Thoroughbred VGNome™ PLATINUM
Hack your thoroughbred’s genome
Every thoroughbred horse is born with a distinct and unchangeable genetic blueprint that affects performance in different ways. Your thoroughbred’s genome can predict whether they will build muscle quickly, burn energy efficiently, or develop a career impairing inheritable disease. It shows your horse’s muscle fiber type, allowing you to train for both weaknesses and strengths.
Some horses excel at sprinting, while others are better suited to long distance work. Understanding your horse’s DNA enables you to work with your horse’s genetic predispositions and develop their physical abilities to enhance training processes, understand recovery requirements and prevent injuries.
$2,999
International expertise like no other
Our meticulous quality control standards are comparable to those used in human genetics testing companies.
Until recently, there was no technology available to read your horse’s entire genome quickly and cost effectively. The Thoroughbred VGnome test looks across your horse’s whole genome for specific areas that might be relevant. We do the most comprehensive form of genomic testing for horses available, because we analyze all the protein-coding genes, as well as the areas in-between genes (known as non-coding DNA).
Founded in scientific research
We don’t limit our analysis to a handful of DNA sequences that relate to a few diseases or traits. Instead, we generate more applicable information about your horse than any other company. Then we dig deeper to discover DNA sequences that define traits that are not yet recognized. We are committed to translating this complex genome science into personalized reports that are simple, easy to understand, and actionable. There is just no comparison on the market today
Expert customer service
With the backing of high-level research and decades of genetic science experience. Our team can provide the most accurate, reliable, and timely results with the highest level of confidentiality. Our team of experts actively gathers performance data from winners and losers to analyze elite performers from the past and present. In doing so, we can examine exciting genetic traits and discover new variants that are currently unknown. We compare your thoroughbred horse’s genetic makeup with verified samples in our database to identify similar patterns.
There’s always more to know
As we continue to study genetic mutations, we are learning more about what turns genes on and off, how multiple genes interact, and how modifier genes and mutations affect other genes. As we learn more, we can reanalyze your horse’s genes (no more samples needed!) to provide you with additional information and recommendations. Our aim is to provide you with the best head start when it comes to your horse’s training, management, and breeding choices–by filling in the blanks that are only visible through their genetic makeup. Every gene we test for has been certified by peer-reviewed research.
Since a horse’s genetic information stays the same over time, your horse’s full genome DNA sequencing record can be accessed at any stage of its life, and it will be available for use whenever it is needed to guide health, breeding and performance decisions now and in the future.
Your privacy is our priority
Your horse’s data is banked securely in the secured Victory Genomics database, readily available for future testing requirements to make proactive and informed decisions for your horse. Test results are kept confidential and held in an encrypted data vault, and access to your results is only available via a password protected profile. You can share this important genetic information privately and securely with your vet or trainer.
Since a horse’s genetic information stays the same over time, your horse’s full genome DNA sequencing record can be accessed at any stage of its life, and it will be available for use whenever it is needed to guide health, breeding and performance decisions now and in the future.
One Test
Massive Potential
One unique genome. One simple test
Victory Genomics studies the entire genome and how genes interact with each other and with the environment. With the backing of high-level research and decades of genetic science experience, we identify inheritable diseases and factors that determine the likelihood of success as a racehorse. Our team can provide the most accurate, reliable, and timely results with the highest level of confidentiality.
Analysis of genes associated with known thoroughbred disease
Genetic information may reveal key evidence that solves an inexplicable medical puzzle, ensures a horse’s full recovery, or prevents the accidental breeding of a terminally ill foal. Not knowing which horses carry genetic diseases dramatically increases the risk of breeding a diseased foal. Conversely, knowing that your horse is free of particular diseases means it can be bred to any horse, safe in knowing that none of the genetic diseases will manifest at birth or later in life.
Testing can help thoroughbred breeders understand heritability of genetic conditions, susceptibility to rare diseases, variable response to treatment, and so much more.
Taking the gamble out of saleyards
Purchasing a racehorse at auction is a straightforward business transaction for some and an emotional rollercoaster for others. While your veterinarian can check an auction horse’s vaccinations, blood tests, and X-rays, they cannot check for pre-existing genetic conditions such as a predisposition for OCD lesions or delimitating genetic disease like PSSM1. Genetic testing provides potential buyers with a tool that allows for quick assessment of a thoroughbred’s genetic health before any money is handed over.
Easy to read, easy to share
We analyze the entire genome of your horse and deliver what you need to know in an informative and sharable format complete with evidence-based and actionable recommendations from our team of experts. The report (which is viewable in a dashboard layout) is comprehensively presented to explain what each test result means, recommend treatment and prevention options and layout the different implications of breeding a carrier or affected horse.
Find performance enhancing genes
The key reason for horses being withdrawn from racing is unsatisfactory performance. This is closely followed by illness, injury, and behavioral problems. By testing for performance and behavioral traits before your horse begins training, you can understand whether your horse is genetically disposed to race successfully or not, and in what type of race.
By testing your horse’s genome, you can identify genetic markers that can predict whether your horse will build muscle quickly, burn energy efficiently, or mature early enough to race as a two-year-old. While our competitors limit their study of horse genomics to a part of the genome, we look at all the genes (over 20,000) and all the DNA (over 2.7 billion letters) to understand how training, age, behavior, and muscle fiber interact to produce a winner.
Thoroughbred breeding implications
Genetic testing is a powerful tool for thoroughbred breeders. The Thoroughbred VGnome can help you find a well-matched breeding pair and take the guesswork out of breeding a champion. Despite hundreds of years of selective breeding for athletic traits, Thoroughbreds still vary in speed, stamina, and aptitude for racing. Genetic science can guide thoroughbred breeding practices to reduce horse wastage, minimize the risk of injury, and plan alternative careers for unsuitable racehorses to ensure their long-term welfare.
Not knowing which horses carry genetic diseases dramatically increases the risk of breeding a diseased foal. Conversely, knowing that your horse is free of diseased genes means it can be bred to any horse, safe knowing that these conditions will not manifest at birth or later in life. Victory Genomics can certify your horse free of any inherited genetic disease and inform you if your horse carries a mutation that could be passed on to its offspring. Whether you need to determine whether your broodmare carries a genetic disease or wish to breed for specific performance traits, we can pull up key genetic data needed to evaluate unique characteristics and potentials for your next planned mating.
Genome snapshot ready for future testing requirements
The evolution of genomic science is speeding up gene mapping in horses. Thanks to constantly developing technologies, equine geneticists have identified numerous variants that influence equine health, behavior, appearance (e.g., height, coat color), and performance. You can now discover which performance enhancing genetic factors your horses are likely to exhibit before spending thousands of on training. Genetic information provided in the Thoroughbred VGnome is a blueprint that can suggest the best training practices and assist in informed breeding decisions now and in the future.
Equine care continues after racing
Most thoroughbreds have a short racing career (only 2-3 years). The three major causes of retirement from racing and lost racing days are delayed maturity, poor performance and lameness. When thoroughbreds leave racing too soon, this is often labeled as ‘wastage,’ and the fate of thousands of horses leaving the racing industry prematurely causes concerns for their welfare.
The genetic constitution of each individual horse plays a significant role in its predisposition to illness and injury. Thanks to evolving genomic science technologies, we can help you discover your thoroughbred’s predisposition for other disciplines once their racing careers have finished. Retired thoroughbred racehorses can excel in many disciplines off the track such as dressage, showjumping, eventing, polo, horseball and pleasure riding. Thanks to the Thoroughbred VGnome, we can help you identify specific behavioral and physical characteristics in your horse that can predict a successful racing career, and a suitable post-racing direction.