Frequently Asked Questions about Thoroughbred Racehorses and Horse Racing

Thoroughbred race horses get breakfast at 4:30 a.m. Beginning at 6 a.m., the horses begin going to the racetrack for workouts.

Jockey silks are the beautiful combination of colors and patterns on the clothing that a jockey wears during a race. Each owner must have their own unique jockey silks.

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Q: How do I become an owner of a Thoroughbred racehorse?

A: First, find an experienced trainer that has a proven record of success and performance in the horse racing industry. A skilled trainer can provide purchase consultaion and help you decide which horse(s) have earnings potential.

Next, decide how you want to acquire a Thoroughbred racehorse. There are two main ways to do this:

Claimers

Claimers are races in which the horses are for sale at a price specified before the race. Claims are made before the race and the new owner assumes possession immediately following the race regardless of the outcome. A claimed horse will usually be able to race again in about two to three weeks… with you as the owner this time. With claimed horses, you get immediate results (good or bad).

Purse money is increasing. The claiming game is looking up. Ryan Walsh Racing Stable is available for purchase consultation to get you started racing with claimers.

Sales Yearlings

Sales yearlings are young, untrained horses that have not been raced. They are 12 months to 18 months of age. You can get a very good horse that can be properly trained and well-maintained right from the beginning. Waiting six months and purchasing a two-year old in training can be much more expensive and the horse could be permanently damaged from working too hard, too soon and producing unrealistic workout times. The potential for a real runner is in the yearlings, but patience is a must. Ryan Walsh Racing Stable is available for purchase consultation on sales yearlings and to provide topnotch yearling breaking services for a productive career.

Q: Can I come to the track and see my horse(s) in training?

A: Yes. We encourage owners to visit their horses at the track. There’s nothing like the feeling of watching your horse workout in the early morning at the racetrack. Please contact us prior to your visit to coordinate schedules.

Q: How much does it cost to keep a horse in training?

A : Expect to spend $25,000 annually to keep a horse in training. This includes the training fee, veterinarian expenses, shipping costs, farrier, hay, grain and other dietary supplements to keep your horse in tip-top racing condition.

My training fee is a straight forward $55 per day, which is factored into the annual cost above. Ryan Walsh Racing Stable also receives ten percent winnings of a first, second or third place finish which is in addition to the estimated annual cost.

Q: What is a typical day for my horse in your stable?

A: The horses get breakfast at 4:30 a.m. Beginning at 6 a.m., the horses begin going to the racetrack for workouts. I watch each horse train individually and will frequently ride them myself to ensure the horse is sound and feeling well.

The exercise program varies daily depending on the horse and its level of conditioning. Gallops, jogging one or two miles and work-outs are just a few options we use. Our stable pony Turbo accompanies all of the horses to the racetrack for workouts so they arrive relaxed and ready to focus.

Upon completion of their exercise program, they are given a bath, walked for twenty-five minutes and put back in their stall to fresh straw and hay. Each horse is inspected and groomed thoroughly after each workout.

Q: What kind of nutrition program do you have to keep my horses in the best possible condition?

A: Your horses are fed a proven feeding program. The feed is of the highest quality and the necessary supplements are added. Besides feeding quality grain, the hay is of the utmost importance to the health and well being of any horse. You will always see bales of premium timothy and alfalfa hay when you come to visit.

Q: How do I keep tabs on the progress of my horse(s)?

A: We encourage close contact with the owners of the horses we are entrusted to manage. First, you are welcome to come see your horses train in the morning. Second, frequent telephone calls, e-mails and updates on this Web site are at your disposal to see how your horse is performing. Click on contact us to phone or e-mail me.

Q: Can I insure my investment?

A: Yes. The price of insurance is typically ten percent of the value insured per year. Should you wish to go this route, I can put you in touch with equine insurance agencies that can provide more information on the policies.

Q. As an owner, do I need an owner’s license?

A: Yes. Owners must have a license in order to participate in races. Each state has its own licensing applications, procedures and fees. Being an owner gives you access to the track at both the front side and the barn area. A sticker for your vehicle will allow special parking privileges at the races. We will work with you to obtain all needed licenses for each state.

Q: What are jockey silks and do I need them?

A: Jockey silks are the beautiful combination of colors and patterns on the clothing that a jockey wears during a race. Each owner must have their own unique jockey silks. The combination of patterns and colors are controlled by and registered at The Jockey Club. We will work with you to obtain your distinctive jockey silks.

Q: What if my horse becomes injured or sick?

A: Shagbark Farm is the farm of Ryan Walsh Racing Stable conveniently located 30 minutes from the Turfway Park racetrack in Florence, KY, just south of the greater Cincinnati, OH metro area. A veterinarian and farrier are both on-call to provide daily treatment or emergency care. There are turn out paddocks, an indoor arena and a round pen all designed to facilitate a quick recovery. Some of the day-to-day expenses of the racetrack do not exist on the farm, therefore you may pay less while the horse is recuperating at Shagbark Farm.