Long Layoffs

[THE KID]

Is there any way to find out why a horse has not raced in months?
Thanks for any info on this...

[ken]

It take a little digging, but the main reasons are bleeding through lasix/salix (1, 3, and 6 months); leg problems (fractures and bowed tendons are 6 months or more). Some horse are scratched for a week or 2 for relatively minor problems. I look for comment lines, bad starts, and slow or no works to confirm chronic leg problems, along with permanent drop to middle or lower claiming levels.
Various TOC sites and AAEP can give and idea of hoe much time off is usual for some problems.
Once in a while a caring trainer will give the horse a needed rest and true turfers can get the winter off.

[ken]

Check for these on PP's before and after layoffs:
_______
DANGER SIGNS A RACEHORSE MAY HAVE A LEG/FOOT PROBLEM::

01) More than 3 months' layoff between races
02) 2 or more gaps in racing frequency of more than 6 weeks
03) 3 or more consecutive races with gaps of 2 weeks or less
04) 2 or more consecutive unusually slow workouts
05) Lugging, drifting, swerving more than once within 1 or 2 races,
especially on turns
06) Awkwardness while trying to switch leads
07) excessive bobbing while running, (like a merry-go-round pony).
08) Any problems leaving the gate in a race
09) 5 or older stretching out or shipping to a slower pars track (wearing down)
10) Losing normal early speed
11) Lung infection (possible parallel sign of overwork)
12) New front wraps
13) 1 month in training while showing no works.

[elwood]

Lay-offs are more of a concern to me in cheaper races. If I had a 5k or 10k claimer I'd want to race that horse at least twice a month so it could earn it's keep. So, when a cheaper horse is coming back off a lay-off of six or more weeks, it's a red flag for me.

The better horses such as high priced claimers, alw, and stake runners. I am less concerned about lay-off times. since these horses can earn their keep in just one race.

[ken]

If your horse already has leg issues and you race it twice a month it could easily break down. Every 3 weeks far a few times can be done, maybe sneak ina sooner race once in a while.
Earning its keep- How much is a conus horse flight nowadays? A small low day-rate trainer will not have barns around the country to keep the horse in; I hear insurance rates are high.
Some good earners probably can stay local and race in the bigger events.

[THE KID]

THANKS GUYS!
the kid