all in Beginner's Guide

Just like Dante needed Virgil and Beatrice to guide him to paradise, you, too, will want help navigating the complexities of Thoroughbred racing. We’re glad you’ve found America’s Best Racing, which we like to think is the perfect starting point for learning the basics about everything this crazy sport has to offer.

ABR is an industry-supported resource for new fans, especially you enlightened millennials who have identified something special in Thoroughbred racing that perhaps not all of your peers can see.

Thoroughbred racing is a sport steeped in history and tradition, with each horse a story unto itself. These unique accounts of courage, determination and achievement are preserved and celebrated at a number of museums and libraries nationwide, including:

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Phone: (518) 584-0400

www.racingmuseum.org

Kentucky Derby Museum

Louisville, Ky.

Phone: (502) 637-1111

Want to get paid while surrounding yourself with Thoroughbred racing? Here are brief summaries of some careers in the industry.

Jockey

Jockeys are the most visible professionals in the Thoroughbred racing industry. Many aspiring jockeys begin by exercising horses in the mornings until they are experienced enough to compete.

More information about jockeys is available from the Jockeys’ Guild here.

Trainer

A number of prominent racing executives, trainers and others have used the University of Arizona or the University of Louisville as a gateway to the Thoroughbred industry.

University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program

Phone: (520) 621-5660

www.ua-rtip.org

University of Louisville Equine Industry Program

Phone: (502) 852-7617

www.cbpa.louisville.edu/eip

Allowance race – A race for which the racing secretary drafts certain conditions to determine weights to be carried based on the horse’s age, sex and/or past performance.

Also-eligible – A horse officially entered for a race, but not permitted to start unless the field is reduced by scratches below a specified number.

Apprentice – A rider who has not ridden a certain number of winners within a specified period of time. Also known as a “bug,” from the asterisk used to denote the weight allowance such riders receive.

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