Yearling Costs?

Question

If if I were to purchase a yearling thoroughbred race horse, minus the cost of the horse how much would it cost me to stable, feed, etc him until I got him/her to the track as a 2 yo?

Thanks.

Answer 1

If you bought a yearling at the major yearlings sales, which are held in the Autumn, then you would be sending the horse to a trainer almost immediately to have him prepared, backed and to start learning his trade.  You cannot train a horse yourself unless you have the appropriate licenses.

According to statistics here in GB it costs about £16,000 per year to keep a horse in training - that's about $32,000.

To keep a yearling at home before sending him to a trainer would probably cost you about £5,000/$10,000 per year for all of his feed, vaccinations, regular veterinary treatment, and blacksmith.

Answer 2

In the USA, you'll be paying anywhere from $600 a month to $4000 a month, depending on how good the trainer is.

I stable all my colts on my own farm and the average weekly cost per week for feed and hay is $300 a week per colt.  Trim and shoe every 4 weeks at $95 per horse.  I keep mine fit with the assistance of a track trainer and I have my own excercise jock here.  

Racing costs money, no matter what.  If you think you might not be able to afford it, you may very well not make it to the race track.