How long does a race horses's career normaly last?

Question

How long does a race horses's career normaly last?

Answer 1

on the flat a succesful colt will retire to stud at the age of 3 or 4 .less succesful ones or geldings can race up to the age of 11 or even longer .over the jumps horses usually retire at the age of 13 but i have seen horses as old as 15 still racing .

Answer 2

I know they can race until they are 14.  I would guess that most horses race from ages 2 - 8.  The more durable horses continue after that.

Answer 3

in the US  a thorough bred can race through the age of 12...its very rare to see a horse over 10 years racing, but 7-8-9  isnt that uncommon....highly bred racers barely if ever make it to 5yo , with most being retired after they finish their 3yo season