Safety Claim
 

I overheard some guys talking about putting a "safety claim" on their horse. What exactly is this and is it something legal?

Citycat,

1) Welcome to the board

2) I am not 100% sure on this but it could mean having a couple of your buddies that had the cash throw down 'claim' the horse all using the same trainer, and then you claiming him back next time at the same price, so you can pick up a couple checks.....Many others will be able to respond with more knowledge, but that is my guess

What you are referring to is also called a protection claim. Specifically, you as the owner, or your trainer, has someone drop a slip to claim your horse. No other claims -- this guy gets the horse, allegedly he goes to another barn and mysteriously he ends up back with you as owner (via private sale, and in a few rare cases, via another claim) and with the original trainer. If someone else drops a slip, you have a chance of getting him back. Meaning, if there is only one other claim in, you are 50/50 that your guy gets him and you get him back.

It is not legal anywhere -- at least not anywhere that I am aware of.

Eric

also when doing this and getting the horse back i believe you cannot run back for atleast a month no matter what the tag since the horse was claimed and then ownership was transferred from the person(people) who claimed the horse

"Jail" time is different at various tracks. For example, at Monmouth Park, you can claim and drop after 20 days, but you cannot change ownership for 30 days. NY, I believe is 30 and 30 (I don't remember).

Regardless, as I mentioned, it is illegal and there are fines, potential suspensions, etc. It's similar to trying to drop two claims in on the same horse to increase your chances of getting the horse (where that is illegal of course).

Eric