Match Races
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Arctic Cielo
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Match Races
Just reading through my old old Seabiscuit book, that is falling apart, and it seems that match races were more common back in the day. I think he was matched with Ligaroti? and the of course War Admiral. Is this still common practice and just not as publicized? Or does it not happen at all?
They were very common in the late 1800's, and flourished again for a while in the 1940's. After that they became rarer, even before Ruffian's accident - there were only twelve recognized matches in the entire decade of the 1970's - and as UmmYeah pointed out that incident put people off the idea, even though hers was the first recorded breakdown in a match race.
They still happen now and again, but not with such big name horses. The most recent I can think of was a few years ago at Suffolk.
They still happen now and again, but not with such big name horses. The most recent I can think of was a few years ago at Suffolk.
Match races could be a whole 'new' way to breathe life back into this sport. But I would probably say that no one would do it b/c one would wonder what other "advantages" the other horse has been given.
I personally would pay good money to see a race between 2 well established racers that were both vetted to be clean of anything (i.e. lasix or even surgical applications) even if they weren't the champion of the moment. To me the race would be that much more exciting knowing you had 2 comparable "pure" athletes.
I personally would pay good money to see a race between 2 well established racers that were both vetted to be clean of anything (i.e. lasix or even surgical applications) even if they weren't the champion of the moment. To me the race would be that much more exciting knowing you had 2 comparable "pure" athletes.
trying to come up with something brillant..... this may take a while. 
Match races
There's a lot of it done in the Quarterhorse world, as you probably know. I often wonder about the juices used in these unsanctioned races.
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Arctic Cielo
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They have small horse races at the one county fair. They are a lot of fun. They have the 1/8 mile race for kids under 18, the 1/2 mile race, and the relay race, all done on the harness racing track. I ran in it on my arab as a kid and got 3rd. It was a blast and they are so much fun to watch.
I can't say they are the safest thing, since horses have run off the track during the race. No betting or gambling like the big races though
Can't say I've ever seen or heard of a match race in the area. I think it definately would bring more crowds to the track. It really shows the potential of 2 good horses without a whole field of horses getting in their way.
I can't say they are the safest thing, since horses have run off the track during the race. No betting or gambling like the big races though
Can't say I've ever seen or heard of a match race in the area. I think it definately would bring more crowds to the track. It really shows the potential of 2 good horses without a whole field of horses getting in their way.
We have some fair meets like that. They have gate races,kids races, jr pony express and senior pony express. Its wild and wooly and a blast for the public. Bring your horse and your rider and enter( no papers or stewards , except for the local fair board ). We race all over the Northwest but love to take the kids to the fair meets and let them run.