Horse Racing Questions From A Dummy

[BigBlue]

I've been at the game for a few years now, but still consider myself a beginner. I've been a faithful listener to ATR via podcast which has helped quiet a bit - but every so often I have questions which seem like they're pretty basic - but I really don't know. My sense is that some are -and some that seem simple on the surface, really may not be. I don't live near a track (although I wish I did) where I could ask one of the regulars. This website is the closest I have to a community of players. I know there are a lot of knowedgeable folks that hang out here so hopefully you won't mind weighing in on a few of my questions. So to borrow a little from Rich Eng's book, here's my first.

Horse Racing Questions From A Dummy

Freshening

Why does a horse need 4 - 6 weeks between starts? And even when there's not a race - there may be two weeks between a workout - and sometime no workout at all? What is happening physiologically with a horse that requires this amount of time? Kobe Bryant plays every night. Eli Manning every seven days. Is a race that taxing that it requires this amount of down time or are we just waiting for the next best spot to run. Are there other factors between trainer/owner/horse that dictate these times? Is stuff happening all week long that isn't reflected in the form? Is there other exercise/conditioning that goes on? Have always wondered but never really knew.

[jms62]

Trainers like to spread their excuses of why a horse lost over a longer period of time so they can continue to collect their day rate longer

[Cannon Shell]

Because the sheets makers say so

[OldDog]

BigBlue,

Check this out
http://www.derbytrail.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39844

and click on the link to the article (pdf) that Steve put in the initial post. There are answers from people "in the know." They all have some merit, not necessarily applicable to all instances.

There are a lot of horses, mostly older geldings in lower lever races, who race with much greater frequency. Are they more durable, tried and true? Or is it simple economics?

Lots of answers, but no simple one that can be applied across the board.

[BigBlue]

Originally Posted by OldDog

BigBlue,

Check this out
http://www.derbytrail.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39844

and click on the link to the article (pdf) that Steve put in the initial post. There are answers from people "in the know." They all have some merit, not necessarily applicable to all instances.

There are a lot of horses, mostly older geldings in lower lever races, who race with much greater frequency. Are they more durable, tried and true? Or is it simple economics?

Lots of answers, but no simple one that can be applied across the board.

OldDog,

Thanks so much! The thread was very helpful and exactly what I was looking for. And the article should be required reading for anyone interested in the sport. I think I'll start following Gary Contessa a little more closely - seems to be the kind of trainer we could use more of.