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| :: SITE CONTRIBUTORS :: |
| Editor: Elliot Dean |
| Writer: Ross Thomson |
| Writer: Janet Bastow |
| Photographer: Matthew Smith |
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Breeding Genetically Modified Horses
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Horse Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
The generation of the ultimate racing champion is currently based on a successful breeding program. However, even with the best choice of mating partners the likelihood of producing race-viable offspring is low due to the random nature of the breeding process. Wouldn’t it be easier just to copy an already established racing champion, i.e. Northerly?
With a recent scientific breakthrough this idea is nearly a reality. Published one week ago in the journal Science, Professor Woods and colleagues describe the first genetic cloning of the horse family. Idaho Gem an identical genetic clone of Taz, a champion-racing mule, was produced by injecting DNA from the skin cells of a mule foetus into an “empty” egg cell from a horse. This event is quite a breakthrough; as for many years’ scientists have been pursuing the cloning of horses and with little success. It now seems that there are no boundaries, and that producing the worlds first horse clone is only months away. The Prof. Woods stated to CNN.com about his mule-cloning achievement:
“A mule can’t do it himself (create progeny), so we thought we would give it a hand.”
Good on ya Prof! Genetic replication of mules is thought to be a large success, as in the arena of mule racing artificially inseminated – and now genetically cloned – mules are allowed to race (contrary to horseracing). Dollar signs are in the eyes of mule owners everywhere, as finally there is a way to breed new animals from proven, yet horizontally challenged, race stock.
Apart from scientific success, the genetic replication of horses carries great implications on the racing industry. As artificially inseminated (AI) horses are not allowed to race in most countries, it will be likely that genetically cloned horses will also be barred from the track. It is interesting to postulate why an AI or genetically created horse would be prevented from racing. Compared to a normal, traditionally bred horse, their hooves would still sound the same as they pass over the finishing line. Is it traditional conservatism, fear, or the loss of money to be made by the lucrative breeding industry that will prevent horse clones from racing?
I for one would like to see genetically created horses race. These horses do not necessarily have to race against horses from traditional breeding grounds – “Natures’ best” – but so we can take pride in human accomplishment. Apart from such human scientific arrogance, races with 10 Phar Laps or “Traditional versus Test-tube” events would be massive draw cards for racing patrons – not to mention throwing a spanner in the works of the Bookies!
Off the track, cloned horses would also be invaluable assets. Biological studies investigating the genetics of a horse “born to race” would determine how much biology contributes to the production of a champion. Also, as a manager you could identify your best trainer by giving different trainers his or her own clone and comparing their outcomes. This would also aid in the development of a perfect training regime.
Okay Northerly…show us your bits…
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Upcoming Events:
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Sat 14th October:
The Age Caufield Guineas Day
Always a Spring Carnival favourite, Caufield Guineas day is the first big event of
the season. Featuring the $1 Million Caufield Guineas, and two
other Group 1 races (Yalumba Stakes and Toorak Handicap), it promises to
be a fun-filled day of racing!
Cost: Adults $35, Concession $20
(Children U14 free with adult)
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Sat 21st October:
BMW Caufield Cup Day
The $2.5 Million Caufield Cup just seems to get bigger every year! Featuring
6 Group Races, and plenty of trackside entertainment, it is a must in the racing
calendar each year. See stars such as Eremein and
Railings battle it out for the MRC's top prize!
Cost: Adults $45, Concession $25
(Children U14 free with adult)
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Sat 28th October:
Tattersall's Cox Plate Day
The Tattersall's Cox Plate is acknowledged as one of the classic
events of Australian horse racing. Past winners read like a who’s
who of the Australian turf, including Northerly, Sunline, Might & Power, Saintly, Octagonal, Tulloch, and Phar Lap.
Cost: Adults $40, Concession $25
(Children U12 free with adult)
Click here for more packages
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Sat 4th November:
AAMI Victoria Derby Day
AAMI Victoria Derby kicks off the Melbourne Cup carnival in great
style. Last year a record 115,000 people flocked to Flemington for this fabulous
day's racing which in 2006 will feature four Group 1 races.
Cost: Adults $48, Concession $25, Children $8
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Tuesday 7th November:
Emirates Melbourne Cup Day
The $5.1 million Emirates Melbourne Cup is Australia's richest and
most famous horse race and is run at 3pm over 3200 metres. It is the race which brings the nation to a stop.
In 2005, Makybe Diva ridden by Glen Boss wrote herself into the history books as the first horse to win three Melbourne Cups.
Cost: Adults $50, Concession $26, Children $8
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