Thoroughbred horse racing is the most popular form of horse racing the whole world. It is so popular that some people do not know of any other form of horse racing. Thoroughbred horse racing is also known by some people as the “sport of kings”. Usually, a thoroughbred horse owner would hire a trainer to condition the horse for only one type of race. This is because a good trainer knows that there is a best training regimen for every type of race. The owner may also opt to enter the horse in races that are somewhat similar to what it is in training for.
Thoroughbred horse racing comes in various forms. Here are some of them:
1) Maiden races – this type of thoroughbred horse racing pits untested horses against each other. This event is the debut of all race horses. Some people find this type of thoroughbred horse racing more exciting because of the fact that all of the horses involved are untried. The maiden race often determines the whole career of a race horse. This event will show the world just what a race horse is capable of.
Often, thoroughbreds of varying ages participate in maiden races. In this type of thoroughbred horse racing, the horses carry similar weights in order to even the odds. There are also no handicapped penalties involved in this type of thoroughbred horse racing.
2) Allowance racing – this type of thoroughbred horse racing involves horses which have already participated in a maiden race but are not yet ready for the grand stakes race. Usually, this type of thoroughbred horse racing involves running for a purse that is slightly above the purse involved in maiden races. Some horse owners use these races to actually train their horses.
3) Grand stakes racing – this type of thoroughbred horse racing is the most popular with people since it often involves a lot of cash. People who go to this type of thoroughbred horse racing do so in order to bet their cash on their favorite horse. The “grand stakes” in this race refer not only to the money involved but also the reputation of the horse. A grand stakes race winner usually goes on to become a celebrity among horses.
The dreams of countless people are also at stake in this type of thoroughbred horse racing. This is because betting in this type of thoroughbred horse racing can cost a lot. People pin their hopes and dreams on one horse. This is the reason why this thoroughbred horse racing remains to be supported by people all over the world today.
4) Handicap race – this type of thoroughbred horse racing is, theoretically, the most even of all races. This is because all of the horses participating in such an event have been appropriately handicapped according to their performance in other races. More people bet at this type of thoroughbred horse racing because all of the odds are even. Theoretically, any horse can win in a handicap race.
Although thoroughbred horse racing gains popularity because of the cash, there are those people who see it as a test of spirit. There are horses which have the potential to be the best. However, if that horse did not have the will to win, then the potential would forever be useless. Thoroughbred horse racing is not just a game, it is a reflection of life.