most over the years.
[QUOTE=Angelico;8145049]
Not exactly a proven scientific fact, but IME they are always a little bit difficult. I’m not saying they are necessarily mean or crazy, just difficult in some way or another, or rather “particular” about what they do and don’t like. A great horseman told me that difficult fillies and mares had taught him the most over the years.[/QUOTE]
I had a good chuckle over that one. So true.
[QUOTE=SnicklefritzG;8145090]
I had a good chuckle over that one. So true.[/QUOTE]
This might be the best “emotionally healthy” website for you. You get to chuckle alot.:yes:
As to this thread, in human studies VO2 max conclusions have been varied. Suspect it is the same for the racehorse.
This series might be of interest to you.
For some reason, the topic of this thread has caught my attention. I’ve thought about it a lot. I guess this is mainly because from pedigree analysis, to conception, to foaling, to training, and competition the mare holds a predominant place in the role of the racehorse regardless of a progeny’s gender. Evaluating a good race mare is very interesting in my view, though we know that great race mares rarely re-produce themselves.
I’m not a big fan of Andy Beyer. I’m not a big fan of handicappers in general. I consider them equal to the old “snake oil” sellers. They are good entertainment but it is unwise to bet the “farm” on their advice. Here is an interesting 2007 DRF/AB column.
http://www.drf.com/news/why-fillies-rarely-beat-colts-us
Sometime ago, I can across some UK statistics that show colts are better than fillies on all weather tracks when involved in mixed races. I have to say the UK and Australia are top notch when it comes to racing research.
[QUOTE=Shammy Davis;8145573]
This might be the best “emotionally healthy” website for you. You get to chuckle alot.:yes:
As to this thread, in human studies VO2 max conclusions have been varied. Suspect it is the same for the racehorse.
This series might be of interest to you.
https://thevaulthorseracing.wordpress.com/2011/06/[/QUOTE]
Those are great links! Thanks for posting! I skimmed through both of them and am going to read through each in more detail later today. The 2nd one looks quite intriguing.
All of the fillies I can think of have had just massive heartgirths. Ruffian definitely comes to mind.
The good fillies always look more cat-like to me.
LittleLegsBigStride, your name is wonderful. :yes:
[QUOTE=LaurieB;8149185]
LittleLegsBigStride, your name is wonderful. :yes:[/QUOTE]
Thank you! :lol:
[QUOTE=LaurieB;8149185]
LittleLegsBigStride, your name is wonderful. :yes:[/QUOTE]
someone ought to use that for a JC name
[QUOTE=SnicklefritzG;8150455]
someone ought to use that for a JC name[/QUOTE]
Cute username. Couldn’t help but think of the 92 Kentucky Derby winner ridden by Pat Day ,“Lil E Tee.”
Though not directly involved with the thread question, I thought you might be interested in reading these.
http://www.thehorse.com/print-article/28218
http://www.ker.com/library/proceedings/06/12_tbgrowthfurtureperf_p125.pdf
No one was more girly than Dahlia.
