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Old 11-10-2008, 05:19 PM
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PSH PSH is offline
Hollywood Park
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Mill Valley, CA
Posts: 914
Default Horses first race at 3

It is not uncommon to start a horse at 3. In fact, depending upon the physical nature of the horse and its bloodlines it may be well advised to start a horse after it turns 3. Many horses will not start until 3 because of just needing time to grow into themselves, a conformation issue. Others may have minor or major ailments that places them on the sidelines for many months during their 2 year old year. Many trainers also do not believe in rushing horses as 2 year-olds (Alan Jerkens, etc.) especially if they do not have that precocious type of bloodlines.

One must have patience and more patience to do the right thing for the horse. Many time one sees a 2 year-old start in the Spring or Early Summer and never hears from them after they are 3. Interesting, in looking at the Breeders Cup Classic at SA this year the following horses did not begin their careers until they were 3: Awesome Gem, Casino Drive, Curlin, Fairbanks, and Mast Track. So, it is not atypical to have a nice horse start at 3. As an owner your patience will be tested but hopefully the horse will begin their first race when they are ready and will race many years to come....

PSH
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Last edited by PSH : 11-11-2008 at 09:11 AM.
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