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Horse Racing/Questions Answered by Expert Christopher Crocker

SubjectDate Asked
horse not responding in race2/8/2012
  Q: i have a doubt: what does "horse is not responding to the jockey's urgings in the race" mean? does ...
  A: A jockey should use his weight, leg, balance, rein handling and the horse's momentum to help a horse ...
horse not responding in race2/6/2012
  Q: i have a doubt: what does "horse is not responding to the jockey's urgings in the race" mean? does ...
  A: It means that the horse has either given up or is totally out of energy to finish strong regardless ...
feeding all horses at same time1/9/2012
  Q: at what time you feed all your stable horses? lets suppose you have given a fast work to a horse ...
  A: I feed my horses 10-12 hours apart. I do not feed them before training since I want them fed at ...
thick substance on horse tendons12/30/2011
  Q: why i found a white thick substance on a racehorse tendons after the groom removed the polo wraps ...
  A: Yes, I believe this is most likely sweat without actually seeing the foam first hand. It could also ...
training12/29/2011
  Q: On injuries, when should I use cold and when should I use heat?
  A: Cold is for acute injuries because it reduces swelling by causing the blood vessels to constrict. ...
rubber dexter ring bit on baby thoroughbreds12/28/2011
  Q: would you like to use a rubber dexter ring bit with spoons on two year old racing thoroughbreds? ...
  A: This bit is perfectly acceptable for young horses if they are requiring a little more than a rubber ...
two types of mouthpiece bits12/28/2011
  Q: i attached an image consisting of two types of mouthpieces. a curved mouthpiece and a straight ...
  A: Both are suitable for thoroughbred racing. The oval bit is a kinder bit as it doesn't pinch the ...
my horse inside race track12/27/2011
  Q: My horse always slow down in last 400 m when the horses come and don't concentrate in the race?! ...
  A: The horse needs to slow down the pace and run with the horses who keep coming up on him. This is not ...
How do I get started?12/19/2011
  Q: I am looking into becoming a racehorse exercise rider. I have been looking around and see to get ...
  A: You really need to find a training center that is willing to let you get on horses. You may have to ...
pelham bits , mullen mouth bits12/1/2011
  Q: are pelham bits allowed in horse racing? what are the uses of mullen mouth bits?
  A: Pelham bits are not allowed in racing in the U.S. as far as I know. It's not considered a bit for ...
ex racehorse retraining11/15/2011
  Q: I have been re training a gelding I bought off the racetrack as a 3 year old. IO was wondering how ...
  A: Race horses need to be very sensitive to cues, and respond well under pressure. Back off his grain ...
dead track - good performer11/12/2011
  Q: a horse performing well on dead turf track means is it a good performer at any track condition? ...
  A: A horse that performs well on a "slow track" or "dead track" will certainly be fit enough to run ...
uses of canter and gallop11/8/2011
  Q: trotting a horse would build up its muscle. then what are the uses of canter and gallop?
  A: Trotting should be done along with galloping. Trotting is used for warm up before exercise and cool ...
long barrel - good confirmation11/8/2011
  Q: is long barrel, a good confirmation in thoroughbreds? if yes, may i know why?
  A: Well anything that stands out as long or short relative to the whole horse may not be ideal for ...
JOCKEY CANNOT OWN RACEHORSE10/27/2011
  Q: I HAVEN'T SEEN A JOCKEY OWNING A RACEHORSE. CAN YOU PLEASE GIVE ME THE REASON?
  A: A jockey can own a race horse in some jurisdictions, but there are many rules restricting the jockey ...
jockey salary10/17/2011
  Q: what is the salary of a thoroughbred flat racing jockey in USA? what about their mount fee?
  A: The Jockey fee is different from track to track. Usually it's from $50 to $100. There is no salary. ...
opening mouth while being worked out9/26/2011
  Q: few horses open their mouth like this, showing their incisors opened up while being exercised ...
  A: This horse may just feel comfortable holding the bit in his mouth in this manner. You may notice the ...
diagram for prev. question9/26/2011
  Q: sir, i am sorry, this is the diagram which i wanted to attach for the previous question. please ...
