MASTER trainer Nicky Henderson was forced to win a race twice – as his horse was officially named winner 11 days after the horses finished.
Nicky Henderson's Aston Martini declared winner after controversial overturn
Henderson's Aston Martini was first past the post in a valuable mares' novices' hurdle at Lingfield on January 21.
Aston Martini, the horse on the inside in the yellow silks, was originally named winner, then demoted to second, then named winner again 11 days later
James Bowen thought he had landed connections a tasty cheque for just under £20,000 with victory on the 14-1 chance.
But a stewards' enquiry was called after it appeared Aston Martini had bumped into and interfered with 40-1 runner-up Ooh Betty, who originally lost by a nose.
After reviewing the footage, the result was reversed, with Aston Martini demoted to second and Ooh Betty – who was originally down to win owners £9,000 – named winner.
However, Seven Barrows boss Henderson disagreed and launched an appeal against the ruling.
The result of that came through on February 1, some 11 days after the race was won, and once again the result was reversed.
Aston Martini, who is owned by HP Racing Aston Martini syndicate, was named winner a second time with Ooh Betty placed second… again.
One punter couldn't work out why the original result was overturned so long after the race, adding: "This sport doesn't help itself does it?"
While another said: "Not the way you like to win a race but nevertheless great to see Aston Martini awarded victory."
And there was surprise it was overturned on the day of the race too, with one punter commenting: "Awful decision."
Henderson looks ahead to Cheltenham Festival
Henderson will be hoping for no such drama in the build up to Cheltenham Festival.
He swerved running Constitution Hill on Trials Day after the superstar unbeaten hurdler returned a dirty scope.
While Jonbon was turned over at 1-4 in the rearranged Clarence House Chase after crashing through a fence four from home.
And his No1 jockey Nico de Boinville remains on the sidelines after rushing back from a broken collarbone too soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often are racehorses trained?
Training frequency for racehorses is usually tailored to the individual horse’s needs, level of fitness, and racing schedule. In general, racehorses will have a daily exercise routine that includes walking, trotting, or cantering. This is followed by more demanding work, like galloping or breezing at least three times a weekly, to improve stamina. Rest days allow the horse time to recover from training and to avoid overtraining.
How do I train a racing horse?
The process of conditioning a racehorse involves a gradual progression that includes both long, slow distances for building stamina, and shorter, more intense workouts to increase speed. The horse’s cardiovascular system, musculature, and skeletal structure must be strengthened over time through a carefully designed exercise regimen that mimics the rigors of racing without causing injury or undue stress.
How critical is the horse’s pedigree in racing success?
The pedigree of a racing horse can indicate its potential, but it isn’t the only thing that determines their success. Although a horse’s lineage can indicate an inherited aptitude for endurance or speed, other factors, such as health and temperament, are also important. Good training can maximize a horse’s natural abilities and even allow it to outperform others with more impressive pedigrees.
Can you race a horse on any track?
Although initial training can be done on any track, race-specific training is often required in facilities that mimic the conditions the horse may face during competition. It is important to use tracks that are the same size as the actual track the horse will be racing on. This helps to condition horses and allows them to become familiar with that specific racing environment.
Are there different race training methods for different horse breeds?
Different horse breeds have different characteristics, and the racing distances can also vary. Thoroughbreds that are usually associated with long-distance racing on flat surfaces receive different training from Quarter Horses. Each breed needs a unique approach that is tailored to their physical and behavior traits.
Is there a need for a specific shoe on a racing horse?
Racehorses typically wear specialized shoes called racing plates, which are lighter and thinner than regular horseshoes. These plates minimize weight while providing the necessary traction for the racetrack. A racehorse-trained farrier will fit and select the right shoes for each horse based on its hoof shape and the racing surface.
Statistics
- The average cost to train a thoroughbred racehorse for one year can exceed $50,000, accounting for expenses related to training, boarding, and veterinary care.
- The Injury Database from The Jockey Club reports that synthetic racing surfaces have a lower horse fatality rate than dirt tracks, with a statistically significant difference of 1.2 fatalities per thousand starts on synthetics compared to 2.0 on dirt tracks.
- Approximately 70% of a racehorse’s diet consists of forage, with the remainder made up of grains and supplements to meet their high-calorie needs.
- Racehorse mortality rates during racing have been observed to be between 1.5 to 2 deaths per thousand starts, depending on the racing jurisdiction.
- An extensive survey indicated that over 90% of racehorse trainers utilize swimming as a low-impact exercise in their conditioning routines.
- Studies suggest that proper early training can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses by up to 50%.
External Links
thoroughbredracing.com
equibase.com
paulickreport.com
racingpost.com
jockeyclub.com
bloodhorse.com
How To
How To Reduce Injury Risks When Training Racehorses
To reduce the risk of injury, use a training plan that’s adapted to your horse’s fitness. Combining high-intensity training with adequate rest periods will help you avoid overtraining. For safety, make sure the surfaces of racing and training are kept in good condition. Check for wear and tear and use the correct fitting tack. Swim or do other low impact activities as a cross-training to maintain joint health.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/willie-mullins-hits-back-at-punters-over-gaelic-warriors-absence/
