what's the job of this guy? looks like a linesman
Today's Horse Racing
Thanks. They're officials, known as outriders - highly skilled horsemen and do an amazing job.
I've seen one of those outriders intercept a loose horse running the wrong way around the track mid-race and get it out of harm's way.
I've seen one of those outriders intercept a loose horse running the wrong way around the track mid-race and get it out of harm's way.
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They're used to keep other horses calm on the way to the start so you'll often see them trotting along beside problem horses. Never understood why this practice isn't adopted in this part of the world. At the very least it would make catching loose horses much easier.
I think you might be referring to the 'ponies'?Trader Pat wrote: ↑Sat Oct 13, 2018 10:51 pmThey're used to keep other horses calm on the way to the start so you'll often see them trotting along beside problem horses. Never understood why this practice isn't adopted in this part of the world. At the very least it would make catching loose horses much easier.
The reason why US horses are ponied down to the start is that US horses are more bred for speed (very few races of 12-furlong plus). Sprinters often just have two gears and when you get them out of a trot it's hard for the jock to hold them back, hence they benefit from a pony beside them to lead them down to the start.
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Seems to have a calming effect as well? It seems very rare a horse bolts in the US racing with these guys around.Derek27 wrote: ↑Sat Oct 13, 2018 11:09 pmI think you might be referring to the 'ponies'?
The reason why US horses are ponied down to the start is that US horses are more bred for speed (very few races of 12-furlong plus). Sprinters often just have two gears and when you get them out of a trot it's hard for the jock to hold them back, hence they benefit from a pony beside them to lead them down to the start.
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