Dosage of Steeplechase Champions Since 1948

The following table displays the Dosage figures for American steeplechase champions since 1948.  The relatively low DI and CD figures result from significant chef-de-race contributions to the Solid and Professional aptitude groups and are generally consistent with the longer distances of steeplechase races.  However, the DI distribution of these champions reveals some unusual and surprising patterns.

The DI distribution is bimodal with the vast majority (72.1%) of the champions having a DI of less than 2.00.  Surprisingly, another 18.0% have a DI above 4.00 while only 9.8% have a DI in the typical middle distance range of 2.00 to 4.00.  Thus, there appear to be predominantly two types of pedigree associated with top-class performance in American steeplechasing.  The first is the endurance-oriented pedigree in which strong stamina influences prevail, consistent with competitiveness over marathon distances.  The second is the sprint type pedigree in which inherited speed is dominant.  Although the latter at first may seem to contradict suitability for long-distance events, handicappers have observed the successful transition of many sprinters on the flat to racing over jumps.  The rationale is that the typical pace of American steeplechase races is not so demanding that sprinters are inevitably at a huge disadvantage.  It may be that their increased agility and quickness over the hurdles compensate for stamina limitations.  Thus it appears the desirable qualities of stamina and jumping ability can be expressed individually, often shifted more to one trait than the other.  The small number of middle distance pedigrees among these champions is certainly surprising considering just under to 50% of North American open stakes winners on the flat since 1983 have a DI between 2.00 and 4.00.  In fact, 2009 saw only the second steeplechase champion since 1968 having a pedigree within the DI 2.00 to 4.00 range.