Arabian
Facts & Fiction about Arabian Racing
By texasarabianbreeders.com
Jul 15, 2008, 12:34

Can All Arabians Race?

Yes- and No.

All Arabian horses registered as Purebred with the Arabian Horse Association or with any registry around the world whose horses are accepted by AHA as purebred are eligible to race in Texas.

However this doesn't mean that all Arabian horses have what it takes to win a race. Arabian horses are no doubt the Original Racehorse, which makes them a natural in the racing business. But just as the Thoroughbred has evolved into a special kind of race horse over the last 200 years, we are seeing the benefits of selective breeding for racing within our own pure Arabians. Yet there are still many untested Arabian bloodlines.

What do you do with Arabian racehorses when they are through racing?

Being a professional racehorse doesn't limit the race-bred Arabian- it expands his attractiveness and makes him a great racing choice. His versatility makes him a match for great endeavors after his racing career. His aftermarket appeal and abilties mean for a long life of service to his owner- or the ability to find a new owner in a different arena. Versatility means value. And it also means we uphold our humane responsiblity to our horses.

I've heard Arabian racehorses are hot tempered.

Some are. It would be ridiculous to say otherwise. It is a characteristic of some individual horses in any breed. It would also be ridiculous to label Arabian horses with racing blood as "hot."

For some owners, a lively and spirited steed is the perfect horse. And others prefer a more laid-back individual. What's hot to one may seem cold to another! Plenty of Arabian racehorses have the unwavering mental calmness that marks the best of steady mounts for children. In fact, this sensibility is coveted by many racehorse trainers and owners who know the importance of an uncluttered mind that loads quietly and waits with focus in clanking starting gates among crowds of loud and excited spectators.

Other breeds of racehorses start running at at 2. We don't break our Arabians until age 3 so how can we compete?

Arabian horses start their racing careers one year later than other breeds. Arabians can begin racing at age 3. They race only against other purebred Arabians. Arabian horses develop at a slower growth rate than other breeds, and racing officials are professional horsemen who are aware of that. Maiden races (races for horses that are just starting or have not won a race) are usually limited to horses under age 5. Arabians are excluded from this age rule, and can begin their first race in their "older" years. The maximum racing age allowed in many states is 12 years.

My friends say that racing horses is cruel

Horse abuse is unacceptable, and Texas Arabian racing participants are first and foremost dedicated to the welfare of their horses. The Texas Racing Commission has very strict standards and laws in place to protect the welfare of horses, and all racetrack activity is highly monitored. Examinations by State Veterinarians are conducted before each race, with no horse allowed to race if he shows any sign of lameness or illness. Horses are also examined after races, and required to provide urine and blood samples. The racetracks are comprised of serious horse professionals who have a genuine love for horses and take pride in the care of the animals. They are backed by licensed veterinarians and licensed farriers that are some of the best in the industry. Racing is a horse sport that takes care to provide utmost professional, qualified and responsible hands for horses.

All racehorse trainers are required to pass a test (a 3 part written exam plus a practical "barn-test") in order to insure their qualification and receive their license. Many owners new to racing are surprised to find out that most techiques of racehorse horse handling and training are very similar, if not the same, as many other horse riding disciplines.


We heard Texas is getting ready to have slot machines at the racetracks.

Yes, horsemen in Texas are excited about the future propect of having "slots" in the state because it would mean a tremendous boost to racehorse purses. These machines are now referred to as Video Lottery Terminals, or VLTs. Legislation efforts are underway to make this economic dream for our racing businesses a reality.

Which horse is faster- Arabian or Thoroughbred?

Time will tell. Arabians are smaller horses than Thoroughbreds, although all Thoroughbred horses decended from three Arabian foundation stallions. Thoroughbreds run faster than Arabians in a standard oval track race. A Thoroughbred will generally outrun an Arabian at a distance of a six furlong by 5-6 seconds. On long distances requiring ultimate endurance, the Arabian generally overtakes all breeds. Where that exact distance mark stands for an Arabian to overtake the great Thoroughbred racehorse is not determined by any official timing figures. Thoroughbreds race only against Thoroughbreds at paramutual tracks, and Arabians run only against Arabians.

My friends have bet me that Arabians can beat Quarter Horses. Who will win?

This depends upon the distance. The Quarter Horse is the king of short distance racing. The Quarter Horse owes much of his speed and agility to breed foundation roots in Arabian stock. A Quarter Horse will generally outrun all breeds on a short track of 1/4 mile or less. On long distances requiring ultimate endurance, the Arabian overtakes all breeds. Where does that exact distance mark stand for an Arabian to overtake a Quarter Horse? It is unknown since there have been no offcial Arabian vs. Quarter Horse races with neutral distance tests. At paramutual racetracks, horses run only within their breed category. Arabians run only against Arabians.

Are Arabian racehorses are expensive to buy?

That depends upon your frame of reference- Arabian racehorses are a great option for anyone considering racehorse ownership for the first time, and for racing pros who want a quick trip to the top. Right now it is possible to pick up a very top notch prospect for less than $10,000 at an auction and have a very good chance to see yourself in the winner's circle at the richest races. This has happened right here in Texas with horses from the previous TABA sales- for example Royal Fanfare purchased for $7,250 earned over $168,000. The two national auctions for Arabian racehorses have produced average figures (years 2002, 2003, 2004) of $3,500 to $6,500. Of course, some prospects are much higher priced, and some proven racehorses for stud and export have pricetags that rival Thoroughbreds. Do your shopping- there are incredible horses available and most won't require a bank loan!

I am into Arabian show horses, and I've heard all Arabian racehorses are ugly and lack type.

The type of Arabians bred for racing are the type that win. Not only do they win on the track, but many go on to stellar careers in show. Don't forget, most of the overseas programs from which all U.S. Arabian stock has come relied on racing for breeding selection. Today, many Arabian enthusiasts are eager to get back to basis- using racing as the determining factor of genuine quality and power behind the beauty of the Arabian breed.

Racing is the Sport of Kings- so does training a racehorse take a king's ransome?

Day rates for professional Arabian racehorse trainers range from $25 to $35 in Texas. For folks from the show world, that translates to $750 to $1,050 per month. It doesn't cost anything to enter regular ("overnight") races. Some owners use non-race trainers to break their horses and do pre-race conditioning. Other owners are complete do-it-yourselfers, and have been quite successful.

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