|
|
PRO2 TEST STUDIES:
Two studies were conducted using the PRO2-Test to determine the relationship of Total Blood volume (TBV) to racing performance. The first was conducted on a “performance rich” population (70.2% stakes horses) of 47 retired racehorses. The results indicate that horses with BA-TBV not only earned less, but that their chances of competing in listed, and even more so in graded stakes was significantly diminished compared to horses that had A- and AA-TBV. (see Journal Article).
The second study was conducted on 171 yearlings of 2002 just prior to the Keeneland September Sale. Although this study will not be completed until December 2005, preliminary data through 2004 (3 YO year) are following much the same trend found in the retired racehorse study and are presented below.
CHART 1
Of the 171 yearlings, 13 (7.6%) are stakes horses, of which 3 (1.8%) are graded performers. Thirty-eight (22.2%) had BA-TBV, but only 1 (2.6%) is a stakes performer compared to the 8 (9.4%) that had A-TBV and the remaining 4 (8.3%) stakes horses that had AA-TBV as yearlings. Simply put, the PRO2-Test alone identified 2 groups of horses (A- and AA- TBV) where there are more than 3 times as many stakes performers as compared to other group (horses with BA-TBV).
CHART 2
Not surprisingly, earnings per start (SSI) reflects much the same trend. Horses with A- and AA-TBV earned more than twice (1.1) the amount of money per start compared to those with BA-TBV (.49). The percent stakes horses and earnings per start are summarized below in Table I.
TABLE 1 |
PERCENT STAKES AND GRADED STAKES HORSES AND MEAN SSI FOR 3YO WITH
BELOW AVERAGE, AVERAGE AND ABOVE AVERAGE TOTAL BLOOD VOLUME
|
N/Group |
SH (%) |
GSH (%) |
SSI |
38/BA-TBV |
1 (2.6%) |
0 ( 0 %) |
0.49 |
38/A-TBV |
8 (9.4%) |
2 (2.4%) |
1.11 |
38/AA-TBV |
4 (8.3%) |
1 (2.1%) |
1.06 |
A similar study using the PRO2-Test in Standardbred yearlings is planned; the results of which will be available by the fall of 2005.In fact, the first studies comparing TBV to performance was in the Standardbred in Sweden in the late 60’s where the reseachers found significant relationships between this physiologic parameter and exercise tolerance tests, but no comparison was made to actual racing records. Based on this, it is likely the PRO2-Test may well be an effective selection tool in Standardbreds as well.
Overall, the PRO2-Test is an objective diagnostic test which allows practitioners to aid their clients in eliminating the approximately 1 in 5 Thoroughbred yearlings (and two-year-olds) that have a significantly reduced chance of competing in listed and particularly graded stakes and for the earnings that accompany those events. Analyses are also available for racehorses.
The PRO2-Test is safe and highly repeatable, with a coefficient of variation of 3.2%. Tests kits will be available beginning May 1, 2005 to licensed veterinarians.
|
