Stud’s ‘speed gene’ dates back 300 years

The “speed gene” behind Coolmore stud’s renowned racehorse-breeding reputation could trace back to a single mare that lived around 300 years ago, scientists have found.

The team, led by Univ-ersity College Dublin, spin-off firm Equinome Ltd and the University of Cambridge, have traced all modern variants of the original speed gene to the legendary racehorse Nearctic (1954-1973) and the wider expansion of these variants to Nearctic’s son, Northern Dancer — one of the most influential sires of the 20th century.

Northern Dancer sired 147 stakes winners including the great Nijinsky II, The Minstrel, Shareef Dancer, Secreto, North-ernette, El Gran Senor, Lomond and Fanfreluche.