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Racehorses are getting faster, study concludes
Previous studies of racing times concluded that thoroughbred racehorses may have reached the limits of their abilities.

Huge improvement in race winning speeds since 1850

Despite the general consensus that racehorse speed has plateaued, racehorses are getting faster, new research by the University of Exeter has found.

In the study, researchers analysed data from over 600,000 races run by more than 70,000 horses. They found that race winning speeds have improved greatly since 1850, and increases in speed have been greatest in shorter distance races.

Data from 1996-2012 reveals that the improvements in performance are on-going, despite increases in handicap weight, and continue to be driven largely by increases in speeds of sprinters, especially at the elite level.

Previous studies of racing times concluded that thoroughbred racehorses may have reached the limits of their abilities. However, these studies only analysed the winning time of a small number of middle and long distance elite races and did not take factors such as ground softness into account.

Patrick Sharman from the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at the University of Exeter explains: “There has been a general consensus over the last 30 years that horse speeds appeared to be stagnating. Our study shows that this is not the case and, by using a much larger dataset than previously analysed, we have revealed that horses have been getting faster.

"Interestingly, both the historical and current rate of improvement is greatest over sprint distances. The challenge now is to find out whether this pattern of improvement has a genetic basis.”

The study, Racehorses are getting faster, by Patrick Sharman and Alastair Wilson, is published in Biology Letters.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.