Interesting research project by the University College in Dublin (Ireland) about "where" our modern day thoroughbred comes from. The isolated gene is from a British mare from approximately 300 years ago, and was a genetic aberration that allowed her speed. Pretty neat!
They also have determined that Thoroughbreds have capped out their speed potential and fewer speed records will be set unless another genetic abberation appears :D
"The greatness of a nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way it's animals are treated." ~Gandhi http://silvermoonfarm.blogspot.com/ "After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him. The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.” ~Will Rogers
Barnyard Buddies: Origin of the "speed gene" in all Thoroughbreds