Work

Race and Final-600 m Speed Response to Distance and Track Condition in Thoroughbred Flat Racing

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The temporal and spatial distribution of speed varies with race distance and track condition, influencing where mechanical demand peaks within a race. This study aimed to describe variation in race-day speed with race distance and track condition. Race-day data from 18 flat racing seasons on turf and synthetic surfaces (2007/8–2024/25, n = 200,601 starts in 3389 races) were used to examine initial speed (from barriers until the final 600 m), final-600 m speed, race distance (m), turf track condition score (TCS, 1–10), horse rating and carried weight (kg) using a general linear model. The pattern of racing was consistent for races ≥ 1000 m. Final-600 m speed at all distances was 0.41 (95% CI 0.41–0.42) m/s faster than initial speed (p < 0.001). Both speeds decreased with increasing race distance, but this decrease was smaller for final-600 m speed (β = −0.15 [95% CI −0.16–−0.15] m/s per 200 m) than for initial speed (β = −0.17 [95% CI −0.18–−0.17] m/s per 200 m, p < 0.001). Speeds had a negative quadratic relationship with TCS (differing in magnitude and intercept, p < 0.001), with a rapid decline at TCS 9. Higher horse rating increased speed, while greater carried weight reduced speed (both p < 0.001). The higher race final-600 m speeds were less affected by distance, indicating that mechanical demand is higher late in the race and load accumulation is not uniform.

Source: Animals

DOI: 10.3390/ani16101433

Authors: Kylie A. Legg, Michaela J. Gibson, Chris W. Rogers

Institution: Massey University

Language: English

Topic: Veterinary Equine Medical Research

Subfield: Equine

Field: Veterinary

Domain: Health Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896

Funder: New Zealand Equine Trust