As you already know, the world of horse racing is both thrilling and extremely competitive, so only the best of the best of the best stand a chance of succeeding. Even though luck plays a role in a horse’s success, there are also innate traits and preparation techniques that simply separate the top ones from the rest. This quick guide will tell you all about the 5 most important traits that all world-class racing horses share:
Genetics
Not really a surprising one, but definitely one of the most essential traits – a horse’s genetic makeup creates the foundation for its racing potential. That is why breeding programs work hard to pair successful bloodlines.
It’s how they produce horses with desirable traits like a strong cardiovascular system, stamina, speed, and agility. Interestingly, racing horses have bigger hearts than non-racing breeds. For example, Phar Lap, the renowned Australian racehorse, had a heart weighing 6.4 kg—though horses like Sham and Secretariat boasted even larger ones.
When you look at the odds for a particular race, genetics can be a good pointer for potential winners.
Physical Attributes
Besides genetics, the physical structure of a horse (aka conformation) is key to its racing success. A well-conformed horse also has good musculature, well-angled joints, strong bones, and proper balance.
When a horse boasts quality conformation, it means it is also stable and able to move efficiently. Obviously, the ability to move ideally helps tremendously when it comes to speed racing. So world-class racecourses show exceptional speed, especially in the flat racing sphere.
Being able to perform and win some of the largest events like the Kentucky Derby, Dubai World Cup, Melbourne Cup (“the race that stops the nation”), Epsom Derby, or Royal Ascot, horses must achieve stunning acceleration and maximum speed, even at varying distances. Winning one of these events is a major turning point for any racehorse. Imagine being the winner at the Melbourne Cup – the race that is literally the largest sports event on the Australian continent! Or imagine being the best in the world and winning the Dubai World Cup. Talk about massive success.
Training
Having a good temperament is one of the deciding factors that separate top racehorses from average ones. The best racers must be trainable, focused, and able to deal with both the stress and excitement of big events.
On the other hand, overly aggressive or just nervous horses aren’t very likely to perform well under pressure. Once trainers spot a horse with potential for success, they immediately get it started with a program designed to develop its mental sharpness, physical fitness, and racing strategy. This also includes veterinary care and proper nutrition.
Nonetheless, high-quality trainers and luxury facilities play a huge role in the contender’s future success and winning odds.
Agility and Stamina
Stamina and endurance are crucial for contestants whose performance depends on the ability to sustain their speed throughout a big race. In other words, being able to handle the distance of the race without having to slow down is one of the deciding factors that can make or break a horse’s potential for winning at key events with longer routes.
During races, contestants usually have to avoid other horses, navigate turns, and respond promptly to meaningful jockey cues. All of that can only be done if the horse possesses a high level of agility that enables it to maneuver gracefully through a crowded field and still maintain an optimal racing position.
Being Coordinated with the Jockeys
Horses will always be the stars of horse racing shows, but that doesn’t mean we should forget about the importance of jockeys in their success. A skilled jockey who is also in sync with the racer can sometimes make all the difference between winning or losing. The best jockeys have a good understanding of their horse’s advantages and disadvantages, so they can make spontaneous decisions on the track.
The bond between jockey and horse can make truly historic twists. Take the legendary mare Makybe Diva, who ‘did what no mare had ever done’ by claiming her third Melbourne Cup victory—a record that still remains unbroken. Her jockey, Glen Boss, employed a delicate strategy, tuned into her sensitivities, and together, they rode straight into the racing history books.
In the end, let’s also emphasize the importance of premium-quality equipment every jockey and horse owner pays attention to. Stellar performance requires the use of fine horse riding helmets, saddle pads, and top-notch horse bits that are built to strengthen the connection between the jockey and their racer.
Horse racing is as exciting as it can be, and when we get to see the best horses competing with each other, there is hardly anything that can compare with this thrill. However, none of that would be possible without world-class racing horses who possess admirable traits that are rarely found outside of the premium league horse racing events.