Claiming

Question
How does a claiming race works?

Answer
Hi Johnny:

A horse is entered in a "claiming" race to be claimed (purchased) for a specific price.  As a result, the current owner essentially guarantees that the horse will be competing against animals of equal ability - as every horse entered must also be eligible to be purchased for a similar amount.  Before the race goes off, any owner registered in that racing jurisdiction is eligible to claim any of the participants for the stated price (plus tax, in some states).  When the gates open and the horse is declared a "starter," the owner submitting the claim (if more than one claim is entered, "lots" are drawn to determine the new owner) theoretically "takes possession" of the horse (aside from the purse for the current race).  Win or lose, good health or bad, the claimant now owns that horse.

Brad Adler
www.superthoroughbred.com