SummaryThis study was undertaken to invesigate the application of submaximal field tests in assessment of performance. A submaximal field exercise test consisting of 2 bouts of pacing for 1600 m, with 5 min rest or walking between runs was performed on Standardbred racehorses at 2 training centres (A and B). Performance indices were compiled for each horse: number of race starts, number of race wins, number of race placings (1, 2 or 3), and lifetime earnings. Regression analysis was conducted to describe the relationship between plasma lactate concentrations and speed for tests one, 2 and pooled results. Using the regression equation, observed (measured) minus expected (predicted) (O-E) lactate concentrations for tests were calculated and plotted against performance indices to determine their relationship. For stables A and B the association between lactate and velocity for the 2 runs was best described by the exponential equations: y = 0.0014 e07306x (r 2 = 0.54, P<0.001) and y = 0.002 e06812x (r 2 = 0.42, P<0.001), respectively, where y is lactate concentration (mmol/l) and x is speed (m/s). For the pooled results for heat 1 and heat 2 for stables A and B the relationship between lactate and velocity was best described by an exponential equation y = 0.0016 e07117x (r 2 = 0.47, P<0.001). This study found no relationship between (O-E) and performance indices (number of race wins, number of race placings, lifetime earnings and average $/start) at stables A or B for test run 1, 2 or pooled lactates. At stable A, there was a significant association between V La4 and log lifetime earnings (r = 0.51, P = 0.053) and log average $/start (r = 0.54, P = 0.036). There were no significant correlations at stable B. In conclusion a 2-step determination method of V La4 is a possible means for studying limits to performance in pacing Standardbred racehorses.

Relationships between racing performance and plasma lactate and uric acid concentrations after racing were investigated in pacing Standardbred racehorses. The study was undertaken in order to better understand factors that limit racing performance. Twenty horses were tested after races of 1760 m and 28 horses after races over 2160 m. Blood samples were taken 30-60 min before and 8 and 30 min after a race. There were no significant differences between the race distances for prerace and 8 min postrace plasma lactates. Significant low correlations were obtained for plasma lactate concentration 8 min postrace and the number of race wins (r = 0.29, P = 0.04), number of race placings (1st, 2nd or 3rd; r = 0.34, P = 0.02) and lifetime earnings (r = 0.29, P = 0.04). Net lactate was correlated with the number of race placings (r = 0.31, P = 0.03). There were no significant correlations between performance indices and plasma uric acid concentrations in races of 1760 m. For races over 2160 m, correlations were found between plasma uric acid concentration at 8 min postrace and the number of race wins (r = 0.37, P = 0.06, 95% confidence limits 0-0.65). As well, there was a significant correlation between uric acid concentration at 8 min postrace and lifetime earnings (r = 0.35, P = 0.07, 95% confidence limits 0.06-0.64). Only 10-15% of the variability in retrospective career performance in pacing Standardbreds can be explained by these metabolic markers of the muscle anaerobic response to racing. Plasma lactate and uric acid responses to maximal exercise are unlikely to be useful for evaluating racing performance in pacing Standardbreds in univariate analysis.