Dubai World Cup 2025: What goes into buying a racehorse?
Acquiring a racehorse is far more than just looking at its lineage and past performances — it's a mix of matchmaking, superstition and science , often in unpredictable order.
While some potential owners meticulously analyse bloodlines and conformation data , others trust their instincts and focus on less conventional traits.
Take Frankel, for instance. With a flawless record of 14 wins, Frankel's impressive nostrils were often pointed to as a key factor in his performance. These large nostrils allowed him to take in more oxygen, enhancing his lung capacity and stamina — crucial traits for a champion.
Now, many buyers find themselves checking out a horse's nostrils before making any decisions. It's almost as if there's an unwritten rule: the bigger the nostrils, the bigger the potential!
In Dubai, owner Harry Tregoning places great importance on a horse's ears. According to him, larger ears signal alertness and responsiveness, which are essential traits for any winner. Meanwhile, UAE champion trainer Bhupat Seemar looks for balance and conformation. But that's not all; some owners swear by the strength and positioning of a horse's tail. A solid, well-set tail is believed to be indicative of good balance and a well-built body, while others evaluate a horse's personality through its eyes.
And so, don't be alarmed if you catch a glimpse of someone inspecting a horse's nostrils or gently tugging its tail at a sale. It's all part of the peculiar yet fascinating process of racehorse selection.
But what truly makes a great racehorse? According to experts, it's a mix of science, intuition, and maybe a little superstition. Let's dive into the key considerations for prospective horse owners.
The science of conformation
Saeed bin Suroor, a legendary trainer with nine Dubai World Cup wins under his belt, stresses that conformation — the horse's physical structure — is paramount. 'The horse's physical harmony is what shapes its potential,' he explains. 'Balance is everything. A horse must be proportionate, with strong bones and a body designed for fluid, efficient movement.'
For Bhupat Seemar, who's had great success in the bloodstock market, the 'three Ps' are his guiding principles: pedigree, performance, and prize. However, he notes that even the best pedigree isn't enough if the horse doesn't physically measure up. 'You can't just rely on a pedigree if the horse lacks the right structure — sometimes, you've got to trust your gut,' he says.
Seemar also emphasises the importance of soundness and resistance to injury, which often comes down to the horse's overall balance and conformation. The key to success is blending pedigree, performance, and instinct. 'The perfect horse doesn't exist,' he adds. 'But if the foundations are right, we can train a horse through its weaknesses.'
Bin Suroor, who has trained some of the world's most celebrated champions, like Daylami, Dubai Millennium, and Thunder Snow, believes that intelligence plays a key role. 'A smart horse is one that's aware of its environment, is in control, and always alert,' he notes. This quality is vital not only for training but for racing success. Harry Tregoning agrees, stating that confidence and intelligence are far more important than sheer size: 'I'm not a fan of overly large horses,' he confesses. 'I like smart horses.'
The financial gamble
But buying a racehorse is more than just analysing conformation and personality — it's also a huge financial commitment. Whether purchasing foals, two-year-olds, or proven racehorses, prices can vary drastically depending on the horse's history and potential.
The cost of a horse can skyrocket as its performance on the track improves. Fusaichi Pegasus, for example, became the most expensive horse ever sold at auction when it was bought for $70 million in 2000 by Coolmore Stud, just after his Kentucky Derby win. However, despite his racing success, his stud career had mixed results.
The story of The Green Monkey illustrates the unpredictable nature of the sport. Bought for an eye-watering $16 million at the 2006 Fasig-Tipton auction, The Green Monkey's racing career was a disappointment. After only three races, he never finished higher than third. His case is a reminder of the gamble involved in purchasing high-priced horses, even if their pedigree seems impeccable.
In the world of racehorse ownership, the dream of owning a champion is tempting, but the reality is filled with uncertainties. Horse racing is, after all, an unpredictable adventure.
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