Recently scientists have discovered the relationship between speed and myostatin as it relates to the MSTN gene, the so-called speed gene. Myostatin is related to muscle mass development which influences speed and stamina. (I have read the article several times and admit this topic is beyond my comfort level so pardon my mistakes in summarizing this info.)
By studying thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses, researchers have found that:
- CC version relates to sprinting success at racing 5/8 to 1 mile
- CT is mid-distance speed at 7/8 to 1 1/2 miles
- TT is stamina at over 1 1/2 miles
Unsurprisingly, racing Quarter Horses tested out at almost all CC.
In this video, Dr Emmeline Hill discusses the origin of her research into the MSTN gene and thoroughbreds.
In the study Conformation Traits and Gaits in the Icelandic Horse are Associated with Genetic Variants in Myostatin, researchers found that 4% are CC, 28% are CT, and 65% are TT. The TT alleles tended to be related to higher scores in certain conformation ratings achieved at breeding evaluations.
"Not only do Icelandic horses have to meet the visual standards of
the breed, but they are also expected to be capable of sustaining speed with energetic movements all while carrying a rider (FEIF 2015). This balance between form and function is particularly important given the significant associations between the evaluation of the neck, withers, and shoulders and SNPs PR8604 and PR3737 in this study (Tables 4 and 5). Alleles T and C (PR8604 and PR3737, respectively) resulted in lower scores for this trait and subsequent haplotype analyses corroborated the associations. The frequency of the C allele for SNP PR3737 was very low in the sample set of this study and this allele was previously associated with higher Type 2B and lower Type 1 gluteus muscle fibre proportions. However, it has been shown to be more prevalent in sprinting type Thoroughbred horses and Italian Heavy Draft horses where fast twitching muscle fibres are needed for short bursts of energy."
No information was given if perhaps the CC version of the gene might have been more prevalent in flying pace racers.
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