FIRST-TIMERS GUIDE
ABOUT THE HORSE
American Quarter Horses are the fastest horses in the world, and among the fastest of all animals. Able to run at speeds up to 55 mph, they can travel a quarter-mile in less than 21 seconds, starting from a flat-footed standstill.
In American Quarter Horse racing, the clock begins as soon as the starter pushes the button and the starting gates open. In comparison, Thoroughbreds are given a running start. Although they break from the gate just like American Quarter Horses, their timer does not begin until they are several strides from the gate.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE AND A THOROUGHBRED?
In 1996, Evening Snow became the first horse of any breed to break the 21-second barrier for 440 yards. He covered the distance in :20.94.
An American Quarter Horse is traditionally a short, stocky horse that is a specialized sprinter. They are the dragsters of the horse racing world. Horses run all-out at distances between 220 and 870 yards. American Quarter Horse races are measured in yards. The classic distance is 440 yards, or a quarter-mile, which is originally where the horse drew its name.
A Thoroughbred is a tall, lanky horse that specializes in running long distances. They commonly run between six furlongs (three-quarters of a mile) and two miles. Thoroughbreds were originally bred in Europe.
The most famous American Quarter Horse race is the $2 million All American Futurity (G1), run at Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico.
The most famous Thoroughbred race is the Kentucky Derby, held at Churchill Downs in Kentucky.
WH AT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF RACES?
Race conditions dictate the type of horse that can run in a particular race. Common race types include:
Maiden: A horse of any sex that has never won a race.
Claiming: The blue-collar level of racing. All the horses in a claiming race are for sale, and licensed people can purchase them through the racing office.
Handicap: Horses are given different weights to carry based on ability. A horse that has a better race record is given a handicap (more weight) to even the playing field.
Allowance: Traditionally for horses beyond the claiming ranks. These races give specific criteria the horse must meet to be able to race, such as "3-year-olds and upward, which have never won two races."
Stakes: A race for the best of the best. These high-prestige races have large purses attached to them.
Futurity: A stakes race for 2-year-olds only.
Derby: A stakes race for 3-year-olds only.
DO THE SAME HORSES RUN IN EVERY RACE?
Each race has different horses competing. Racehorses usually get two weeks of rest between each race. Rarely will a horse race again after only a week of rest. Between races, horses will rest and train in the mornings to prepare for upcoming races. Generally speaking, claiming-level horses will run more often than higher-quality allowance or stakes-level horses.
WHAT'S A SPEED INDEX?
The speed index calculates the average speed of the three fastest horses over three years at a given distance at a given track. It is a tool used only in American Quarter Horse racing to compare horses in a race.