What USTA’s genetic research partnership with UC Davis means for the future of Standardbreds
Standardbred racing has always been driven by performance — both on the track and in the breeding shed. But as the sport evolves and public scrutiny intensifies at a swift pace, we are learning that genetics matter — not just for speed, but also for sustainability, welfare and perception.
That’s why the USTA Board of Directors has partnered with one of the world’s leading academic research institutions — the University of California, Davis — to launch a groundbreaking genetics initiative for Standardbreds. The goal is clear: to use science to better understand our horses, support better breeding decisions, and protect the long-term viability of harness racing.
This article breaks down what we’re doing, why it matters, and what it could mean for your stable, your horses and our sport.
The Power of the Genome
Every horse is a genetic blueprint. Hidden in that DNA is information about a horse’s speed, endurance, how well it can recover, what diseases it may be predisposed to, and even how likely it is to suffer a catastrophic injury.
For decades, breeders relied on race records, visual conformation and stallion reputation when plotting their next moves. Those things will always matter, but today’s tools let us go deeper. With the help of equine genomics, we can start to predict performance and manage risk with a level of precision never before possible. We’re getting there!
Why UC Davis?
UC Davis is widely regarded as one of the premier equine genetics research institutions in the United States, if not the world. They have already transformed what we know about genetic disease in breeds like the Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred, and now, through our partnership, Standardbreds are front and center.
Leading the effort is Dr. Rebecca Bellone, a well renowned professor of veterinary genetics and director of the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory. Dr. Bellone and her team have begun collecting and analyzing DNA samples from hundreds of Standardbreds, thanks in large part to data-sharing support from the USTA and voluntary contributions from our breeders and owners.
We will be able to point to data-driven breeding practices, robust diversity monitoring, and proactive health management as proof that our sport evolves with the times.
The USTA’s Role
As an organization, our job is to enable research, protect breed integrity, and ensure long-term viability of the Standardbred breed. We’ve been collecting data for decades: race times, pedigree records, injuries, registration rates. That data is invaluable when matched with genetic material. It helps researchers find patterns — linking genes with outcomes.
We don’t tell researchers what to find, but we support their effort to find it. That means:
- sharing performance and injury records (with privacy safeguards),
- helping organize sample collection at tracks and farms,
- promoting voluntary participation in DNA-based research, and
- facilitating communication between scientists and stakeholders.
In short, we make the science possible.
What We’re Learning So Far
We’re still in the early stages, but preliminary results are promising and fascinating. Among the early areas of investigation:
Gait genetics. UC Davis researchers are analyzing the genes that influence whether a horse is more inclined to pace or trot. This could help breeders understand why certain crosses produce more reliably gaited foals and possibly identify gene combinations that increase success in both gaits.
Performance markers. Certain known variants — like the myostatin gene (MSTN) — have already been tied to distance aptitude in Thoroughbreds. Now the goal is to see how those same or similar variants express themselves in Standardbreds: Are there genetic clues for early speed? Recovery rate? Durability?
Health and injury risk. Perhaps most important for the social license and longevity of our sport, UC Davis is looking at genetic predispositions to breakdowns, metabolic disorders and stress-related injuries. If we can identify horses at higher risk before injuries occur, we can improve training regimens and welfare outcomes.
Inbreeding and genetic diversity. Modern breeding practices can concentrate valuable traits — but can also concentrate risk. With access to full genomic data, we can measure actual genetic diversity, not just pedigree-based inbreeding coefficients. This allows us to promote responsible breeding strategies and protect the long-term health of the breed.
What This Means for Breeders and Horsepeople
Let’s be clear: We’re not trying to replace horsemanship with computers. This research is not about removing the art of breeding or replacing experience. It’s about giving breeders and owners better tools to make informed decisions.
In the future, you might be able to:
- run a genetic screen on a foal and see its likelihood for racing success,
- match mares and stallions based not only on paper but on biological compatibility,
- know which yearlings are better suited to quicker development,
- identify carriers of recessive disease genes and avoid pairing them; and
- understand the genetic load of traits like bleeding, tying up, or laminitis.
The USTA envisions a world where DNA complements tradition — not replaces it. It’s not the only thing that matters, but it is an increasingly important piece of the puzzle.
Implications for Public Trust and Social License
As animal welfare becomes a central issue in racing’s relationship with the public, genetics is a key part of the conversation. We must be able to show that we are continuing to breed responsibly, reducing injury risk, and using science to promote the well-being of our horses.
This is especially true in the face of criticism about inbreeding, catastrophic injuries, or perceived overbreeding. With UC Davis and our genetic tracking system, we will be able to point to data-driven breeding practices, robust diversity monitoring, and proactive health management as proof that our sport evolves with the times.
What Comes Next?
The research at UC Davis is ongoing and expanding. More samples are needed, and more owners are getting involved. Over time, we expect this collaboration to yield:
- diagnostic tests for risk factors and traits,
- educational materials for breeders and buyers, and
- a stronger foundation for evidence-based regulation and registration.
We also plan to continue updating members through articles like this, public webinars, and educational outreach. Stay tuned for more information in the coming months.
How You Can Participate
You don’t need a degree in genetics to help move the science forward. If you’re a breeder, trainer, or owner, you can:
- when asked, submit DNA samples to UC Davis via USTA-facilitated programs,
- support voluntary genetic testing of foals or stallions,
- join educational sessions to learn how to interpret DNA results, and
- encourage other horsepeople to get involved.
Final Thoughts
The USTA believes that responsible breeding, performance excellence and horse welfare are not competing values — they are deeply connected. Through our partnership with UC Davis, we are taking bold steps to ensure that Standardbred racing thrives for generations to come.
Genetics won’t replace tradition. But it can illuminate it. It can refine it. And it can help us protect the horses — and the people — who make harness racing possible.
TC Lane
This column appears in the June 2025 issue of Hoof Beats, the official magazine of the USTA. To learn more, or to become a subscriber to harness racing’s premier monthly publication, click here.