20/12/2023
We are excited to announce that in 2021, Equus Genetics acquired a Secretariat hair sample with the goal of performing DNA analysis to learn more about the legendary horse himself and the Thoroughbred breed. We approached this historic sample with respect for Secretariat, his owners, and fans. We completed a Whole Genome Sequencing of the sample in Fall 2023.
Equus Genetics believes that properly preserving and analyzing Secretariat’s DNA will benefit the Horse Health and Horseracing industries. After Secretariat’s autopsy was performed, the discovery of Secretariat’s larger than average heart prompted research and questions about the Thoroughbred breed. DNA analysis may help answer some of those question and may raise new questions that spark exciting research of the horse genome.
We performed a Whole Genome Sequencing on this sample to preserve a record of Secretariat’s genetic composition. Because hair decomposes over time, we have made it a priority to properly preserve the data collected and the sample itself. Preservation of the data will help us apply rapidly developing technology and to continue learning more about Secretariat in the future.
To be clear, we have no intention to replicate Secretariat’s DNA for cloning. Our purpose now is to preserve and study this important sample. We look forward to sharing developments as we continue to make progress.
Equus Genetics is a bioinformatics group focused on performance horse analysis through DNA analysis and microbiome testing. To reach out to Equus Genetics you can email [email protected] or you can visit Equus Genetics’ website at EquusGenetics.com.
