Horse racing is an exhilarating spectacle of athletic prowess, but the event would not be possible without the right breed of horses. If you've ever questioned why only specific horses compete while others don't, the answer lies in the breed.
For beginners in horse racing, understanding the two primary breeds—Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds—is crucial. These breeds dominate the tracks, each with distinct physical attributes and racing styles that set them apart.
The Standardbred Horse
Standardbred horses are known for their robust and resilient nature, often described as the "standard" in the racing world due to their consistent ability to meet specific trotting speeds (typically one mile in under two minutes). Originating in North America, Standardbreds owe their lineage to a horse named Hambletonian 10, an English Thoroughbred descendant. Breeders in the early 19th century aimed to create a powerful new generation, giving rise to the Standardbred breed.
Standardbreds are characterised by:
- Long, low-set bodies
- Strong hindquarters
- Heavy bone structure
- Large hooves
- Thick manes and tails
- Standing between 15 to 16 hands (60-64 inches) tall
- Weighing between 900 and 1,000 pounds
These physical traits make them ideally suited for endurance races, especially harness racing, where their durability and strength shine.
The Thoroughbred Horse
In contrast, Thoroughbred horses are sleek, agile, and faster over shorter distances. The breed originated in 17th-century England and became the foundation for many modern racing breeds, including Standardbreds. Thoroughbreds trace their ancestry back to three key Arabian stallions—Byerly Turk, Darley Arabian, and Godolphin Barb—imported between the late 1600s and early 1700s. Over time, their descendants spread to the United States, leading to the thriving Thoroughbred population seen today.
Thoroughbreds are distinguished by:
- High, compact bodies
- Lean and streamlined builds
- Wide chests
- Small hooves
- Thin coats
- Standing at 16 hands (64 inches) tall
- Weighing around 1,000 pounds
Known for their speed and agility, Thoroughbreds excel in flat racing, where they gallop at high speeds across relatively short distances. Their slender, athletic frames are built for quick sprints, making them the ideal contenders in fast-paced races.
Racing Styles: Standardbred vs Thoroughbred
Horse breeds have been selectively developed over centuries, resulting in lineages that exhibit unique abilities on the track. The differences between Standardbred and Thoroughbred racing styles are significant and can influence betting strategies.
Standardbred Racing
Standardbreds, with their powerful physiques and low-set bodies, excel in harness racing. In this form of racing, the horse pulls a lightweight, two-wheeled cart (sulky) driven by a jockey. This breed is built for endurance, making it a strong choice for long-distance races. Standardbred races often span one mile, with horses showcasing their ability to maintain steady speeds over extended periods. Most harness races fall under two main categories:
- Trotting: Standardbred horses are primarily trotting racers, moving in a diagonal, two-beat gait.
- Pacing: Pacers, another type of Standardbred racer, move their legs laterally, which makes them faster and more stable than trotters. Pacers dominate harness racing in the U.S., accounting for about 80-90% of competitions.
Standardbreds often enjoy longer racing careers due to their stamina and steady performance, sometimes continuing to compete well into their teenage years.
Thoroughbred Racing
Thoroughbreds, known for their speed and agility, are the kings of flat racing. In these races, a jockey rides directly on the horse, guiding them with subtle cues. Thoroughbreds are bred for short, high-speed bursts, and their races typically last over shorter distances. However, due to the physical toll of such intense racing, Thoroughbreds generally have shorter careers compared to Standardbreds. Their racing categories include:
- Galloping: Thoroughbreds excel at galloping at high speeds, often reaching up to 40-45 miles per hour.
- Short races: While they can't maintain their speed for long distances, they dominate in short sprints, where their burst of energy can outpace other breeds.
Key Differences in Racing Formats
Harness racing, where Standardbreds compete, uses a sulky, and horses must either trot or pace without breaking their gait. If a horse breaks into a canter or gallop during a harness race, it must slow back down to the correct gait or face disqualification. Thoroughbred racing, on the other hand, requires the horses to gallop in a four-beat gait, with no restrictions on changing pace.
Race surfaces also differ. Harness races typically take place on dirt or clay tracks and require participants to complete a qualifying mile before entering a race. In contrast, Thoroughbred races occur on dirt, turf, or synthetic surfaces. Thoroughbreds do not require qualifying runs but must demonstrate their ability to break from a starting gate before competing.
Thoroughbred races vary in length from just over half a mile to a mile and a half, while harness races are consistently one mile long. Thoroughbreds also race less frequently than Standardbreds, often running every three weeks compared to the weekly schedules typical in harness racing.
Despite their differences, both Standardbred and Thoroughbred racing showcase the exceptional athleticism of the horses and the skill of the jockeys, drivers, and trainers involved. Each breed brings its unique qualities to the track, making horse racing a diverse and exciting sport that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.