Rare breeds of horse may have another tool in their arsenal against extinction: gender selection. The gender of a foal depends on what chromosome the sperm contains when it fertilizes the ovum. The nucleus of a sperm carrying the X chromosome is 4 percent larger than sperm containing a Y chromosome. This difference allows the sperm to be separated.
Inseminating the mare with semen that contains mainly X chromosomes increases the chances of getting a filly. This is important for breeds like the Suffolk Punch, which have fewer than 300 mares in the entire world. The Suffolk Punch is an English draft bred that is known for their power, stamina and temperament.
Tullis Matson, who owns AI Services, a UK-based equine reproductive center, began using new technology to sex sort equine semen in 2019. The company works in partnership with both Cogent and Sexing Technologies, and uses specialized equipment to sex sort the semen prior to insemination of the mare.
Ruby, a Suffolk Punch owned by Nottingham Trent University, was inseminated with semen from Holbeach Iggy, a Suffolk Punch stallion owned by Mike Clarke of Holbeache Farm, Suffolk, as part of a project between The Rare Breed Survival Trust and Nottingham Trent University. Using pedigree information, the project determined which animals can be bred to one another to minimize genetic decline and the risk of inbreeding.
Ruby had a healthy filly from the procedure. This form of gender selection allows breeding populations to increase more rapidly than by using traditional breeding methods.
Read more at Equine Science Update.
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After a late scratch from Saturday's Grade 3 Monmouth Cup, fan-favorite Bodexpress has been nominated to the Grade 1 Whitney Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 1, reports bloodhorse.com.
The 4-year-old son of Bodemeister, best-known for his riderless romp in the 2019 Preakness Stakes, was scratched by the state veterinarian when it was noted that the colt was bleeding near his nostrils. Gustavo Delgado, Jr., the assistant and 31-year-old son of trainer Gustavo Delgado, said the blood was due to a scratch on Bodexpress' nose incurred while he shipped to Monmouth Park.
“This horse is full of stories, but this one is not because of him,” said Delgado Jr. “He behaved well and he was doing everything that he had to do. He came back good, scoped fine, and he's already home and walked this morning.”
He returned to the races five months later, breaking his maiden at Gulfstream Park West, and concluded his sophomore season with a third-place finish as the favorite in the G3 Harlan's Holiday at Gulfstream.
In January, Bodexpress ran fifth in the G1 Pegasus World Cup, but finished an uncharacteristic 11th in the Gulfstream Park Mile one month later. He returned in March to be third in the G3 Hal's Hope, again as the post-time favorite.
Overall, Bodexpress' record stands at 2-3-2 from 13 starts for earnings of $359,500.
Read more at bloodhorse.com.
The post Nobody Puts Bode In A Corner: After Late Scratch In Monmouth Cup, Bodexpress Nominated To Whitney appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
