Does it indicate that there is something physically wrong...

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fernhollow
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Does it indicate that there is something physically wrong...

Postby fernhollow » Tue Jul 19, 2005 1:00 pm

if a horse finishes 9th by 35 lengths in a $4000 claiming race?

I am looking at him for a future sporthorse, but can't use one that is a roarer or has limiting physical problems.

His name is Mach Ten.

Thank you

StrawberryFelidos
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Postby StrawberryFelidos » Tue Jul 19, 2005 1:10 pm

Hmm.. can't say that I have a lot of hands-on experiences with horses, but the above scenario doesn't sound too good. He might have a problem or he might just be really, really slow- the only way to know for sure, I guess, would be to talk to the owner/trainer and have a look at the horse yourself, maybe take him for a 'test drive' and bring a vet along for a close look. That's what I'd do. :)
(assuming, of course, that the owner permits such a close inspection)

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FOS
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Postby FOS » Tue Jul 19, 2005 3:14 pm

hi fernhollow

Some years ago there was a thoroughbred filly that raced in south Florida that showed little (maybe nothing is a better description) and was ultimately retired from the track and tried in another venue.

I cannot recall her Jockey Club registered name...but years later she went on to earn a Gold Medal in the Olympics (grand prix jumping [or whatever]). She performed under the name Touch of Class (to the best of my recollection). Obviously she excelled in her new-found career.
I agree with StrawberryFelidos recommendation "...bring a vet along for a close look." Furthermore...I suggest that the Veterinarian you select might best serve you if he/she is particularly knowledgeable and experienced with horses that perform in the discipline you intend to be involved in.

Respectfully

Linda in TX
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Postby Linda in TX » Tue Jul 19, 2005 4:53 pm

FOS wrote:Some years ago there was a thoroughbred filly that raced in south Florida that showed little (maybe nothing is a better description) and was ultimately retired from the track and tried in another venue.
I cannot recall her Jockey Club registered name...but years later she went on to earn a Gold Medal in the Olympics - She performed under the name Touch of Class


You're absolutely right, FOS, Stillaspill showed nothing during her race career. She finished off the board in 6 starts without earning a dime.

As "Touch of Class" she went on to become a world class grand prix jumper, and won two Olympic gold medals in 1984.

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FOS
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Postby FOS » Tue Jul 19, 2005 8:11 pm

hi Linda in Texas

Thanks for filling in the blank... S t i l l a s p i l l .

What a great horse-related trivia question.

21 years ago...WOW...talk about how time flies.

Best to you.

Respectfully

fernhollow
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Postby fernhollow » Tue Jul 19, 2005 8:50 pm

But the gelding in question had two wins and a second. He was not consistantly slow like she was.

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FOS
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Postby FOS » Wed Jul 20, 2005 9:53 am

hi fernhollow

You asked "Does it indicate that there is something physically wrong...if a horse finishes 9th by 35 lengths in a $4000 claiming race?"

Based on that dismal description...I would expect there is a strong probability that "the gelding in question" (as you refer to him) is very close to the end of his career...if he hasn't reached it. I expect there are few (if any) places to go...that make sense financially...for a horse that is not even competitive at that very low level. And if he has veterinary and/or physical issues...the expenses to deal with the issues might not be justified for a horse that is racing at the $4,000 claiming level.

Is there something specifically that you could hang your hat on which would confirm there "is something physically wrong" with him? Based on what you've offered in the way of information...I suggest that would be difficult (at best) to confirm or deny with certainty. But I expect it's not unreasonable to say that horses racing at the $4,000 claiming level are there for a reason...sometimes (if not often) as a result of physical issues and/or 'problems' (for lack of a better word)...including those related to airways.

You wrote "I am looking at him for a future sporthorse." Fernhollow...does that mean you are considering claiming him in his next (if ever) start...or that you have approached the owner and/or trainer and are considering making an offer to purchase him? Certainly you understand that if you claim him, you will not have the luxury of returning him if there's something...anything...about him that you find unacceptable.

All that being said...I suggest that until the horse is observed and thoroughly vetted for your account (and by those professionals looking out for your best interests) and properly evaluated...what might be right or wrong with him is all but speculation.

I suggest...you might glean some valuable info (which could offer some clues to his history [physical and otherwise]) and possibly connect some of the dots or piece together part of the puzzle by studying his lifetime PP's...sales history and pedigree etc etc etc and whatever other info you might be able to compile re: this guy.

Fernhollow...if you'll share whatever else you can about the gelding (Mach Ten) you're interested in...maybe we could navigate the slippery slope and come up with some more thoughts.

Have you studied the video-replay of his 9th place by 35-lengths finish, at the $4,000 claiming level? Did he 'run' any part of the race?

Respectfully

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Postby ZiaLand » Wed Jul 20, 2005 2:46 pm

Linda in TX wrote:
FOS wrote:Some years ago there was a thoroughbred filly that raced in south Florida that showed little (maybe nothing is a better description) and was ultimately retired from the track and tried in another venue.
I cannot recall her Jockey Club registered name...but years later she went on to earn a Gold Medal in the Olympics - She performed under the name Touch of Class


You're absolutely right, FOS, Stillaspill showed nothing during her race career. She finished off the board in 6 starts without earning a dime.

As "Touch of Class" she went on to become a world class grand prix jumper, and won two Olympic gold medals in 1984.


OMG, what a great story! I had no idea of Touch Of Class's dismal racing history. Someone ought to make a movie out of THAT!!! :idea:

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wilf
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Postby wilf » Thu Jul 21, 2005 12:39 pm

Hi Fern , your question is almost impossible to answer without more info. The bottom line being is what caused the poor performance. I bought a horse one night at Penn National that was on his way to New Holland after finishing last in a bottom claimer.Luckily he was just worn out and after a good rest and change of scenery he became the sweetest horse that I ever dealt with , winning a bunch of races for me before finding a great retirement home. Funnily enough I checked on him just yesterday, looked very happy. Hopefully the one you have in mind is just in need of a new career . PM me if you have more on this particular horse. Regards Wilf.

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Postby Inyureye » Thu Jul 21, 2005 3:31 pm

Someone ought to make a movie out of THAT!!!


Yeah, Baby! I'd go for that. Maybe Robert Duvall would make that movie. Doesn't he show jumpers?
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Postby Pete » Sat Jul 23, 2005 10:41 pm

Hi Fern,

I agree with WILF and FOS, impossible to tell you what a dismal race effort might mean.

Further, FOS gave strong advice about bringing a vet who knows your discipline.

My advice is NOT to claim the horse. Running in $4k claimers could mean that there are a myriad of problems, the horse is just too nicked and dinged to race well or anything in between.

If this horse is racing so poorly, contact the trainer and ask if they'll sell him and for how much. Chances are you'll find them receptive. Then vet the horse and make your decision and deal.

Good Luck,

Pete
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fernhollow
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Postby fernhollow » Sat Jul 23, 2005 11:16 pm

Thanks everyone. I had a vet check him and he could not come up with anything definitive. The current trainer has him on 'thyroid powder' and says that a blood test showed he was low, probably from stress. But three different vets that I asked rolled their eyes at that one.

The one that checked him thinks that it might be mental...that he just doesn't want to race. The only physical problem that he could identify was a very slight 'lipping' of the hocks.