While humanity tends to progress in various fields, such as athletics, technology, and medicine, the same cannot be said for horses.
Despite advancements in thoroughbred breeding programs and an increase in population size, Kentucky Derby horses have not been running faster since 1960.
In fact, the average winning time in the 2010s was slower compared to the 1960s, and record-breaking times from 1973, set by Secretariat, still stand.
Meanwhile, human athletes in the 800-meter race continue to achieve faster times, with new records being set.
I took a stab at answering here. Two theories:
(1) Selective breeding has reached its limit due to reduction of genetic variation
(2) People care about breaking records. Horses don'thttps://t.co/hCzATMzNfr— Lev Akabas (@LevAkabas) May 2, 2024
A study suggests that the maximum running speed for the Kentucky Derby may only be around 1% faster than the current record.
The decrease in genetic variation due to selective breeding may have limited the potential for faster horses.
Furthermore, horses have not benefited from equipment improvements like humans. While humans seek continual progress, horses seem content with their current speed.
Let’s explore these theories further:
1. Selective Breeding and Genetic Variation:
Selective breeding, also known as artificial selection, involves intentionally choosing specific traits in animals or plants to propagate in successive generations.
Over time, this process can lead to a reduction in genetic diversity within a population.
When breeders focus on specific traits (such as speed in racehorses), they may inadvertently reduce the overall genetic variation.
Reduced genetic diversity can limit the potential for further improvement through selective breeding.
However, it’s essential to note that selective breeding has been successful in producing various breeds with specific characteristics (e.g., dog breeds, crop varieties).
The challenge lies in balancing desired traits with maintaining genetic diversity.
2. Human Motivation and Records:
Humans are motivated by various factors, including competition, achievement, and breaking records.
In the context of horse racing, people strive to produce faster horses to win races and set new records.
The desire to surpass previous achievements drives breeders and trainers to continually improve horse performance.
This motivation is not present in horses themselves; they do not have a conscious desire to break records.
Horses are primarily driven by natural instincts, survival, and reproduction.
In summary, both theories play a role:
Genetic variation impacts the potential for further selective breeding.
Human motivation drives the pursuit of faster racehorses and record-breaking performances.
Fans reacted as follows:
Think that Sham taking 2nd by running the second fastest Derby time ever lends itself alot to the second point here. They just know to be in the front, and do whatever they can to be there. If Big Red ran the Derby every year, there’d probably be horses finishing right behind him
— The Kingfisher (@TheKingfisher18) May 2, 2024
“People care about breaking records. Horses don’t.” is a fantastic line.
— Robbie Tinsley (@RTinMan13) May 2, 2024
outstanding turn-of-phrase, bravo pic.twitter.com/WFYgpHg2lF
— UberMitch (@UberMitch) May 2, 2024
Secretariat was unique is the answer. 🙂
— The TV Answer Man – Making Television Easy Again! (@TVAnswerMan) May 2, 2024
Here's a theory.
Modern training is less intense than it used to be.
Because there's significantly less *horse torture* than there used to be.
There's also fewer horses on the planet, period, since we started driving cars.
— Frank Rogan (@frankrogan) May 2, 2024
The actual answer is that they did an autopsy on Secretariat when he died and found he had a heart more than double the size of the average horse.
— Mark F (@markffkram) May 2, 2024
Setting aside your presumption that you understand horses and their internal motivations (impossible I say) this is interesting
— The Elitest Elitist (@relatively_easy) May 2, 2024
Reaching the asymptote is pretty much spot on
— Kalin (@RumormillTroter) May 2, 2024
track makeup certainly has something to do with it. There is a reason everyone uses adjusted figures rather than final time when comparing horses.
— SportsFanSam (@SmVrhlst) May 2, 2024
I think secretariat cared about winning. No one can tell me otherwise
— GoBills (@SteveAmico1) May 2, 2024
And yet we still can't breed for the massive heart he had.
— Casey (@CaseyLibraryCat) May 3, 2024
Successful horses also are more lucrative as retired / studs. So owners will pull them to sell their quality cum
— Bill DeWall (@BillDeWall420) May 2, 2024
