Research Trends and Emerging Frontiers in Racehorse Genetics: A Bibliometric Analysis

The global horse racing industry relies heavily on elite breeding. Therefore, a molecular understanding of athletic traits is crucial for the industry's advancement. This study utilized Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 869 publications in the Web of Science Core Collection (2011-2025), decoding the academic landscape and evolutionary trajectory of equine genetics. The results indicate a significant upward trend in academic output since 2019, with the United States, South Korea, and the United Kingdom emerging as the primary contributors. Institutions such as the University of California, Davis, and University College Dublin serve as key hubs within a highly structured global collaborative network. Analysis of keyword co-occurrence and bursts reveals a distinct paradigm shift: research has evolved from early single-gene identification (e.g., MSTN) to large-scale genome-wide scans, and more recently to functional genomics and bioethical issues. Contemporary research frontiers increasingly focus on "gene doping" "homozygosity" and "risk factors" signaling that horse genetics is shifting from performance-oriented selection toward a comprehensive framework that integrates phenotypes, health, and genetic diversity. This study provides researchers with a strategic roadmap to help them align with emerging trends and foster international collaboration in equine genomic selection.