I was wondering why race horses race at two years old?

Question

I am not trying to start an uproar, I was honestly just wondering. I have had a lifetime of experience in the more "western" side of horses, with a smattering of dressage, and a little more hunter/jumper, but have never really spent much time on the paddock side of the track rails. I see horses "started" at two in western training, but not really put under a great deal of strain until they are three or older. I am looking for an informed answer from the inside of the track, thank you.

Answer 1

mkay. they race them at two BECAUSE they put sooo much money into them that when they turn two they want the horse to return that money to them asap by winning races. so they dont wwant to wait and put thousands of dollars into them until they are 5 years old and they turn out to be a sucky racehorse and not want to race. so basically they are impatient. its alll about the money

Answer 2

Racing two-year old Thoroughbreds is a long standing tradition in horse racing.  I'm not sure how the tradition came about, but according to Larry Bramlage, the on-call veterinarian for the American Association of Equine Practitioners, horses that train as 2-year-olds earn more money and make more starts than horses who don't start training until age three.  

Along with Dr. Bramlage, other top equine vets insist it's a fallacy that thoroughbreds are raced too young.  Rick Arthur, equine medical director of the California Horse Racing Board, said that horses need exertion as 2-year-olds because it develops their bones.  Dr. Wayne McIlwraith, another vet, says there is no evidence that 2-year-olds are injured more often than 3 or 4-year-olds.  He says that 4-year-olds have the highest incidence of catastrophic injuries.

I got the above information from the articles in my source list.

Answer 3

PEOPLE WHO START RACING THEM AT AGE 2 ARE FOOLISH AND perhaps greedy for money a good horse can bring in! a horse does not fully develop until 3 years old, so those running them at 2 are risking the health of animal!

Answer 4

At two most have attained the height and other characteristics of a mature equine athlete.  Some training helps to stimulate strength for competetion.  By the time they reach 5YO they fill out and are mentally capable of competition under a variety of conditions.

Two year old races forecast level of competition at maturity.

Answer 5

The industry is greedy and foolish; and they  also seem to think that they can always get another "star".  It doesn't work that way.

Answer 6

All new born horses birthdays are the same January 1,  for example, even if born in May, Oct., Dec or whatever.  So, they might not be really two technically.  You have never seen a horse until you've seen a race horse, HUGH!  It's all in the breeding.  Race horses are treated like precious metal.  Better than people.  Life at a Spa.  There are many races in a day and very few fatalities.  I'm not sure what you mean regarding uproar. People who have NO experience judge.  Trainers have the best interest in their horses.  Horses shouldn't be raced unless bred to (born to race) Two years old is just the right time.  Trust the experienced.  You're welcome.

Answer 7

Because they make money at 2 years of age racing.