how to..... racing--

[Stephanie Smith]

Okay everyone-- I am a hunter/jumper person, but.....

I have bought a racehorse mare that I have retired, and she did very well on the track. I am throwing around the idea of breeding her to a stallion I have that has very nice racing bloodlines even though he was injured and couldnt start race!

I have no clue about getting a horse into race. I am in Southern VA.

Of course this is a few years away-- I am trying to figure out if I want to breed her for race or hunter/jumper...

So is it easy for an average joe shmoe to enter a horse into a race? Is there help out there? Or would I have to send the horse off to a trainer (which I could do basic training as I have done this before!) I just never raced them!

I was also trying to figure what would creat more money from the breeding --- racing-- almost garantee a runner!!! or hunter/jumper with an unknown stallion-- but his get are gorgeous excellent movers/personality great in one package!!

Very difficult to decide!!!!!!

Anyone and Everyone tell me about getting to the races!!!

Thanks
http://www.freewebs.com/SundownFarm


Mare--- Lady Navigator
Stallion-- PF First Trick

[skeenan]

Hi Stephanie,
I'm a newbie myself, having come from a similar background as you. I've been a member on this forum for a year & a half, (not that it makes me experienced, but I've learned a lot from other members!). So I'll try to help point you in the right direction. And hopefully other members will correct me if I'm not on target.

I have a retiree mare as well, so I've been exploring the process of breeding her and what I hope to do with the foal. I've also been studying and learning pedigrees as best I can. Not an expert! but personally, from a racing point of view, I don't think the match offers you a whole lot, unless you're simply looking to breed a good-looking TB.

If you're breeding to race, a stallion's race record isn't as important as his breeding statistics. Of course, a good match (pedigree & physically) is important. However, if you're looking to sell the foal, then race record is more important—and certain stallions are very commercial, others are not. And it depends if you are targeting the regional market, or country-wide. You can go to Fasig-Tipton, for example, and look at sales results. It's good information to start getting an idea of who's selling well and who isn't. Also look at the stallion registers online, and see who is topping the sire lists, both nationally and in your state. You'll be able to see how a stallion you may be looking at "ranks".

Another thing I'd do is order her nicking report off of Equineline.com, or Brisnet.com. It will start to give you a picture of the bloodlines that have had success with your mare's. From there, you can start exploring stallions with those lines. And, post your mare in the "mating suggestions" forum—there are members with WAY more pedigree experience than I, who will hopefully reply with breeding suggestions.

As far as the racing end of things, I had ordered TOBA's book for new Thoroughbred owners. It's a nice overview, and there are other good books out there as well, on the business end of things and training. I don't think training your own is impossible (read Backyard Racehorse if you want some ideas) but having the space to gallop a horse (and good footing, etc.) is for me, anyway, an obstacle... but there's lots of options when looking into getting a trainer, and if you ask, some members may be able to recommend one in your area.

Again, I'm not an expert, so take my advice with a grain... hope this helps, though!

[wilf]

Miss Smith this is Mr Jones, t-bred trainer. My advice is take $1000 outside into your back garden and set fire to it so that it quickly disappears then go back inside and vow never to breed to race your own moderately bred racehorse as your chances are like Shackleton in the Antartic.This move may seem weird , however it should save you about $10,000.......you can thank me later.The unfortunate characteristic about horse racing is the rush you get from winning is better than any drug or drink so I am led to believe; the odds against our success are so insane that when it all comes together WOW!!!!! Anyone who breeds horses to race deserves all the luck in the world and Stephanie if you have a mind to do it then only the initial start up costs may prevent you.This message board will, in time, provide you with just about every resource you may need......best of luck,......no really!

[Ryeno]

Mr. Jones,




Ryeno

[Heidilady]

I would say never pledge, and this is some great advice that I got, that "I want to just break even." Gotta try to make money even if you don't. That could involve racing in optional claimers when you know darn well your horse can't win a stakes even though you wish he were the black stallion.

Also never put in what you can't afford to lose. Seriously hope and try for the best but I personally would never mortgage my house unless I was gonna do it anyway and had an alternate way of making payments. It can't ever be 'gotta win the race or I lose the house.' At least if you have brains it shouldn't be.

For me, I'd rather have enough to have a place and not board. This is my personal preference. If I live there and am responsible physically for the horse, I would feel more secure. I sent you a PM Stephanie but I wanted to get everyone started on thinking, if the mare Lady Navigator weren't bred to PF First Trick, what similarly priced stallion would you go with to breed-to-race or who will be most effective as a cost/benefit type thing.

And as we've talked about, do NOT breed entirely based on Werk Nick as it only involves the sire to dam's sireline (well that's what I was told). So you could have a rockin' female family that's not factored in. Just use it as a tool though cuz there may be a cross that works really well with sire and dam's sireline that you might wanna consider. I shall go putter around for alternate sires right now but folks, evaluate PF First Trick for her as a racing stallion. Not to dictate the discussion but that seems to be part of the question, this mare to this stallion? I feel like Linda Richman from Saturday Night Live---I'll give you a topic... discuss...

[Stephanie Smith]

LOL

[Stephanie Smith]

LOL