  A: There is a number of reasons for a horse to hold his head this way. He may need a dentist to look at ...
length between rail supporter9/6/2011
  Q: what can be the length between each rail supporter in thoroughbred racing? sir, this is the clear ...
  A: The length between the rail supports is approximately 8 feet. It is no coincidence that the distance ...
MORNING GLORY - sutuation arising9/2/2011
  Q: i am sorry to ask you this: hope you are aware of MORNING GLORY, a racing term. this situation ...
  A: This syndrome baffles many trainers and there could be a variety of reasons the horse does not do ...
smacking the horse on its rump in the gates8/29/2011
  Q: today a mock or a trial race was conducted after all the races which was held at 1100m. there were 4 ...
  A: This technique is used, more commonly, by quarter horse riders than thoroughbred jockeys. It looks ...
Day before a race8/10/2011
  Q: do You give a rest to Your horses a day before a race? (like walking, grazing etc...), and how does ...
  A: I consider jogging, a rest or a day off. I graze my horses just about everyday after training. I ...
training times7/9/2011
  Q: can You please tell me what is score on stop-wacth which can satisfy You as a trainer to Your ...
  A: I do not look for particular times. I gauge ability on a horse's stride and ease of gallop. I watch ...
thoroughbred training6/14/2011
  Q: I have a filly that's got a dry coat problem and she is a good race horse but i don't know how to ...
  A: Try feeding her a higher fat diet. Adding soy oil, flaxseed or rice bran oil are some suggestions. ...
career advice4/19/2011
  Q: I am very passionate about the horse racing industry. I worked as a groom all through high school ...
  A: I would just go to the different farms in the area and tell them your experience and what you are ...
Frequency of starts for Claimers4/19/2011
  Q: I am aware that North American claiming horses race more often than their stakes and allowance ...
  A: There are no limits to the number of races a horse may run in a specific time frame. One exception ...
Workouts1/30/2011
  Q: I'm an Irish apprentice jockey and very interested U.S racing and trackwork that is done there! I ...
  A: A 1/4 in 23 and change refers to going a quarter of a mile in 23 seconds and the "change" refers to ...
horse dosage1/17/2011
  Q: I have a thoroughbrd racehorse whose dp=3-2-5-2-0 and DI=1.67 and CD=0.50... This horse is all speed ...
  A: Not necessarily. The data shows a very low DI for a sprinter and a CD usually associated with a ...
The meaning......1/10/2011
  Q: What does the term 'under sufferance' mean in horse racing.. Thanks...
  A: This term means the horse was under excessive pressure and stress for most of the race. Early in a ...
Yearling Thoroughbred12/29/2010
  Q: I recently purchased a yearling thoroughbred (March foal). She has an impressive pedigree. My ...
  A: The best thing for your yearling right now is to be turned out with others in a field where they are ...
horse training12/13/2010
  Q: i purchased a unknown horse age 6 years in Pakistan ( this not thoroughbred or nor halfbred he is ...
  A: You really don't have to do much if the horse is already fit and racing. There are many variables ...
Race Horses11/29/2010
  Q: our racehorse is a 4yr. old. When he is in a race, he will be doing good, but then he will stop all ...
  A: What's the horses name? I could learn more by looking at his race replays and form. It may just be ...
horse racing11/16/2010
  Q: Why is a horse's tongue sticking out at the side during a race?
  A: The tongue is commonly tied down under the bit for mainly, breathing purposes, but also to prevent ...
horse racing trainers10/11/2010
  Q: I am putting together a business plan and needed some general info on the cost of a trainer and what ...
  A: Sorry for the delay..... I have the information you need posted on my web site at ...
GELDING ALTERNATIVES10/3/2010
  Q: MY EX.RIDER SAYS THEY ARE HURTING HIM SO HE DOESN'T WANT TO TRAIN, HANG TO LOW , SWING ETC. I SEE A ...
  A: There is no point in keeping this horse a colt. If they are hurting him to train then you will never ...
Ex- Race Horses9/18/2010
  Q: I am looking for a listing of ex-race horses, a horse was rescued in my area,and animal control has ...
  A: Look under his upper lip and read the tattoo. There will be one letter followed by numbers. The most ...
