infertile | Horse Racing Free Tips

Elevated ACTH Could Signal Complicated Conception

A Japanese study using infertile mares has found that many have elevated levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH is linked to the endocrine disorder pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID).

Dr. Takeru Tsuchiya and a research team used 67 Thoroughbred broodmares with unknown fertility issues for the study. Each horse had a physical exam and was deemed healthy.

The mares were tested for PPID in the fall using baseline plasma ACTH concentrations; they were divided into three groups based on their ACTH concentration level: low, intermediate, and high.

The team found 77.3 percent conception rates in the low ACTH group, and 56.5 percent in the high ACTH group. The high ACTH group didn't have a significant difference in the number of breedings, but it had lower conception rates.

PPID affects 15 to 30 percent of horses over 15. High ACTH concentrations are common in older horses. Almost two-thirds of the mares used in the study had elevated ACTH hormones. ACTH may indirectly affect reproductive performance.

The study team concluded that if infertile mares are tested for ACTH concentration levels early, it may be possible to improve reproduction performance. They recommend that other factors, including other reproductive hormones, be investigated for their effect on reproductive performance.

Read the article here.

Grade 1 Winner Green Gratto Finishes Last In Comeback Race, Will Be Retired

Grade 1-winning millionaire Green Gratto was returning to the races off a 16-month layoff on Sunday at Monmouth Park, but the 10-year-old gelding incurred a superficial wound on his right foreleg at the start and was eased to finish last in the field of seven. Trainer Kathleen O'Connell told the Daily Racing Form that Green Gratto's owners will take him back to their Florida farm for retirement.

“Other than that small mark, he's okay,” O'Connell told drf.com. “He jogs sound, but he is being retired and after resting a few days he is going back to his farm.”

Retired to stud in 2018, Green Gratto was found to be infertile and thus gelded. He had been entered for a comeback last fall at Gulfstream when a social media firestorm forced him to be withdrawn from that race.

Unraced since April of 2018, Green Gratto was under the care of trainer Tamara Levy when his first comeback attempt was spoiled. He returned to owner Norman Wilson's farm, where Wilson said the gelding became listless and unhappy, before he was sent to trainer Kathleen O'Connell in 2020.

Green Gratto recorded three workouts at Monmouth since late June, and shows works at Tampa Bay Downs as early as Feb. 8 of this year. The gelding was listed at 8-1 on the morning line for Sunday's six-furlong contest, which was a $20,000 optional claiming race restricted to New Jersey-breds.

Prior to his unsuccessful stallion career, Green Gratto amassed earnings of $1,149,202 with a record of nine wins, nine seconds, and nine thirds from 65 starts. His graded stakes victories include the G1 Carter in 2017, G3 Toboggan in 2017 and G3 Fall Heighweight in 2015.

Off 16-Month Layoff, Grade 1 Winner Green Gratto Entered For $20,000 Tag At Monmouth

Found to be infertile and thus gelded, 10-year-old Green Gratto had been entered for a comeback last fall at Gulfstream when a social media firestorm forced him to be withdrawn from that race. Now, according to the Daily Racing Form, the Grade 1 winner has been entered in a $20,000 claiming race on Sunday at Monmouth Park.

“I know the big uproar it caused the last time he was entered, but I think everyone needs to know that this is best for the horse and he has a forever home here,” co-owner Norman Wilson told drf.com.

Unraced since April of 2018, Green Gratto was under the care of trainer Tamara Levy when his first comeback attempt was spoiled. He returned to Wilson's farm, where Wilson said the gelding became listless and unhappy, before he was sent to trainer Kathleen O'Connell in 2020.

Green Gratto has recorded three workouts at Monmouth since late June, and shows works at Tampa Bay Downs as early as Feb. 8 of this year. The gelding is listed at 8-1 on the morning line for Sunday's six-furlong contest, which is restricted to New Jersey-breds.