Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Breeding

Part of the fun and magic of Standardbred racing occurs before a trotter or pacer ever sets foot on the racetrack. It begins in the breeding shed. For nearly 150 years, breeding and refining the Standardbred has been a mystery and a challenge to horsemen worldwide. Generations upon generations of horses have combined over the years to produce some of the finest pacing and trotting-bred horses of modern times. The old adage of "Breed the best to the best and hope for the best" is still a popular rule followed by today's breeders. With that in mind, it is important to remember that from all of the thousands of foals birthed annually, only a few handfuls will make it to the most prestigious stakes. Of those, how many will win such races as the Little Brown Jug, Hambletonian, Prix D'Amerique or Inter Dominion Pacing Classic?

Breeding horses with the hopes of producing a money-making champion entails solid horsemanship, a strict study of pedigrees and generational lineage, and a lot of luck. By considering all of these factors, the professional racehorse breeder puts the odds in his or her favor.

This section of the Vet's Corner will cover a variety of breeding issues, and keep the reader up-to-date with the latest breakthroughs in breeding technology and medicine.

Articles

The Foaling Process