So, random question

[Rupert Pupkin]

Originally Posted by Scav

How come Standbreds can run almost 10 times more a year then thoroghbreds? Same horses basically run every weekend at Balmoral/Maywood and just curious about this? Because of the bred, not having to carry weight but 'pull' it? I know someone knows this answers, so don't be shy and not answer it because it is about standbred's. I am SLOWLY starting to get down with Meadowlands and Maywood/Balmoral

Standarbreds are not galloping during a race. They're only trotting which is basically jogging. Not only are they only jogging, but they aren't carrying any weight. When a thoroughbred races, he is in a full-speed gallop carrying 115 pounds. The trauma to his body is far greater than the trauma that a standardbred endures. There is serious wear an tear happening every time a thoroughbred races. His body is taking a real pounding when he races.

It's really the same thing with humans. Runners often have a lot of ailments such as bad knees, sore muscles and that kind of thing. People who do "speed-walking" don't have nearly as many injuries. If you do a really fast walk, it's not nearly as taxing on your body. that's kind of what harness horses are doing, whereas thoroughbreds are running.