terms
Foal = young horse
weanling = under 12 months
yearling = 12-24 months
colt = male under 4yrs
filly = female under 4yrs
mare = female over 4yrs
stallion = male over 4yrs
gelding = carstrated male
sire = father dam = mother
August 1
the horse's birthday
In the northern hemisphere it is January 1. Horses begin training from as early as 18 months of age, particularly early and largely due to our breeding industry. 2yo racing is popular and carries huge prize purses, a much quicker return for owners that buy a yearling at the sales.
the classics
a set of races for 3yos
Developed in the UK races set for 3yos are considered the most prestigious. There is the 1,000 guineas for fillies and 2,000 guineas for colts held over a mile (1600m). The Oaks for fillies and Derby for colts are held over a mile and a half (2400m), guaranteeing the victor a wealthy stud career.
Racing covers a range of distances. Sprint races are between 1000m and 1400m. The middle distance is around 1600m, classics go between 2000m and 2400m. 2500m and over is considered a staying event. The Melbourne Cup is 3200m and the Royal Ascot Gold Cup is 4000m, both being incredible tests of a horse's strength, balance and ability to sprint after a sustained period.
G1
the highest level =
the best horses
Racing has levels and types to determine which horse is best at which distance and track. Group races are for the very best - moving from Group 3, to Group 2 to Group 1.
Types of races include a handicap, where racing officials determine how much weight the horse must carry depending on its ability. It gives a fair chance to all horses (in theory anyway). Maiden races are for horses that have not won, and some races have conditions that only allow horses with a certain amount of wins to enter. WFA (weight for age) means horses carry weight allocated to their age.
Racing's rule keepers are called Stewards, and these men and women are in charge of all facts of racing. This often means watching replays of races many times to determine any foul play or mishaps during a race.
A trainer prepares the horse for a race, getting him/her fit and healthy. Trainers can be in charge of hundreds of horses and staff, so there is often a foreman - like a deputy, to help with the role. Stable staff include strappers who look after the horses' every need, trackwork riders who exercise the horses each day and office and administration workers who look after the important bookwork. A farrier looks after a horses' feet.
betting
What are the odds?
Like most sports these days, racing is often ruled by the odds. Racing by definition is a game of winning and losing. A favourite is the horse most people believe to win the race and therefore pays the least to win. An outsider is the least likely and pays nicely.
Racing isn't just a giant poker machine though, and as I hope to show you, it is a way of life for millions worldwide. At the very hert is the horse and the incredible dedication to this equine athlete.
IN NSW AND QLD HORSES RUN IN A CLOCKWISE DIRECTION. IN VIC, SA, WA AND NT HORSES RUN ANTI-CLOCKWISE