CASE the Race profiles races for Thoroughbreds, which are a breed of horse that have been recorded since the 17th century. They can begin racing at age 2, and typically retire from racing sometime between ages 5 and 8, although even older racehorses can be found. The racehorse is influenced most by his jockey, trainer, and owner.
Jockey
The jockey rides the horse during the race. Jockeys are light, agile, and incredibly strong, because it takes considerable power to navigate a 1,000 pound animal running at a top speed of around 45 miles per hour. A jockey can start riding races between the ages of 16 and 18 (it varies by state), and are called apprentice jockeys until they have been riding for 1 year or have reached 50 wins. Shrewd handicappers bet horses ridden by good apprentice jockeys because of the weight difference – apprentice jockeys get a weight “allowance” so their horses run with a lighter load. Jockeys on a hot streak win between 15- and 20% of the time. Therefore, if a horse you like being ridden by a top jockey at decent odds, it can be a good bet.
The trainer is the person responsible for the horse. The trainer maps out a plan of how to get the horse fit, and then enters the horse in races. A racetrack trainer receives the horse when it is a two-years-old, after it has already learned how to wear a saddle and bridle, accept a rider, and gallop around the track with other horses. The trainer plans the horse’s feeding program, and consults with the veterinarian regarding any medication the horse might need. The best trainers go on streaks, winning between 15 and 25% of the time.
The owner is the person or entity that buys or breeds the horse and puts up the money for the horse’s care and entry fees. The owner usually allows the trainer to make decisions regarding which races to enter. But sometimes the owner overrules the trainer and decides on a race himself. Owners who are winning the biggest races generally have the best quality in racing stock because they can afford to buy the fancier, more expensive horses.
