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At the time of his enforced retirement, aged 50, on August 10, 1954, Sir Gordon Richards had ridden 4,870 winners, which was, at the time, a world record. The first jockey ever to be knighted, Richards won the jockeys’ title 26 times between 1925 and 1953 and, in 1947, rode 269 winners, thereby setting a British single-season record, which would stand until 2002, when beaten by the equally indomitable Sir Anthony McCoy.

‘Moppy’, as Richards was popularly known, was a force majeure in British Flat racing for most of his 34-year career in the saddle, but his reign as Champion Jockey was interrupted three times. In his first year as a fully-fledged professional, 1925, Richards rode 118 winners to take his first title but, the following year, contracted tuberculosis and was sidelined for most of the season. In his absence, Thomas ‘Tommy’ Weston, retained rider Edward Stanley, Earl of Derby, became Champion Jockey for the one and only time with 95 winners.

Having recuperated, Richards returned to winning ways, taking the jockeys’ title again in 1927, 1928 and 1929. However, in 1930, following a ding-dong battle with Frederick ‘Freddie’ Fox, narrowly missed out on his fifth title, 129 winners to 128, on the final day of the season. Undeterred, Richards was Champion Jockey for the next ten seasons running and may have remained so until the end of his career, but for breaking his leg six weeks into the 1941 Flat season. Another enforced absence allowed veteran Harry Wragg, a.k.a. ‘The Head Waiter’, to finally emerged from his shadow and take his one and only title with 71 winners. Once again, Richards resumed where he had left off, winning another dozen titles in a row before retiring.

Training a racehorse isn’t just about getting them to run fast. It’s an intricate dance of understanding the individual horse’s personality, optimizing physical conditioning, and perfecting essential racing skills. Here’s an inside look at what it takes to prepare a horse for one of the most prestigious events in horse racing.

Understanding Individual Learning Styles

Like humans, each horse has a unique learning style. What works for one horse might not work for another. A great trainer doesn’t just follow a set routine. Instead, they observe the horse’s behavior, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and adapt their training methods accordingly.
Personalized Training: Some horses are naturally lazy in the mornings but come alive in the afternoons. Others might need more time to acclimate to new environments. Recognizing these patterns, trainers create individualized schedules that cater to the specific needs of each horse.
Building Trust: A significant part of training involves building a rapport with the horse. Through consistent and positive interactions, trainers establish trust, making the horse more responsive to commands and training routines.

Mastering the Circle

All horses know how to run, but racing involves more than just running in straight lines – especially in North American races that proceed counter-clockwise. One crucial skill is teaching horses to run in circles efficiently.
Lead Changes: When running, a horse’s legs on one side of the body lead more than the other. For a racehorse, changing leads effectively is essential to conserve energy. Typically, horses will run on their right lead during straightaways and switch to their left lead around turns.
Energy Conservation: By changing leads, horses avoid overworking one set of legs. This skill not only conserves energy but also helps prevent injuries.
Training Techniques: Trainers start by reinforcing these lead changes during routine jogs and gallops. Through repetition and gradual intensification, horses learn to switch leads smoothly and on cue.

Conditioning and Workouts

Just as an athlete prepares for a marathon, racehorses undergo a systematic conditioning process. This ensures they possess the stamina and strength needed to perform at their peak.
Routine Exercises: Training typically starts with simple jogs and gallops early in the morning. These exercises help build a foundation of stamina and muscle strength.
Timed Workouts and Breeze: As the horse’s conditioning improves, trainers introduce more intense workouts. Known as “breezing,” these sessions involve running at a stronger pace for a specified distance and are closely timed to gauge fitness levels. Some trainers prefer fast workouts, while others emphasize a moderate start with a vigorous finish.

