• The genomes of racing and non-racing horse breeds were compared by the research team.
• They identified seven genes as being 'essential' to a horse's ability to perform well in a race.
• NTM, which promotes brain growth and affects learning, is one of them.

Researchers have discovered a crucial group of genes associated with successful racehorses, which may help breeders identify the next great racehorse. The genomes of racehorses bred for various sports and leisure activities were compared to those of thoroughbred, Arabian, and Mongolian racehorses. 

They discovered a collection of advantageous genes that exhibit unmistakable benefits in muscle, metabolism, and neurology. However, not every racing breed's horses have a beneficial gene version, so researchers believe their findings will help determine which horses are most suited for racing. Scientists from Asia, Europe, North America, and the Irish equine science business Plusvital conducted the study.

 The winning Ajnai Sharga Horse Racing Team owned 100 horses for the study, which was conducted on their breeding farm in Khentii region, Mongolia. By comparing the genomes of these Mongolian racing horses with those of thoroughbred and racing Arabian horses as well as 21 other non-racing breeds like Clydesdale, Connemara pony, Hanoverian, Morgan, Norwegian Fjord, Paint, Shetland, and Shire, the researchers were able to identify seven essential genes for racing. 

NTM, a gene involved in brain development that affects memory and learning, was among the top genes. This gene, which was chosen during horse domestication, affects whether thoroughbred racehorses ever compete in races.

Emmeline Hill, professor at University College Dublin and chief science officer at Plusvital, was the project's lead scientist and chief science officer. The very many horse breeds that have evolved over the past many centuries throughout the world have been carefully sculpted by selective breeding for a variety of features desired by breeders.

 As a result, there are now tall horses, little horses, strong draught horses, practical riding horses, and quick race horses. We have identified a group of genes that are common to racing horses, but not all racing breeds of horses have the beneficial gene version, therefore these findings will be helpful to determine which members of a breed are most suited for racing or breeding.