QuestionMy 5 yr old thoroughbred gelding is laying out on the peak of the corner just before straightening, losing a couple of lengths as the jockey is trying to stop him from going outwards and then has to ride him forward at which stage everything else has already started it's run. He runs over 1200 to 1400m. Doesn't appear to have any obvious soundness problems, isn't sore, and once past the corner flies down the straight, not hanging or laying out (but is often in the middle of the track). Hoping someone has some ideas how I can rectify this as he runs on for places but is losing too much ground at the corner to really excel. Am considering a lugging bit which I have used before, do you have any ideas at all. Would winkers or a left eyed blinker be helpful?
AnswerHi Sharon,
If its not one thing its another with thoroughbreds, isnt it.
Sounds like your boy has plenty of ability, just has a bad habit!
Habits like this are 'learned behaviour' so if he can learn it, he can unlearn it.
To get him to change his behaviour you need to change something about his training and or racing environment.
There are several options worth a try however I assume you have tried all you know and have come here as a last resort.
Firstly I would check his back and make sure he is comfortable turning to the left under pressure. Just run him on a lunging rein, in both directions, tightening the rein over say 10 rounds until the circle is say 20ft across (10 ft rein. You will soon see if there is a difference in how he turns. If so then the vet or chiropractor is your next move.
If all seems well then I would try a bit of reverse training and run him wrong way round for a few days. It will shake up his pattern and routine which is a start to 'unlearning'.
Blinkers (winkers in USA) are worth a try, in fact any change is good as it makes him think about what he is doing.
Another idea is to run another horse close on his offside and slightly forward, with the rider adjacent to your guys head. If he tries to veer away he may be a bit field shy in which case you need to work on his confidence.
Race tactics may be another area you could get results. You could try running him on the inside and let other horses put pressure on him to keep turning parralel to them.
You may have tried all or some of these things however I wish you all the best. Other trainers will be able to help as well so ask as many people as you can.
I would also talk to showjumping trainers and riders. They have some cunning tricks to teach their horses to turn quickly just with knee pressure.
Good luck, what is the name of your horse and where does he run, Ill look for him?
Regards,
Don Boddie
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