Minimum Horses for a Pari-Mutuel Horse Race: An Expert Answer

Question
Whats the minimum number of horses needed to have a pai-mutual horse race

Answer
Hi Lance:

Thanks for your question.  I would think that the minimum number of horses for a para-mutuel race would be two, and only because I have seen a two dog race before, but never a two horse race.  I think I saw a three horse race one time about 10 years ago, but I cannot recall the occasion or the track.  A four horse race is somewhat common - most of the time they start out as a six or seven horse field and because of scratches, you end up with four horses running.  In that case, there are no exotic wagering allowed, and because in a four horse field three of the horses would be paying show money on, the track does not allow show wagering.  The track cut of 16-18% would not allow you to pay the favorite anything but $2.20 or $2.10, depending upon the track - for instance Oaklawn always pays at least $2.20.  In the case of the two dog race, a Stakes event, they only allow win wagering, because both of them would be in the money for the place wager and they track could not pull their cut.

I hope this answers your question and, again, thanks for the question.

Jim