Big Brown's Turn Downs

[Stevie Belmont]

They say he wears turn downs on his hind feet. I'm not to familiar with them. Is that standard, or something they do to keep them together?

I know what calks are, but they are used for the race.

And he also uses a toungue tie..I think the toungue is a good thing. When I cap I llok for that sometimes..

Any thoughts?

[valjoe]

Hi Stevie
here is some info on them

This is a new idea in hind plates that closely resembles a "turn down" hind racing plate. The XT Toe grab is set back to give the horse a more efficient angle for grip, and the heels are nearly the same height as the toe. The plate is almost level, allowing the horse a more natural stance which can reduce the strain on the spine and hocks. XT Toe height is .080 (2 mm) above the aluminum surface.

[Cathy D]

"Turn Downs" were hind race plates with the heels turned sharply down away from the hoof toward the ground. Most tracks have disallowed them because they fell they tear up the track's base and are way too dangerous to fallen riders. A "Bend" is similiar to the turn down, except the bend is a slight downward bend. It's a matter of degree. These are used by many New York trainers.

The shoe described in Valjoe's message below is a Queen's plate XT. This is a flat rim race plate with a toe insert about the thickness of a car key.

Having said all that, I must point out that I don't know what Dutrow uses on his horses. My guess is he uses a "bend" plate on the rear.

[Stevie Belmont]

Thanks for the responses.

I know he said he has turn downs on his hind feet..

Here is another question? Do see turn downs as a positive or a negative?

[ratherrapid]

Stevie, i've read that turn downs provide traction, though to verify that maybe we should hear from a trainer or owner that's used them. I've been puzzled that the fullering in hind racing plates (Thoro'bred Racing Plates) is shallower than the fronts providing presumably less traction. the grab size is the same, but the rest of the hind plate gives a flatter, thinner appearance than the front plates particularly for the smaller sizes of plates. You'd suppose that perhaps Thoro'bred Racing Plates, the most popular racing plate manufacturer might have a reason for this difference in front and rear plates. given my contacts with them, i'd doubt they have a reason for much of what they do. Perhaps the turn downs, calks, etc. have been a reaction to professional trainers observing slippage in the hinds. just speculating here. maybe somebody will post that actually knows.