(7-1-25) In Standardbred racing, cloning is not permitted, though artificial insemination and embryo transfer are allowed under specific conditions. While the practice of cloning horses is possible and has been demonstrated, the Jockey Club, which maintains the stud book for Thoroughbreds, does not allow cloned horses to race.

So how about this…both breeds should consider allowing a proven gelding to be cloned in order to extend the bloodline. Guidelines could be established for how the clone produced is used.

Although anyone can clone a thoroughbred, it would help if either breed makes some type of program to encourage the process.

Thoroughbred breeders and the racing industry have consistently denied cloning and prohibit the registration of cloned Thoroughbreds. 

Here’s why:

  • Protecting the Integrity of the Breed: The Jockey Club, the governing body for Thoroughbreds in many regions, argues that cloning goes against the fundamental principles of breeding, which involve the natural combination of genetics through live cover. Cloning, in their view, is seen as simply creating a copy and doesn’t contribute to breed improvement through genetic diversity.
  • Concerns About Genetic Diversity: Cloning champions repeatedly could limit the gene pool, potentially increasing the risk of genetic diseases or reducing the overall variability within the Thoroughbred breed.
  • Sporting Ethics and Competition: Allowing cloned horses to race raises questions about fairness and could potentially disadvantage “normal” horses bred through traditional means.
  • Potential for Fraud: There are concerns that cloned horses could be misrepresented or have their identification documents falsified, potentially leading to unfair competition.
  • Commercial Considerations: Some argue that cloning could negatively impact the traditional horse breeding industry by reducing the demand for naturally conceived foals.
  • Welfare Concerns: Although cloning techniques have improved, there are still risks associated with the process, including high rates of embryonic loss and potential health issues in cloned foals. 

It took numerous years for lasix to be accepted…the difference it was given a chance to become a part of the racing world, even though some questions still arise on the use.

The use of Lasix (furosemide) in horse racing for the prevention of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) became publicly known and started gaining traction in the early 1970s. The California Horse Racing Board was one of the first commissions to approve the drug in the early 1970s. 

Here’s a breakdown of the timeline:

  • 1960s: Unsanctioned use of furosemide (Lasix) in racing.
  • Early 1970s: Lasix use becomes more publicized and the California Horse Racing Board is one of the first to approve its use.
  • Early 1975: Race day Lasix is legal in 14 states.
  • 1995: New York, the last state to legalize Lasix for race day use, approves it. 

Note: Lasix is used to manage EIPH, it has also been a subject of controversy regarding its potential performance-enhancing effects and the ethical implications of its use in horse racing. 

While geldings are common in horse racing, there have been just a few winners over the years of the Kentucky Derby and Hambletonian Stakes compared to colts. 

Here is a list of the geldings (Thoroughbreds) who have won the Kentucky Derby: 

  • Vagrant (1876)
  • Apollo (1882)
  • Macbeth II (1888)
  • Old Rosebud (1914)
  • Exterminator (1918)
  • Paul Jones (1920)
  • Clyde Van Dusen (1929)
  • Funny Cide (2003)
  • Mine That Bird (2009) 

Funny Cide‘s victory in 2003 ended a 74-year drought for geldings in the Kentucky

Kentucky Derby (2003): Funny Cide becomes first New York bred to win I Horse Racing I NBC Sports

NBC Sports

Geldings (Standardbreds) who have won the Hambletonian Stakes.

While not as frequent as colt winners, there have been geldings to capture the prestigious trotting classic. The list of Hambletonian winners includes geldings like Market Share (2012) and Pinkman (2015). 

The most recent gelding to win the Hambletonian was Karl in 2024. He won the 99th edition of the race in a driving rainstorm at the Meadowlands,.

2024 Hambletonian | Karl

The Hambletonian Society

Why are geldings less likely to win the Kentucky Derby or the Hambletonian Stakes?

  • Breeding Value: Thoroughbred breeding can be very profitable. According to Sporting News, when considering Kentucky Derby contenders, owners and trainers are often hopeful that the horse will have a successful racing career, and then go on to a lucrative stud career, as the real money in racing is often in breeding fees, not just race winnings, says Jackson Knowlton, managing partner of Funny Cide’s ownership group Sackatoga. Because winning the Kentucky Derby significantly increases a male horse’s value as a breeding stallion, owners are often hesitant to geld a promising colt.
  • Behavior and Manageability: Geldings are generally calmer and easier to handle than stallions, notes the Thoroughbred Owners of California, which states that castration can temper aggressive or distracted behaviors, allowing geldings to train more consistently and handle racing stress better. While this can be beneficial for training and managing horses on a daily basis, some argue that the higher testosterone levels in stallions contribute to their competitive drive and intensity on the track.
  • Focus on the finish line: Owners may choose to geld a colt whose behavior becomes difficult to manage and impacts their training or racing performance. Gelding can help the horse focus their energy on racing rather than breeding, which can potentially lead to improved performance. 

2018 Breeders Crown Open Trot Final – Homicide Hunter

Breeders Crown

Homicide Hunter (Standardbred gelding), the world’s fastest harness racing trotter and holder of the all-time trotting record, is joining the MMXX show team for the 2025 season. He ended his racing career with earnings of $1,761,577…including victories in the Breeders Crown, Allerage Trot and Hill Memorial.

Cloning (if it was allowed) Homicide Hunter‘s bloodline could be continued. Nothing against being a show horse, but if he was a stallion the income could have been substantial. This would at least allow some future options, cloning could make that happen.

It is time to seriously consider an option like this.

Fractional (Thoroughbreds) Shares Stable – Check out – Nole Ksum Racing Stable