The Crucial Starting Gate

The starting gate is a modern innovation in horse racing. Learning to navigate this enclosure is vital for any racehorse.
History and Modern Usage: Before the advent of the electric starting gate in 1939, races began with horses lined up behind a rope or a signal flag. Today, the electric gate ensures a more controlled and fair start.
Getting Accustomed: Training horses to use the gate involves several steps. Initially, horses walk in and out of the stalls. Gradually, they learn to stand within the enclosure for extended periods, both alone and with other horses. The final step is teaching them to start running as soon as the gate opens.
Importance: Proper gate training reduces anxiety and ensures smoother race starts, which can significantly impact performance.

Embracing Research and Technology

Modern racehorse training is also deeply rooted in science and technology. By leveraging research and innovative tools, trainers can better understand and optimize their horse’s performance.
Research Insights: Studies on the musculoskeletal system and racetrack surfaces provide valuable information on how to train effectively while minimizing injuries. More presentations and research topics from institutions like the Grayson-Jockey Club shed light on these factors.
Technology Integration: Advanced technologies, such as biomechanics and surface analysis tools, help trainers design better training programs and improve track conditions. These innovations contribute to more effective and safer training environments.

Conclusion

Training a racehorse involves a blend of science, art, and intuition. From understanding individual learning styles to mastering lead changes and conditioning techniques, every aspect requires meticulous attention. The journey to race readiness is as much about the trainer’s skills and insights as it is about the horse’s natural abilities. As we look forward to seeing these magnificent creatures compete, perhaps even in the bet on 2024 Breeders Cup, it’s worth appreciating the depth of preparation that happens behind the track.

This mix of personalized care, systematic training, and scientific research culminates in crafting racehorses ready to tackle the challenges of the racetrack. Through dedication and expertise, trainers bring out the best in each horse, ensuring they shine brightly on race day.

While the jockey may take the glory when the horse speeds past the winning post, clinching victory is a team effort. This involves a lengthy process that also includes the trainers and crucially, the owners. There have been many influential ones over the years, well-known for other ventures, who have invested in horse racing. Below, we discuss the most well-known celebrity racehorse owners and the jockeys who rode for them.

Alex Ferguson

Alex Ferguson is known as one of the greatest football managers of all time. From 1986 to 2013 he was in charge of Manchester United and turned the club into the global brand it is today. He won 38 trophies with them, which included 13 Premier League titles, several FA cups, and two Champions League final wins.

He is often credited with investing in the youth section of the club. A particular highlight was his class of 92, who went on to be the backbone of one of his strongest squads and the glory period of the team. Yet Ferguson has managed to transfer this skill of spotting talent to horses. Now his managerial days are over, he can often be seen cheering on his horses which have included Protektorat, Clan des Obeaux and Monmiral.

Luckily, anyone who has an eye for spotting talent is now able to follow the same path and invest in racehorses. You do not need Alex Ferguson funds either. You can enjoy racehorse ownership for a relatively low entry point with online providers, and become part of a syndicate. Online platforms will provide you with stats and information on the horse until it is ready to race, where you will take a share in the profit if it wins.

Dame Judi Dench

 

Dame Judi Dench is a legend of theatre, film and television. Her most famous roles are playing M in the James Bond series and her work on the romantic comedy series As Time Goes By. Yet when she is not bagging awards for her work, she has a keen interest in horse racing and ownership.

Her most prolific winner has been Smokey Oakey. This managed to win seven times. This included the Lincoln and Brigadier Gerard Stakes. Another of her horses, As De Mee, was a six-time winner. Trained by Paul Nicholls, it won the Grand Sefton Chase and was in for Grand National contention before being ruled out by injury.

Liz Hurley

Liz Hurley sprung to the public’s attention in the nineties, when she attended a London premiere in a black Versace dress that made headlines. However, she is also a prolific actress appearing in Austin Powers and Bedazzled.

Her involvement in horses comes through the Highclere Thoroughbred Syndicate. This was founded in 1992 by Harry Herbert and John Warren. While the two run the operation, they allow people to invest and have a long list of celebrities which also includes Heston Blumenthal and Hugh Bonneville.

There are always celebrities at the races, and some of them like Alex Ferguson, have a great track record when it comes to picking winners. Watch the horses they own and you may just be able to pick out a future winner.