Training Ex-racehorse7/28/2010
  Q: I'm training my four year old thoroughbred fresh off the track. He's doing perfect with everything ...
  A: First thing is make sure you are not presenting yourself with an erect posture and don't turn ...
optional claiming races7/22/2010
  Q: Which is higher, oc 80,000 or claiming 62,000. Explain OC RACES
  A: OC 80k would be higher based on the claiming price alone, but depending on the horses entering from ...
Horse Racing...Cruelty?5/7/2010
  Q: My name is Jenna and I am in eighth grade. I’m doing a research project for my English class; we got ...
  A: Strapping a saddle on a horse's back and putting a piece of metal in its mouth for steering is ...
terminology "checking"5/3/2010
  Q: what does it mean when they say derby racer Ice Box was checked three time?
  A: Checking a horse means that a rider had to sharply pull back on the horse to break it's momentum in ...
groom at track4/13/2010
  Q: I've been in horse racing all my life. Starting with my parents training,breeding,and owning them. ...
  A: I personally don't know anyone at that particular track and didn't even know they had racing in SC. ...
stud colts3/24/2010
  Q: i recently purchased stud colt. trainer already wants to geld. i told him i would like to see what ...
  A: John, There is absolutely no reason to keep training this horse as a colt. As far as bumpy rides ...
Trainer's License3/19/2010
  Q: I am in Aiken SC and would like to get my trainer's license. Where is the closest place for me to ...
  A: You will first have to go to the stewards at any race track and ask to start the testing process. ...
How to become a trainer3/16/2010
  Q: I was wondering if you could tell me how to become a licensed trainer. I live in DE and have worked ...
  A: You will first have to go to the stewards and ask to start the testing process. You may even have to ...
Condition Book question...3/6/2010
  Q: Good Morning Mr. Crocker. I have a 'condition book' question. In race below, how do I interpret the ...
  A: They are saying that you may still be allowed to run for the weight allowances listed right above, ...
training between races3/4/2010
  Q: i am told that older horses don't need to gallop or breeze in between races, as a former athlete i ...
  A: Very good question. As for "saving it for the race", that couldn't be more wrong. It's actually up ...
Starter Allowance3/1/2010
  Q: Good Evening Mr. Crocker. I have a 6 yr old TB I am bringing back to the track after a layoff of 1 ...
  A: I have to battle this decision all the time. I am not sure what track you are at and how tough the ...
procaine2/23/2010
  Q: i read todd pletcher got suspended for using procaine why is this drug illegal and why was he using ...
  A: Sorry it took so long to get back with you. I have been away from my computer. Procaine is an ...
fat vs. fiber2/17/2010
  Q: i have a filly who has a hard time gaining and holding on to her weight. i thought by giving her ...
  A: I would start off by feeding a grain with 6-8% fat. Blue Seal feeds is one of the few who make a ...
Race Condition2/14/2010
  Q: Aqueduct Race 4 for Feb.14, 2010 Clm 1000b states "For four and up which have never won three or ...
  A: The key here is that Vinnies Wild Tale is four. If he was older then he would not be eligible. Any 4 ...
Choosing a Weanling1/29/2010
  Q: We are about to enter the world of horse-racing for the first time. We are 'horsey' people who would ...
  A: This is a very risky way to get into racing. The only people who make out well most of the time, is ...
blood counts1/21/2010
  Q: on your site you state the importance of blood counts to establish peak performance. I've heard of ...
  A: You should ask your vet for a CBC. This is a complete blood count and it cost 30 to 50 dollars plus ...
distance training1/18/2010
  Q: when training for a distance race like 1 1/16 vs a 6f race do you train differently. currently I've ...
  A: It all depends on her age, soundness and how she is currently handling the workload. If she is ...
4 year old Quarter Horse- "Open Knees"12/11/2009
  Q: I recently bought a 4 yr old quarter horse that was only raced six times. He was ranch broke when I ...
  A: I have never had a horse, who had knees open at age 4. I would check with your vet if this is a ...
growing a little thick in the neck11/18/2009
  Q: why to castrate a 2 year old colt? ANSWER: I don't castrate unless the horse can't keep his ...
