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American Quarter Horses are the dragsters of the horse
racing world, racing up to speeds of 55 mph
American Quarter Horse Racing
American Quarter Horses are the fastest horse in the world,
and one of the fastest animals. They can race at speeds up to
55 mph. They can cover a quarter-mile in less than 21 seconds,
starting from a flat-footed standstill.
In American Quarter Horse racing, the clock begins as soon
as the starter pushes the button and the starting gates open.
In comparison, Thoroughbreds are given a running start.
Although they break from the gate just like American Quarter
Horses, their timer does not begin until they are several strides
from the gate.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN AMERICAN
QUARTER HORSE AND A THOROUGHBRED?
In 1996, Evening Snow became the first horse of any breed to
break the 21-second barrier for 440 yards. He covered the
distance in :20.94.
An American
Quarter Horse is traditionally a short, stocky horse
that is a specialized sprinter. They are the dragsters of the
horse racing world. American Quarter Horse races are
measured in yards.
They run all-out at distances between 220 and 870 yards.
The classic distance is 440 yards, or a quarter-mile, which is
originally where the horse drew its name.
A Thoroughbred is
a tall, thin horse that specializes in running
long distances. They commonly run between six furlongs
(three-quarters of a mile) and two miles. Thoroughbreds were
originally bred in Europe.
The most famous American Quarter Horse race is the $2
million All American Futurity (G1), run at Ruidoso Downs in
New Mexico.
The most famous Thoroughbred race is the
Kentucky Derby,
held at Churchill Downs in Kentucky.
DO THE SAME HORSES RUN IN EVERY RACE?
Each race has different horses competing. Racehorses usually
get two week's rest between each race. Rarely will a horse race
again after only a week's rest. Between races, horses will rest
and train in the mornings to prepare for upcoming races.
Generally speaking, claiming-level horses will run more often
than higher-quality allowance or stakes level horses.
WHAT'S A SPEED INDEX?
The speed index calculates the average speed of the three
fastest horses over three years at a given distance at a given
track.
It is a tool used only in American Quarter Horse racing to
compare horses in a race.
IS A "MAIDEN" RACE ONLY FOR YOUNG, FAIR FILLIES?
Race conditions dictate the type of horse that can run in a
particular race. Common race types include:
Maiden: A horse of any sex that has never won a race.
Claiming: The blue-collar level of racing. All the horses in a
claiming race are for sale, and licensed people can purchase
them through the racing office.
Handicap: Horses are given different weights to carry based on
ability. A horse that has a better race record is given a
handicap (more weight) to even the playing field.
Allowance: Traditionally for horses beyond the claiming ranks.
These races give a specific criteria the horse must meet to be
able to race, such as "three-year-olds and upward, which
have never won two races."
Stakes: A race for the best of the best. These high-prestige
races have large purses attached to them.
Futurity: A stakes race for 2-year-olds only.
Derby: A stakes race for 3-year-olds only.
See Also: Horse Racing Terms
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