Cheltenham Festival
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I've seen trends which show that some horses run best at certain times of the year and likewise trends concerning the going but never any as specific as 'temperature' or the weather in general. With Cheltenham in mind, and it predicted to be very cold, do some horses run best/worst in such temperatures ? Do some horses run best when it snows or if there is snow on the ground ?
It seems logical that if we think of ourselves, some us stuggle when it's cold or in high humidity, even professional athletes. But some relish such conditions and therefore surely horses should in theory at least be more or less the same.
Any trend boffins out there able to find any data ? Any horse handlers out there know if this is reasonable logic ?
It seems logical that if we think of ourselves, some us stuggle when it's cold or in high humidity, even professional athletes. But some relish such conditions and therefore surely horses should in theory at least be more or less the same.
Any trend boffins out there able to find any data ? Any horse handlers out there know if this is reasonable logic ?
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well known fact Bino doesnt like cold weather by my calculations hes 7 pounds worse in it
Where did you get the stats from to base the calculations on ? They don't seem redily available through the RP so I assume it's through some systems based software ?
Excellent question. Worth thinking about considerably I would say.
Although I think it's fair to say most living creatures including humans prefer clement conditions. However, perhaps only the toughest
can thrive in the cold and rain.
Although I think it's fair to say most living creatures including humans prefer clement conditions. However, perhaps only the toughest
can thrive in the cold and rain.
Now I may be Mr Gullible here, but if that is the case and cold weather can indeed increase or decrease a horses form by 7lb then that's a serious edge the general betting public is missing out on.
I see that in the RP results section it does actually give some weather data. For example, back in January on the 22nd when Leicester and Weatherby were abandoned the RP detailed the weather conditions at the Lingfield a/w meet as grey cloud and cold and Wolverhampton as 'cloudy'.
I'm not sure the colour of the clouds is useful information to any of us and surely the actual temperature would be more beneficial.
I see that in the RP results section it does actually give some weather data. For example, back in January on the 22nd when Leicester and Weatherby were abandoned the RP detailed the weather conditions at the Lingfield a/w meet as grey cloud and cold and Wolverhampton as 'cloudy'.
I'm not sure the colour of the clouds is useful information to any of us and surely the actual temperature would be more beneficial.
Do some horses prefer soft ground and rain, yes. Do some horses prefer sunny blue skies, hot blondes and cocktails, yes.
Past temprature data must be added to the form guide from now on.
Past temprature data must be added to the form guide from now on.
I see when Binocular won his Champion Hurdle the temperature was 13degC, but his next race (admittedly first of the season)came in the Fighting Fifth in November with a maximum temp of +2degC where he finished a disappointing 7l 3rd to Peddlars Cross (odds on)
Historical temperatures found here : http://www.wunderground.com/history/
From the Ontario racing commission (not much of a link, but does provide some theory, plus it's the only one I could find):
What are the cold weather conditions that can affect a horse?
A: Horses are well-engineered for cold weather conditions. Having evolved on windswept mountain steppes millennia ago, they are good at maintaining their core body temperatures even when the exterior thermometer plunges well below freezing. Their coats provide excellent water repellency, and their guttural pouches, at the back of the throat, are thought to help warm cold air before it makes its way down to the delicate tissues of the lungs. All in all, horses cope much better with winter than their human partners.
That’s not to say, however, that winter is a picnic for a racehorse. Animals being asked to exert themselves extensively during brutally cold weather can suffer muscle, respiratory, and immune system challenges which can have a serious impact on their racing performance.
What are the cold weather conditions that can affect a horse?
A: Horses are well-engineered for cold weather conditions. Having evolved on windswept mountain steppes millennia ago, they are good at maintaining their core body temperatures even when the exterior thermometer plunges well below freezing. Their coats provide excellent water repellency, and their guttural pouches, at the back of the throat, are thought to help warm cold air before it makes its way down to the delicate tissues of the lungs. All in all, horses cope much better with winter than their human partners.
That’s not to say, however, that winter is a picnic for a racehorse. Animals being asked to exert themselves extensively during brutally cold weather can suffer muscle, respiratory, and immune system challenges which can have a serious impact on their racing performance.
Nice research Shrews. I've had a quick look at that weather history site; it might be handy to check if one of my fancies seems to chuck in bad runs in freezing temperatures.
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