  A: You want a light, flexible neck in a horse. A colt tends to grow a thicker, heavier neck and will ...
castrating a 2 year old horse11/15/2009
  Q: why to castrate a 2 year old colt?
  A: I don't castrate unless the horse can't keep his attention on business. You also may want to ...
EIPH Follow-Up Question11/10/2009
  Q: I just received the papers for my OTB. There is a red stamp of California on the front with the ...
  A: Nothing to worry about unless you plan on galloping her 35 mph for mile or more. Most horses are ...
"EIPH" stamp on TB registration papers11/9/2009
  Q: I just received the papers for my OTB. There is a red stamp of California on the front with the ...
  A: This stands for Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhaging. Horse's can bleed (hemorrhage) in the lungs ...
Claiming races11/6/2009
  Q: I don't understand the classification of "B" claiming races,where "B" stands for beaten. Why ...
  A: Good question.... It is in Maryland's condition book, for instance, that dated conditions such as ...
why is there no jockey colleges10/13/2009
  Q: hi my name is kelly and i have a question that no one can tellme i thought maybe u could help me why ...
  A: There are jockey schools all over the country. I have never attended one, so my knowledge of these ...
Horse at Track10/12/2009
  Q: My friend has a horse at the track that has been off for 1 year because of an injury. He was just ...
  A: Some horses that have had an injury will remember how and/or where they got injured. If the injury ...
Aerobic training9/24/2009
  Q: Does aerobic training helps Quarter horses for short distances?. What about vitamins?
  A: Yes. Aerobic training is important in Quarter horses for short distances. Aerobic training is ...
Getting into the business8/10/2009
  Q: I am young 15 yrs old and love horse racing. I want to do something in the racing industry (probally ...
  A: Graduate from high school and if there are business and aggriculture classes, take them. Check out ...
tb mare training7/29/2009
  Q: . war emblem's sister. she got off of racing a couple of years ago and had been ridden lightly.. she ...
  A: I am not familiar with Clinton Anderson. I recommend having a professional train this horse. I ...
Feeding7/21/2009
  Q: 9 months ago i brought a 16.3 x point to pointer he was under weight, all winter i was struggling ...
  A: I would make sure you start packing the pounds on in the fall by feeding free choice hay (if you ...
Minimum purse of a race7/6/2009
  Q: In your opinion what should the minimum purse of a horse race be for the good of all people and ...
  A: I have wondered myself who can afford to run for $2,500 dollars at some American race tracks. I ...
Training6/18/2009
  Q: I have a 4 yr old thoroughbred filly who is sucessful racing at shorter distances, 2 - 5 1/2 ...
  A: If the horse is a successful sprinter at this distance then I wouldn't change a thing. If you insist ...
Track conditions and Dunkirk5/5/2009
  Q: Todd Pletcher said that Dunkirk trained well over the sloppy Churchill Downs track and that if the ...
  A: Dennis, Sloppy, Good, and Muddy are all different "track conditions". He knows his horse is good ...
time3/28/2009
  Q: When calling a race they will say they ran the first quarter in 23 and 2. Does it mean 23.2 seconds
  A: Good question. This is confusing to many. Races are typically called in 5th second intervals. 23 and ...
condition book3/26/2009
  Q: I was an asst. trainer overseas and am confused about the USA condition book. What exactly is meant ...
  A: It should say "not considered in allowances" or "not considered in eligibility" if it says not ...
how do i get started3/14/2009
  Q: I am wondering how to get started on being a jockey? Is there any place in Michigan where I could ...
  A: Go to Pinnacle Downs and start getting on horses for any trainer you can. One of those trainers will ...
stops running in the turn1/26/2009
  Q: my horse trains and works like a million dollar horse during training hours. he stops running in the ...
  A: I would need to actually put my hands on this horse to figure out the problem. All I can tell you is ...
training1/14/2009
  Q: hey there, i would like to know your views on training 2yr old race horses in the sense of getting ...
  A: I am sorry for the delay in the response as I have been out of town helping breaking 2YOs, ...
winning percentage1/13/2009
  Q: My trainer won with 5 of my 15 starters last year, with 5 seconds and 3 thirds, and one fourth. My ...
