Specifications for Speed in the Racehorse: The Airflow Factors

Racehorses must breathe efficiently to win. Here's how to find such a horse. The difference between a champion and a claimer is often less than 5% in ability. Many times that 5% difference lies in the way a horse breathes while racing. Straight legs and good conformation aren't enough. A champion must have a low oxygen demand and a superior oxygen delivery system, or good airflow. Dr. W. Robert Cook is the recognized authority on how horses breathe. He pioneered research into the connection between breathing and racing performance. In his book, Specifications for Speed in the Racehorse: The Airflow Factors, Dr. Cook explains how you can conduct your own airflow evaluation to detect and avoid the conditions horsemen describe as "flipped its palate," "ran out of gas," "bled," "choked up," "had a lazy flapper," "couldn't breathe," etc.