racing horses not registered in a state program

[3nutmeg]

Would anybody train and race a horse they had that was not registered in a state incentive program? I know NY has a good incentive program but what kind of races are available for non-statebreds? Does a horse's personality have any factor in whether he/she will want to be competitive in racing? What criteria would you use to determine whether or not your yearling/2yr or 3yr old is a candidate for training? Do you X-ray joints?

Thanks for the info

[madelyn]

You can race horses just about everywhere even if they are not registered in a state program in open company races. Generally, though, you race for quite a lot less money. It costs SO MUCH just to get a horse to its first start, I personally would never consider making that kind of investment in a horse just to run for half of the purse (in KY, the KTDF component of the purse is usually around half, except at Churchill). If you look at the programs in NY, PA, IN, etc. you will see that if you have a horse in one of those programs you are racing for considerably more money than a non-state bred.

In my experience temperament has nothing to do with talent or racing ability. Conformation is very important. At this time, I am only training horses I raised myself. I already know pretty much "everything" about them. I do plan to get full x-rays this fall of my two yearling fillies before I start them. Usually if you buy a yearling at a sale, there are x-rays.

[3nutmeg]

Thanks Madelyn, that info helps out alot I can focus on marketing him as a hunter/jumper.

[Joltman]

Which would you rate as the top 3 state programs - all factors considered? Is the new MD program with any potential?

thx

jm