  A: Sorry for the delay, as I have been at the Kentucky horse sales. That is totally up to you. I ...
meadowlands winning horse1/11/2009
  Q: I received a blanket with the name "include" as a winning horse. The blanket says ( #4, meadowlands, ...
  A: I only have the following information: Include was born in 1997 with 20 Starts, 10 Wins, 1 Place, 4 ...
medication1/3/2009
  Q: My horse won in November, ran a bullet work in early December and bled. She was not on lasix. She ...
  A: I don't feel the lasix is the issue. It sounds like there is something else going on. Lasix will ...
College options for owning a horse business12/18/2008
  Q: I plan to one day open my own horse business training horses and am going to a vocational school to ...
  A: I would take the equine business management course before anything. Practical track and training ...
Max age of race horses12/13/2008
  Q: I now horse racing starts at 2 yrs but wonder how long a healthy horse can go on racing? Thanks
  A: There are healthy horses running and winning well past ten years old. Most horses will earn the bulk ...
what to feed an OTTB12/2/2008
  Q: I am adopting an OTTB that has been off track for a few months now. He is at a great weight and in ...
  A: You will have to adjust for his activity, but I would always feed free choice hay in addition to any ...
Racing Mare nutrition11/30/2008
  Q: just wondering if you can make any suggestions for any differences in the feeding/supplementing when ...
  A: I adjust feeding by the horse and it's particular needs and not by the sex of the horse. You have to ...
Lead Changes11/23/2008
  Q: I am full time college student and on the part time i work with thoroughbred racehorses, that i ...
  A: Moshin, I recommend having the vet look over the horse if the trainer can't figure out the problem. ...
lead changes11/11/2008
  Q: I own a 5 yr old OTTB. I've heard so many ways to cue for lead changes I would like to know what is ...
  A: Basically with any horse learning a discipline, you need to over exaggerate the cues until your ...
lead changes11/10/2008
  Q: I own a 5 yr old OTTB. I've heard so many ways to cue for lead changes I would like to know what is ...
  A: Every horse is little different and may respond to each rider in a different way. There are horses ...
training old runners for resale10/30/2008
  Q: I am a trainer that is looking into resaling retired runners as hunter prospects. In order to help ...
  A: Race horses are trained in the same manner as hunters from the start, if done properly. I don't ...
racehorse preperation10/14/2008
  Q: . i have been getting my horse ready to race for nearly three months and he is to start in 3 weeks ...
  A: There are many factors that may play out here. If this horse is a sprinter, then the muscle is ...
Shoes or Barefoot10/3/2008
  Q: Christopher: Thank you so much for your insight about feeding my mare Arabel and her wood chewing. ...
  A: You are better off letting her stand in her natural position. Changing a foot angle may just sore ...
ex racehorse10/2/2008
  Q: My new mare has been of the track since June. I am boarding her at a beautiful facility, but they ...
  A: Yes, Unlimited Hay and 2 quarts of grain is fine.I give my horses in training unlimited hay as well. ...
Retraining a young ex race horse9/18/2008
  Q: I recently brough a 5 year old mare only 15hh, very small who severed a hind leg tendon so was ...
  A: This is sometimes referred to as cross cantering. There could be a neurological problem or lameness. ...
Hooves9/3/2008
  Q: I have an ex racer who refuses to lift up his feet. Any tips?
  A: Does he not do this for the farrier or you or both? Some horses you really have to lean on twist ...
Mental training8/16/2008
  Q: My father has trotting horses (on an amateur level)and he sold a foal to a neighbor of ours.This guy ...
  A: Hyper is good for the most part. The mare who just won for me, {and posted 2 seconds in a row after ...
Retraining the ex-racer8/16/2008
  Q: I recently have acquired a free project OTTB. He's 4, and stands at about 15.2. I took him on ...
  A: I am not sure of your level of riding... so assuming you have trained jumpers and broke horses..... ...
wondering how to become a horse trainer8/11/2008
  Q: i was wondering if you could help me i want to become a assisant trainer more hands on experience is ...
  A: In the racing industry, you must pass a few test at the race track to become a licensed assistant ...
