AboutBrad Adler Expertise I specialize in racehorse analysis and valuation, handicapping, claiming and speed figures. I am, however, quite capable of handling other general inquiries regarding thoroughbred horses and their training and racing careers. In addition, I can advise current and potential owners in regard to their investment considerations, whether it be in the claiming game or the auction ring.
Experience I have acted as a Racing Manager for many individual investors and partnerships since 1985. True student of the game; Andrew Beyer disciple. Special emphasis on claiming useful horses at any and all levels. Have owned and campaigned dozens of horses (including a few stakes winners) in many different states and with many different trainers.
Publications Website: www.superthoroughbred.com
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland, College Park
Expert: Brad Adler Date: 5/6/2008 Subject: racing gender
Question Which gender of horse is the better racer? What is the approximate ratio of male to female horses that race? Is a spayed colt or filly any faster than one that has not been spayed? In terms of speed and endurance, what is the optimal age for a horse to race?
Thanks!
*race refers to events such as Kentucky Derby
Answer Hi Serenity:
As you might expect, males are the dominant racehorses. However, it is very rare for a female to race against males. Half of all races are restricted by sex, so the females can compete at their own level.
Once in a while, though, a female (like Eight Belles) takes on males and beats them, but these are rare occurrences.
Sometimes trainers decide to castrate their male horses to reduce the movement of the testicles when the horse runs, or to reduce the sexual urges of the horse (supposedly resulting in an animal more interested in racing and less interested in female horses). Although there are a few instances when these maneuvers are practical and fruitful, in most cases, they do not really help a horse run faster. Females are almost never "altered."
The optimal racing age for a female is 3.5- to 4-years old; 3.5- to 5-years old for a male.
