About racing shoes

Question
Dear Mr. Hess:

When did aluminum racing plates start in general use versus steel plates?

Also, how much would equal size (for typical thoroughbred)aluminum shoes weigh versus steel shoes?

Thanks very much for your help.

Answer
hi i started training horses in  1966 and we had aluminum shoes then as well as steel shoes. i used steel shoes on a horse with shelley feet and aluminum on all others. the steel shoes do weigh a bit more and are more durable when racing in a sandy track. all shoes do have a steel toe grab.the aluminum shoes would prob weigh a pound and the steel would weigh about 3 pounds. bar shoes are steel and used for  a horse that has foundered or has a broken bone in it's foot. thanks  hope this answers your question. ED HESS