Thoroughbred Horse Racing
The Thoroughbred Horse
The Thoroughbred is a distinct breed of horse recognized as a race horse. The breed developed during the 17th century in England when English mares started to be bred with imported Arabian horses. In the present day, all modern Thoroughbreds trace back to the Arabian horse breed.
| The average Thoroughbred is around 16 hands (64 inches) in height and is generally bay, chestnut, black or gray in color. The face and lower legs may have white marks but not the body. A superior Thoroughbred has a finely chiseled head, a long neck, high withers, a deep chest, a short back, good depth of hindquarters, a slender body and long legs. All these characteristics make the Thoroughbred refined, agile and fast. |
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Thoroughbred Horse Breeding for Racing
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In order for the thoroughbred horse to race it has to be registered as a thoroughbred. In the Jockey Club registry, this is possible only if the thoroughbred is conceived by “live cover” which means by the witnessed natural mating of a stallion and a mare which are of course both thoroughbreds. Each year, roughly 35,000 Thoroughbred foals are registered in the United States. The highest number of foals are born in California, Florida and Kentucky. |
The thoroughbred must permanently live on the trainers’ farm. The horse owner normally pays a monthly fee to the trainer which also covers vet bills, fees for use of the gallops and other equipment as well as entry fees and jockey’s fees. The average cost per year of owning a thoroughbred trained for horse racing is around $30,000.
| Even though this breed of horse is mainly brought up for racing, due to its fitness you will also see it in show jumping and combined training. If the Thoroughbred is small in size it will likely be required as a polo pony. As for the larger ones, they will be demanded for hunter/jumper and dressage competitions. The older Thoroughbreds can become great dressage horses, youth show horses or family riding horses. |
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About Thoroughbred Horse Racing
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Thoroughbred Horse Racing is the most popular horse race and is admired in all countries. In the United States, Thoroughbred horses race on flat grounds of grass or dirt with varying distances. The most common distances are from 4.5 furlongs (905m) to 1½miles (2414m). Knowing this, Thoroughbred horse breeders procreate horses with long strides, speed and endurance. |
In many countries, the breeding, training and racing of thoroughbred horses has become a huge agribusiness stirring up a lot of economic activity. Jobs are created for trainers, jockeys, farmers who groom and feed the horses, vets, drivers who transport the horses, auction house employees and race track employees. Not to forget Parimutuel gambling which provides winnings to successful gamblers and taxes to the state. Extraordinary horses can win millions of dollars and make millions more by offering stud services, such as horse breeding. Thoroughbred horse racing even has its own Hall of Fame in the United States for trainers, jockeys and horses.
Thoroughbred Horse Races
| The highlight of US horse racing has been the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing for three-year-olds held early each year which comprises of the Belmont Stakes, the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. The other important race is the Breeders’ Cup which is held at a different race track at the end of each year, the latest being Churchill Downs (2006). |
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Safety
Bear in mind, there are many dangers associated with horse racing for both jockey and horse. A horse can trip and fall and injure itself as well as the rider.
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