Quando si parla di velocità nel mondo equestre, c’è una razza che domina incontrastata da oltre tre secoli: il Purosangue Inglese, conosciuto a livello internazionale come Thoroughbred. È il cavallo simbolo delle corse al galoppo, capace di raggiungere velocità superiori ai 70 km/h, combinando forza, resistenza ed eleganza come nessun’altra razza.

Behind its extraordinary performances lies a fascinating story, one of genetic selection, breeding and a passion for horse racing, which has given rise to one of the most incredible athletes in the animal kingdom.

The origins of the Thoroughbred

Although the official origins of the Thoroughbred (PSI) are traced back to 1793, the year the Stud Book – the pedigree register for English racehorses – was established, its history began much earlier.

As early as the period of Roman rule in Britain, horses from the East were introduced, in particular those of Berber origin, which were used for racing and breeding. In the centuries that followed, particularly during the Crusades and thanks to extensive trade links with the Mediterranean, horses continued to arrive in England from the Middle East, Syria, Turkey and North Africa.

These animals were prized for their speed, agility and stamina, qualities which English breeders began to select for with great care.

The Stud Book: the English Thoroughbred is officially established

The General Stud Book, published in 1793, marks the official starting point of the modern breed.

All Thoroughbreds are descended from around 50 broodmares, known as the Royal Mares, and from three famous Oriental stallions who revolutionised horse breeding:

• Byerley Turk
• Darley Arabian
• Godolphin Barb (o Godolphin Arabian)

These are often joined by a fourth important sire, the Curwen Bay Barb, which made a significant contribution to the breed’s gene pool.

Even today, almost all thoroughbred racehorses in the world can be traced, through the paternal line, back to these extraordinary stallions.

Contrary to what the name might suggest, the Thoroughbred is not bred exclusively in England.

Its roots lie deep in the East.

The Royal Mares were, in fact, mares from various parts of the Middle East and North Africa, or crosses between breeds such as the Berber, Arabian, Turkish and Syrian.

These were mares that had already been selected for their speed over short distances, often around 400 metres.

The great achievement of English breeders was to refine these qualities through rigorous selection, producing a horse that was taller, more powerful, more resilient and better suited to racing over longer distances.

Why is it considered the fastest horse in the world? The undisputed star of horse racing

The Thoroughbred was bred solely for racing.

Every anatomical feature contributes to its exceptional performance:

• long, powerful limbs;
• a deep chest, housing an extremely efficient cardiopulmonary system;
• sloping shoulders that encourage a long stride;
• lean, well-developed muscles;
• low weight in relation to its power output.

During a race, a Thoroughbred can reach speeds of over 70 km/h and maintain them for hundreds of metres. Some champions have recorded even higher top speeds, confirming the breed’s dominance in the world of racing.

The Thoroughbred is the only breed eligible to compete in the most prestigious international horse racing competitions.

Every year, millions of fans follow legendary events such as:

• il Kentucky Derby negli Stati Uniti;
• il Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Francia;
• the Derby di Epsom in Inghilterra;
• la Dubai World Cup negli Emirati Arabi Uniti;
• la Melbourne Cup in Australia.

Behind every race lie years of breeding, athletic training and teamwork involving breeders, trainers, vets, jockeys and grooms.

Its stride can exceed 8 metres, whilst its heart, during exertion, can beat at over 220 beats per minute, pumping enormous quantities of blood to its muscles.

The respiratory system also works in perfect synchrony with movement: each stride corresponds to a breath, allowing the horse to make the most of the available oxygen.

It is this extraordinary biomechanical efficiency that makes the Thoroughbred a virtually unbeatable athlete.