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HomeHorse Racing IndustryTitle: "Navigating the Challenges of Horse Racing: The Impact of Weather and...

Title: "Navigating the Challenges of Horse Racing: The Impact of Weather and Track Conditions"

As enthusiasts place bets for upcoming races, it’s essential to check weather forecasts and track conditions before finalizing decisions. Jim Bond, a prominent trainer, discussed the importance of training in all types of weather, noting that horses must learn to handle diverse track conditions. Specific horse breeds may perform better in the rain, and factors like running styles and post positions can significantly impact racing in poor weather.

“Horses have to get used to it, and you kind of watch their gait and how they handle it,” he said. “It’s almost like somebody walking across ice. Some people walk over ice very gingerly. Some people just have a confidence to kind of walk over it like they’re not going to slip and fall. If they’re not handling it, the jockey can say ‘go,’ and they say ‘no.’”

How a horse handles a wet track can depend on their pedigree, Bond explained. “There’s certain pedigrees that I’ve seen in my lifetime that, boy, when you put them in the mud, oh my god, OK, they just move up,” he said. “I had one horse win three in a 24-day cycle here at Saratoga one year. So if you’ve heard the phrase, ‘Mother was a mudder’ before, there is definitely some truth to it.”

Of course, the weather affects more than just horses. Jockeys will sometimes wear up to eight or nine pairs of goggles for one race, ripping off each pair as mud gets kicked up in their faces. However, the horses don’t have goggles, and because of that, trainers sometimes use equipment to help slow down the mud and keep it away from the horse’s eyes.

One of the key things is always listening to your riders, and as Bond says, you better know your horses.

Title: "Navigating the Challenges of Horse Racing: The Impact of Weather and Track Conditions" As enthusiasts place bets for upcoming races, it’s essential to check weather forecasts and track conditions before finalizing decisions. Jim Bond, a prominent trainer, discussed the importance of training in all types of weather, noting that horses must learn to handle diverse track conditions. Specific horse breeds may perform better in the rain, and factors like running styles and post positions can significantly impact racing in poor weather. “Horses have to get used to it, and you kind of watch their gait and how they handle it,” he said. “It’s almost like somebody walking across ice. Some people walk over ice very gingerly. Some people just have a confidence to kind of walk over it like they’re not going to slip and fall. If they’re not handling it, the jockey can say ‘go,’ and they say ‘no.’” How a horse handles a wet track can depend on their pedigree, Bond explained. “There’s certain pedigrees that I’ve seen in my lifetime that, boy, when you put them in the mud, oh my god, OK, they just move up,” he said. “I had one horse win three in a 24-day cycle here at Saratoga one year. So if you’ve heard the phrase, ‘Mother was a mudder’ before, there is definitely some truth to it.” Of course, the weather affects more than just horses. Jockeys will sometimes wear up to eight or nine pairs of goggles for one race, ripping off each pair as mud gets kicked up in their faces. However, the horses don’t have goggles, and because of that, trainers sometimes use equipment to help slow down the mud and keep it away from the horse’s eyes. One of the key things is always listening to your riders, and as Bond says, you better know your horses.

As race enthusiasts prepare for upcoming events, it’s crucial to consider weather forecasts and track conditions. Trainer Jim Bond emphasizes the necessity of training horses in various weather scenarios, as their performance can vary significantly based on track conditions. He notes that some horse breeds excel in rainy conditions, and factors like running styles and post positions also play a vital role in races affected by poor weather.

Bond highlights the importance of observing how horses adapt to wet tracks, comparing their movements to people navigating slippery surfaces. He mentions that certain pedigrees thrive in muddy conditions, reinforcing the saying, “Mother was a mudder.” This adaptability can lead to impressive performances, as illustrated by a horse he trained that won multiple races in a short span during rainy conditions.

Additionally, the impact of weather extends to jockeys, who often wear multiple pairs of goggles to shield against mud. Unlike jockeys, horses lack protective eyewear, prompting trainers to use equipment to minimize mud interference. Ultimately, Bond stresses the importance of communication between trainers and riders to ensure optimal performance in challenging conditions.

Source:
wnyt.com
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Title: "Political Twist Leads the Charge in $1 Million Ruidoso Futurity"

Ruidoso Downs Race Track

Political Twist, a proven favorite at 5/2 morning line odds for La Feliz Montana Ranch, heads-up the field of two-year-olds in Sunday’s $1 million Ruidoso Futurity, the first leg of quarter horse racing’s Triple Crown.

The gelding comes into the featured tenth race as a stakes winner, having won the West Texas Futurity at Sunland Park on April 5 for owners Javier Rodriguez and Ray Willis. Political Twist is No. 9 with jockey Luis Martinez.

Each qualifying horse raced in trials opening weekend with the five fastest times making Sunday’s final. Political Twist had the fastest all-around time by nearly two-tenths of a second, 17.629 seconds for 350-yards. The gelding is undefeated in three career starts.

“There are several very nice horses in the final,” Rodriguez said. “I thought the race time was significant because all of the races seemed evenly-matched to have a similar wind direction and speed. His trial time was exceptional.”

Nine of the 10 quarter horses slated to run in the Futurity were winners of their trial races. Most notably, Famous N Relentless, the gelding whose connections paid a $30,000 supplement to enter the trials, made the final and is number-two at 15-1 morning line odds.

The gelding is co-owned by Tom Maher and Amber Olmstead and trained by Jason Olmstead. Famous N Relentless is also undefeated in three races including a victory in the Oklahoma Breeder’s Juvenile at Remington Park on April 19.

The fastest qualifier during Saturday’s trials, Dee Favorite Tacha, raced 350 yards in 17.816 seconds for co-owners Ricardo Armendariz Jr. and Eric Pineda. Armendariz Jr. is also the trainer with Jockey Jesse Levario on board.

“Since day-one this horse has been showing that he’s the real deal,” Armendariz Jr. said in the winner’s circle that day. “We purchased the gelding at the select sale for $25,000 and he’s been showing us exactly what we think we have, a quality runner.”

Jess Cartel Blue and jockey Ali Rivera is No. 7 for owner Pete Scarmardo and trainer John Stinebaugh and is 8-1 on the morning line.

“There are several of these youngsters that are going to be improving off their trial races,” Stinebaugh said. “It really comes down to whether the favorite peaked in the trials. That horse is the one to catch this time but I expect my horse to get much better as we extend the distances later on in the summer.”

First post time on Sunday is scheduled for 1 p.m., with the Ruidoso Futurity scheduled to run at 5:10 p.m. It will be broadcast nationwide on the Cowboy Channel.

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