If a jockey is riding a closer, does he "tighten up" at the beginning of the race?

Question

Are the reins also used to restrain a horse that is a closer? Or is there a different method to slow a closer down at the beginning?

Answer 1

Yes, it is comman for a jockey to "take a hold", as they say, at the start of a race so their mount does not get too far ahead or waste too much energy.

The only other way I know of is if the horse breaks slow or is just happy sitting at the back and biding it's time.

Answer 2

IF YOU WATCH, YOU WILL NOTICE AFTER THEY HAVE BROKE FROM THE GATE, THE JOCKEY ON A CLOSER WILL LET THE HORSE GET INTO STRIDE 1ST, THEN TAKE HIM BACK, MOST CLOSERS GO TO THE BACK ON THEIR OWN, AND IF THE PACE IS TOO FAST THEY WILL BE ROLLING LATE, PACE TOO SLOW THEY WILL RUN UP THE TRACK, IN THOSE MILLION DOLLAR RACES, A OWNER OF A CLOSER WILL PUT IN A SECOND HORSE" A RABBIT" TO GO OUT AND SET A FAST PACE SO THE CLOSER CAN COME AND GET THE MONEY.....