All Heart
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The size of a horse’s heart, which grows until the animal is four years old, is believed to have a direct relation to its ability to run fast.
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Whilst a large heart will not guarantee victory on the track, studies have shown that it represents approximately 25 per cent of what makes a champion.
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A big heart won’t compensate for a poor attitude or bad conformation, but if everything else is on order, a large heart can mean a great racehorse.
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Certain abnormalities of the equine heart are common and it has been suggested that 50% of all horses have a heart which makes some odd noise or beats rather unevenly, but most of these horses seem to perform quite well.
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Today the average weight of a racehorse’s heart is 9lbs (4kgs) and, as the horse gets fitter, the heart size may increase up to 12lbs (5.5kgs)
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In the mid 18th century the average weight was 6lbs (2.72kgs), yet the heart of the legendary Eclipse (foaled 1764), whose skeleton you will find in the National Horseracing Museum in the town, weighed a remarkable 14lbs (6.35kgs), the same weight as Australia’s great 20th century racehorse, Phar Lap.
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The heart of the sensational 1973 American triple crown winner, Secretariat, was estimated to have weighed a staggering 22lbs (10kgs). No wonder he left his rivals trailing in his wake time after time in the States!