Rules7/26/2008
  Q: Different tracks have different rules about who is eligible to claim. What are some of these rules?
  A: I can only tell you that they have the rules for each track printed clearly in the condition book. ...
physiology7/4/2008
  Q: I own a 9 yr. old exracehorse mare TB. I'm not sure why, or if it even comes from her racing years, ...
  A: Great. Send them to Chris@CrockerRacingStable.com. I have had two horses that have the same sort of ...
physiology6/26/2008
  Q: I own a 9 yr. old exracehorse mare TB. I'm not sure why, or if it even comes from her racing years, ...
  A: Probably the back has nothing to do with actual racing. Race horses are in the best muscular ...
ex-race horse6/19/2008
  Q: While retraining an ex-racehorse I ran into something that I have questions about. I will admit that ...
  A: That is not correct information that you were given. This process is also known as pin firing. The ...
Jockey/Exercise Rider... How do I start?6/8/2008
  Q: I have been riding for 3 years, and am enthralled by horse racing. And I want to ride. I want to ...
  A: There are tracks in Boston Massachusetts. You need to be at least 16 years old in most jurisdictions ...
How fast should they run?5/22/2008
  Q: Can you please tell me how fast a quarter horse should run and for how far before even considering ...
  A: This is a hard question to answer since there are all levels of racing for these horses for ...
a ex race horse is a hand full to ride5/20/2008
  Q: my neighbor has a horse that is a big hand full we have tried every thing and this horse wont budge ...
  A: How old is he? How long has he been off the track? What are you feeding him? A race horse needs the ...
english assignment5/14/2008
  Q: what sort of training do race horses do to lead up to a race? and also why kind of care do they need ...
  A: Most trainers in this country don't train horses properly. So what I will say here is not typical... ...
Race Horse with Broken Legs5/4/2008
  Q: I was so saddened by tonight's Kentucky Derby and Eight Belles injury and euthanasia. Why didn't ...
  A: Many people think they let these horses go because they can't race. Race horse owners in this game ...
quarter horse training4/27/2008
  Q: I have a 9 year old quarter horse who is breed dash for cash an go man go. i do some dirt road ...
  A: Quarter horses need to sprint repetivly for short distances. If you have hills, that would be a ...
Training race horses3/29/2008
  Q: I am in the process of buying an off-the-track thoroughbred to train for hunter/jumpers. I have ...
  A: Most horsemen that train race horses are pretty good at training the horse to do everything you ...
Horse Racing for Teens3/22/2008
  Q: Do you know if they let teenagers between the ages of 14-17 race in Thoroughbred Horse Races? Or, if ...
  A: Where I race in Maryland and Virginia, you have to be at least 16 years old to get a jockey license. ...
exracehorse2/25/2008
  Q: I am doing a speech for high school on retraining exrace horses and iwas hoping you could help me ...
  A: The first thing you want to do is reduce and change the feed gradually over a week or so from the ...
Training2/4/2008
  Q: During a rigorous training of a thoroughbred, how many days of rest during the week is necessary??
  A: That depends a lot on what the horse is capable of, age, and when he will be racing and how far into ...
Green horse, Green rider!1/11/2008
  Q: I was given a 2 year old TB filly. I am not an experienced horsewoman but I am eagre to learn, have ...
  A: First thing is to get your filly trained as soon as possible before she gets to comfortable in being ...
all about horse race12/14/2007
  Q: i wanted to know all about horse race ,all the terminolgy,bets and how and where to start. Thanks in ...
  A: Your question is very broad. I can tell you how to get started and that is get books and video on ...

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Christopher Crocker

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Expertise

All questions pertaining to thoroughbred horse racing from a trainer's perspective. All questions about thoroughbred training methods, equine biochemistry and physiology. General questions about strategies and economics of thoroughbred horse racing. I will also be pleased to answer general questions about training and caring for horses of all breeds.

Experience

I have been breaking, schooling and training thoroughbred race horses for over twelve years.

Publications
http://CrockerRacingStable.com

Education/Credentials
High school graduate 1992. Dalfort Aircraft 1994. Licensed thoroughbred horse trainer in Canada and six American states as of 2009.

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