Howard Hamilton
Last week, we looked at the origins of the breeding industry in Jamaica and suggested some reasons for the decline in both the quality and quantity of horses bred.
We stressed the importance of incentives similar to those offered for other related forms of agricultural activity. We pointed out that the racing industry generates substantial sums of money and should be able to fund programmes to move the industry forward .
We emphasised the need for an urgent change in perception and direction. This week we continue with a look at the uncertainties of racing and the risks involved in owning a horse.
BY THE time thoroughbreds grow to full size, most weigh more than 1,000 pounds, they have been through plenty.
The initial hope is for a horse to have no glaring physical defects so that he will be rugged enough to cope with the rigors of training, many do not, some fall to pieces the first time they work three furlongs at full speed. Others fall short at five furlongs - Bear in mind this is only practice.
But miracles happen. Horses reveal enough ability during practice training sessions to justify competition, and they win races. It is in their blood , thoroughbreds literally are born to run .
Even as yearlings, horses that are one year old, they race against each other in the pastures, as if the competition for which they were bred has already begun.
A lot happens before a horse runs in a race. Thoroughbreds typically begin preparation for a racing career before there second birthday. January 1 is considered the universal birthday for thoroughbreds two or four months ahead of their "true" birthday.
By the time horses turn two, most have begun early training, and have experienced the weight of a rider on their backs. By early in their two-year-old. year many have run full speed for an eighth of a mile or a quarter mile, at the race track. Actual competition is right around the corner, at which time the horse begins to compile a racing record.
Thoroughbreds are sometimes considered fragile, but only because the demands placed on them are so great. Their careers typically last only two to three years. A leading veterinarian explains that: "You would take these horses and turn them into riding horses and they will last forever, but we ask them to perform to the very limit of their physical ability.
"We have bred horses to be competitive, and some horses will give you every ounce they have, and sometimes they will give you more than they have. Therein lies the problem.
"They try to exceed the limits of their own ability."
No wonder racehorses' careers are so short. They are asked to run at full speed, time after time and they do wear out. Racing is tough on horses, owners, breeders and trainers.
A thoroughbred's inherent ability becomes increasingly dear once he commences full training. During full -speed exercise under a rider, horses begin to reveal distinct traits.
In timed workouts, they may show they are quick, perhaps suited to sprint races of six furlongs or less. Sprinters achieve full speed in the first quarter mile of a race, then decelerate the rest of the way.
Others distribute their energy gradually. They may utilise a steady-paced running style suited for longer races at one mile or more, in which stamina is important. Where sprinters are trained to race at top speed from the moment the starting gates open, distance horses, may be trained to conserve energy in the early part of the race, and call on those resources later.
BUILD IS KEY
The physical build of a race horse is key to its future. A big, stocky, powerful horse with large hind muscles may be well suited to a sprint race in which a fast start and aggressive running style are essential. Conversely, long-distance specialists typically are leaner and longer. They are able to carry their speed over longer distance.
No matter how much money is spent this is not an easy game. As one successful "pinhooker" said to me recently, "This is a numbers game - if you are going to buy a horse for a million dollars make sure you buy five. You will be better off buying five horses for $200,000 each than one for $1 million".
Good luck to all buyers in the upcoming yearling sale and remember the old truism: "You never buy a good horse, you are lucky if you get one."
Howard L. Hamilton, C.D., J.P, is a former chairman of Caymanas Track Limited. He is the President of Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. He can be contacted at howham@cwjamaica.com.
