Horses - Snow Whites: Sodashi, Russe Blanc, Arctic White

The presence of a snow-white horse in a race brings a unique allure to the event. Such horses, often referred to as "Snow Whites," naturally draw attention and evoke a sense of nostalgia among spectators. They remind us of childhood tales filled with enchanting creatures like white unicorns and soaring dragons, sparking a sense of wonder even in the most practical-minded individuals. Regardless of their pragmatism, people can’t help but admire the beauty of a white racehorse, which adds an element of magic to the competition. 

When a white horse triumphs in a race, it becomes a noteworthy occurrence in the racing community, often garnering more media coverage than other competitors.

There are two distinct categories of horses that appear white. The first group consists of “gray” horses, which can be born from any colour. Research from Uppsala University indicates that these horses possess a genetic mutation that causes their coats to gray as they age, leading to their white appearance, which can be indistinguishable from “true white” horses. However, according to Practical Horseman, this mutation also predisposes about 80% of gray horses to melanoma in their later years.

The second category includes “true white” horses, which carry mutations in the KIT gene, specifically within the "W" gene group that comprises around 30 alleles. The Center for Animal Genetics in Heidelberg, which conducts genetic testing for horses and dogs, notes that there is a range of white colouration among the various W mutations. 

“True white” horses are characterised by their pink skin beneath their coat, in contrast to “gray” horses, which have dark skin. True whites, often referred to as dominant whites, can be found globally, including some that participate in racing. Notable examples include:

- Shirayukihime, a purebred Japanese horse born in 1996, carries the W14 mutation and has produced 14 foals, 10 of which are white.

- Allamyscotty, a purebred stallion from Miracle Hill farm in Florida, born in 2014, is a carrier of the W22 mutation and is entirely white.

- Marble Cake, a purebred mare from Japan, born in 2011 and raced from 2012 to 2017, carries the W14 gene and features a white coat with small spots.

- Totem de Visais, an American Standardbred Trotter born in 2007, is completely white and inherited his colouration from his mother.

While many white horses exist around the world, none are as celebrated and legendary as the thoroughbred from Japan, Sodashi.

Sodashi

Sodashi, born on March 8, 2018, made history as the first “true” white horse to secure victories in Group 1 races, including the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies, Oka Sho (1000 Guineas), and Victoria Mile. Her grandmother, Shirayukihime, also known as Snow White, was born white to non-white parents and carries the W14 mutation. Sodashi's mother, Buchiko, was a white mare with dark spots who won multiple races in Japan. In 2020, Sodashi was recognised as Japan's best two-year-old filly, and in 2021, she earned the title of best three-year-old filly.

Sodashi's rise to fame coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when people were anxious about their health and the well-being of their loved ones. As society grappled with uncertainty, Sodashi, often referred to as a "Unicorn" due to her striking appearance, became a symbol of hope and purity. Her victories captured public interest, shifting attention away from the prevailing fears of the time. People eagerly followed her racing news, and she became a beloved figure beyond Japan's borders.

The enthusiasm for Sodashi extended to merchandise, with a limited release of plush toys modelled after her selling out almost instantly online. The demand was so high that the website crashed due to overwhelming traffic. 

Sodashi continued to compete until 2023, when she began experiencing leg pain, leading to her retirement. She is currently residing at Northern Farm, where she will serve as a breeding mare.

European “True” White Horses

The first European horse recognised for its pure white colour was the French stallion Mont Blanc, born in 1963. He sired over 40 offspring, with at least 10 being classified as “true” white.

Among his descendants, Russe Blanc, a gelding born in 2007, gained some notoriety as a hurdler under trainer Kerry Lee. He raced from 2011 to 2018, participating in 37 races, where he secured 5 wins, finished second 6 times, and came in third 4 times. Although he was a commendable competitor, being a gelding means he cannot produce any offspring.

Currently, there are no known European thoroughbreds exhibiting dominant white colouring, aside from Mont Blanc's lineage.

North American "True" White Horses

The first "true" white thoroughbred registered by the Jockey Club in the Americas was White Beauty, born in 1963, who had no black hairs at all. While White Beauty produced offspring that raced, none achieved significant success, and her own record was modest, with only 2 wins out of 16 starts. The performance of her other five offspring was similarly unremarkable.

In 1999, Arctic White, another "true" white stallion, was foaled at Painted Desert Farm in eastern Oregon. Although he was trained for racing, he ultimately remained at the farm as a breeding stallion.

Despite not demonstrating exceptional racing abilities, "true" white thoroughbreds have garnered a following due to their distinctiveness and beauty. Interestingly, White Abarrio, a snow-white thoroughbred who won the 2022 Florida Derby (G1) and the 2023 Breeders' Cup Classic, is technically a gray horse, despite his appearance and name.

About Gray Thoroughbreds

Though referred to as gray, these horses are often appreciated for their striking white appearance, captivating the public regardless of their actual coat colour. Since 2003, Newmarket Race Course has hosted the Gray Horse Handicap, a race specifically for three-year-old and older gray horses covering a distance of 6 furlongs.

Gray thoroughbreds are estimated to make up about 3% of the overall population, but their numbers have been gradually increasing. Notably, prior to 1954, no gray horse had won the Kentucky Derby over an 80-year span, but from 1962 to 1997, six gray horses achieved victory. Between 1995 and 1999, 13 gray horses won Group 1 races in Britain, Ireland, and France, with many going on to become successful sires, thereby promoting the gray colour within the breed. At Tattersalls, the percentage of gray sires surpasses the breed average at 5.45%. However, racing enthusiasts often seek qualities beyond just speed, time, and earnings.