Irish scientist traces racehorse speed to ponies

If it was not for the diminutive Shetland pony, horse racing might well have been a sport for plodders rather than kings, research has revealed.

Tue, 24 Jan, 2012 - 16:00

If it was not for the diminutive Shetland pony, horse racing might well have been a sport for plodders rather than kings, research has revealed.

An Irish scientist behind the discovery of the highly prized speed gene in thoroughbreds has traced its origins back 300 years to mares from the much-loved breed.

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Ruby Walsh
Ruby Walsh

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