What Makes a Thoroughbred Horse a Racing Champion?
Thoroughbred horse champions aren’t just born overnight. However, their genetics do play an important role in their thoroughbred status. They must also undergo the right physical conditioning, develop strong mental stamina, and build tight-knit relationships with trainers and jockeys.
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High-Echelon Bloodlines and Genetics
Horse breeders are careful who to select as mating partners to create the next thoroughbred champion. Descendants of Secretariat, Northern Dancer, and other famous race horses are more likely to become thoroughbred champions as long as they are paired with the right mate. The right genetics combined with the best physical and behavioral traits make a thoroughbred champion.
Conformation and Physical Build
A horse’s body structure are the first features that’s looked for when deciding which have potential for being a thoroughbred champion. Its chest needs to be deep enough for a broader lung capacity. This helps with more paced breathing while racing on the track.
Shoulders should be long and sloping to have a longer stride. They need strong hindquarters to help them navigate the track with power and ease. Legs need to be straight and sturdy to endure the physical demands of every horse race. A slight issue with a horse’s conformation can cause physical injury and compromise their speed and stamina.
Speed and Stamina
Thoroughbred champions have a good balance of fast and slow-twitch muscle fibers so they can sprint on the race track. These horses must quickly accelerate and maintain endurance to be successful. Trainers usually change race track conditions to encourage horses to exercise their best speed and stamina so they are ready for anything.
Exceptional Training and Management
Trainers monitor diet, conditioning exercises, and mental strength. Their horse feed must be balanced with the adequate vitamins and minerals needed for a thoroughbred champion to perform their best.
Conditioning is essential because not all race tracks are built the same. Trainers customize obstacle conditions to mimic the unpredictability of horse race tracks in real life.
Jockeys work on their relationship with the horse. They do more than train the horse with in-race commands. Jockeys spend time with their horse outside of training to build trust and a partnership together.
The Right Horse and Jockey Relationship
A thoroughbred champion can have the best genetics and physical conditioning for success. However, the relationship with their jockey is also essential for continued achievements on the track.
A mindful jockey knows about their horse’s strengths, weaknesses, and quirks. Being in tune with a horse’s rhythms makes or breaks a race.
Today’s jockeys look up to legendary horse and jockey partners of the past. Secretariat and Ron Turcotte for inspire jockeys to achieve synergy with their horses.
Competitive Spirit
Racing horses with a strong competitive spirit to reach the finish line have the most potential to become thoroughbred champions. As some contenders see another horse pass them on the track, this sparks them to get ahead and try to finish first. Secretariat was one such thoroughbred champion who broke records because of his will and determination to perform the best in races.
Racing Intelligence
Thoroughbred champions are flexible and adaptable to different racing conditions. They have a powerful start from the gate, position themselves accordingly, and respond well to their jockeys’ cues. They must also be energetic and competitive to finish the race.
A lazy temperament will not bode well for the track. Some horses who are apathetic about racing at first may become more dedicated to it as they race more.