The Japan Racing Association (JRA), with its abundant funds, collects top bloodlines from around the world and breeds and raises magnificent thoroughbreds. Thoroughbreds have bloodlines suited for short distances. Horses suited for short distances have a high proportion of fast-twitch muscle fibers. Fast-twitch muscle fibers are excellent for generating explosive power. The disadvantage of these fast-twitch muscles is that they cannot exert force for long periods of time. In human track and field sprinters, the ratio of fast-twitch to slow-twitch muscle fibers are said to be approximately 70% and 30% respectively. For long-distance runners, the ratio becomes 30% fast-twitch and 70% slow-twitch, a significant difference. When we examine the ratio of fast-twitch to slow-twitch muscle fibers in thoroughbreds, we find that it is 87% fast-twitch and 17% slow-twitch. This shows just how well-suited they are for short distances and not for long distances. The job of the trainer and stable staff is to train these thoroughbreds so they can run the 2400m Derby. Trainers meticulously analyze races and strive to find the best training methods based on each horse’s potential.
Recently, in addition to these training methods, there are attempts to enhance the horse’s abilities through a human-horse collaboration approach from the perspective of animal psychology. Research into the horse’s mind has advanced rapidly worldwide since the 2010s. This research has revealed the horse’s rich communication abilities. It has become clear that horses judge human emotions by associating facial expressions with tone of voice. It would be fascinating if jockeys could utilize this characteristic. Horses might be able to read the jockey’s mind, understand their intentions, and adjust their racing strategy accordingly. It might become possible to have a harmonious interaction between horse and rider, such as “The pace is too fast now, let’s slow down a bit,” or “The horse in front has reached its speed limit, this is that the real race begins.”
Japan has made remarkable progress in thoroughbred breeding methods. However, other countries are surpassing it. Dubai’s horse racing boasts high prize money and attracts top thoroughbreds and trainers. Some stables in Dubai have installed training machines. These are treadmills specifically designed for racehorses, allowing training without a jockey. This type of training reduces the strain on the legs and back. It is a form of training that improves aerobic capacity while being less strenuous on thoroughbreds than the uphill courses and woodchip courses in Japan. In addition to this physiological aspect of training, training that incorporates insights from animal psychology may be required in the future. If the jockey can judge the pace of other horses, proceed at a pace that is comfortable for their horse, and unleash their full power in the latter half of the race, they can work together as one with their horse to create a winning combination. If those who buy betting tickets could secretly learn about this relationship between horse and rider, it might promise a more enjoyable life.
