AboutDon Boddie Expertise All aspects of the thoroughbred breeding and racing industry in New Zealand. I race thoroughbreds and am the Marketing Manager for a NZ racing club.If I don`t know the answer to your question I know someone who does!
Experience 15 years in the racing industry. Currently working for a racing club.
Expert: Don Boddie Date: 4/9/2007 Subject: claiming
Question WHAT IS CLAIMING?I WAS WATCHING A MOVIE AND THE HORSE WAS CLAIMED AND I WAS WONDERING WHAT IN THE HELL IS CLAIMING.SOMEONE ELSE TOOK THE HORSE FROM THE OWNER!WHATS UP WITH THAT? THANKS,WILLIAM-EMAIL auwill@foothills.net
Answer Hi William,
Well it was along wait but I think I have found an answer for you.
Claiming races are not very common in NZ however the trotting fraternity are trying it as a way to keep otherwise uncompetitive horses still racing.
As I understand it, horses which have reached their potential and are unlikely to improve through the grades can be entered for special claiming races.
A price is printed beside their details in the race book and anyone can bid to purchase the horse. The cheque and a transfer fee are sealed in an envelope prior to the race. The envelope is opened after the race and win loose or run last, the horse changes hands immediately.
The horse can not go back to the same trainer but can line up the next week to race either in a normal race or a claiming race.
You have piqued my curiosity about this subject so I will investigate more.
I think claiming races are quite popular in USA but not sure if its both trotting and galloping codes that favour it.
I have your personal email so will forward any new information if I find some.
Once again, sorry I took so long.
Regards,
Don Boddie
roadshow@paradise.net.nz
