Beginner's Guide

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On average, the Thoroughbred stands a little over 16 hands (1 hand = 4 inches) to the withers and weighs approximately 1,000 pounds. The Thoroughbred’s conformation, or physical makeup, enables it to reach speeds up to 40 miles per hour. At that rate, the Thoroughbred covers nearly 60 feet per second.

The Thoroughbred’s rear legs act much like springs as they bend and straighten during running. This tremendous “spring power” helps thrust the Thoroughbred forward as its front legs provide “pull.”

Horse Ownership

Are you ready for heart-pounding stretch runs when your horse has a chance to win?

Are you ready for serene mornings at the track watching horses train?

Are you ready for fun-filled afternoons at the races?

Are you ready to make new friends and be a part of the racing community?

Are you ready for memories that will play over and over again in your mind for the rest of your life?

You might be ready to own a Thoroughbred racehorse!

How to Gamble

What other entertainment option gives you the chance to leave with more money than you came with?

Before we even get to the myriad methods of picking winners, you’ve got to know how to place a simple bet. As a beginner, you’ll want to get the hang of the simpler bets before you go for the big scores. You could look at the program and bet on the funniest names or numbers that correspond to your birthday, but why leave it all up to luck when there is information there that can help you?

Name Games

Stopchargingmaria (above) was a not so subtle hint from owner Mike Repole to his wife, Maria, to ease up on the credit card usage. (Photo by Adam Coglianese/NYRA)

Before a Thoroughbred can race, it must have a name. Acquiring a name can sometimes be a sport in and of itself, for Thoroughbred names cannot sound like any of the approximately 430,000 names already in active use and must also comply with 15 rules which establish the types of names not allowed.

More Than Just Racehorses

Blessed with agility, grace, speed, stamina and courage, Thoroughbreds are ideally suited for any number of disciplines, which is why so many retired racehorses are seamlessly transitioned into second careers.

Thoroughbreds compete at the highest levels of international competition in eventing, show jumping and dressage and also make outstanding hunters, steeplechasers, barrel racers and polo mounts.

They also are used by mounted police patrols and recreational riders who appreciate their intelligence and versatility.

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