A comparison - Horse/Jockey Driver/Car

[2MinsToPost]

I can speak intelligently about Auto Racing and this comparison, but obviously not the former, Horse/Jockey. I'll use Nextel Cup as my example since most on here are familar with it. On a SuperSpeedway, say Daytona, Talladega etc the car setup is by most accounts 80-90% responsible for how well that car/team/driver perform on that day in that race. Now, on a short track, say Bristol (1/2 mile) the driver is by most accounts 30-40% of the equation where as the car setup is 60-70%. Drivers are the first ones to tell you this, the ones who know what they are talking about.

Now, what are the percentages in Horse Racing? A 1 1/16th Allowance or Stakes Race versus a 6 Furlong Allowance or Stakes?

I know from previous reading that Turf Races are different, so lets stick with dirt. I just wonder, watching a horse come down the stretch, when a Jockey is cracking the whip, how much difference that makes? Are some horses just "natural" fighters, competitive by nature and hate to lose? Are some horses just "natural" slackers? Does the jockey, on a slacker or fighter, make that much of a difference?

[2MinsToPost]

I want to follow this up with one more thought. It is common knowledge in Auto racing circles that any Driver with "some" talent can wheel a properly setup car to a great finish on a SuperSpeedway, I can list numerous examples.

Does this apply to Horse Racing?

I am eagerly awaiting your replies, thoughts, experiences, etc.

[paisjpq]

thats a good question and of course more difficult to answer about a horse than a car. (I think, but I don't know a lot about cars so I'm guessing).
yes, some horses are natural fighters, they will dig deeper and deeper to try to either pass horses or not let anyone pass them (whichever the case may be). Watch the ears--Funny Cide is a good example, he will lay his ears flat and dig in down the stretch.
Others definately are lazy and run better for an aggressive jock--the problem is that many horses will sulk or quit if you get after them too often or too hard. This is where a good jock is invaluable as he can find the line between too much and not enough. That's the short answer.

[packerbacker7964]

Well with cars you can miss the setup just as in racing you can miss the training and care up. But in racing you have one shot once the race starts but in NASCAR you get as 5 pit stops to get it right.

[paisjpq]

Originally Posted by 2MinsToPost

I want to follow this up with one more thought. It is common knowledge in Auto racing circles that any Driver with "some" talent can wheel a properly setup car to a great finish on a SuperSpeedway, I can list numerous examples.

Does this apply to Horse Racing?

I am eagerly awaiting your replies, thoughts, experiences, etc.

Yes--a horse that is truely meant to win can take a lesser rider to the finish line.