How does a jockey and or the trainer know whether the racing horse is still capable of running its best? ?

Question

How does a jockey and or the trainer know whether the racing horse is still capable of running its best? ?

Answer 1

Well not only do they look at times from barrier trials and previous races you can just get a feeling whether the horse is feeling its best and wants to keep running.

Answer 2

Hi yagbadoodles! The reasons Tom and Jess gave are good.

Also if the horse has had a run of recent form in competitive races and the places are getting lower (even if the horse has dropped in race class) gives a good indication of it losing its form.

Jockeys and trainers will both know and feel that the horse may be past its peak simply because they spend so much time with them and learn their moods etc. Just by studying form guide on a website such as Racing Post gives a good indication of improvements or deterioration. For example if the horse used to be competitive at a certain course or distance but is now struggling at that length or course.

Answer 3

A jockey really doesn't know. How many times do you see a jock get off a horse and state "my horse just didn't fire today".

Trainers of course recognize any changes in the horses daily habits. I would say the horses appetite, or lack there of, if the number one indicator that something is amiss with a horse.  

Answer 4

Horses have personalities and the trainers get to know them. The horse will change his way of training or his behavior will change. He will show signs of stress or injury. You will see a drop in class or performance. Sometimes they just need some time off, sometimes they lose interest.

http://www.saferhorseracing.com/gpage14....