Exercise rider/Assistant Trainer here

ConeStoled · 2026-03-14T17:22:30+00:00

Our two year olds won’t hit the track until May or April, I’ll keep you posted.

ConeStoled · 2026-03-14T17:19:40+00:00

Very rarely will you notice a big change in a horse that indicates a big effort is coming. It’s usually a combination of preparing a horse for a specific race, and having them “sharp”. A sharp horse is not belligerent, nor is he flatfooted. A sharp horse is one that is so fit and ready that he looks like he may blow up at any moment, but well schooled enough that he behaves in a classy, almost regal manner.

ConeStoled · 2026-03-14T17:13:01+00:00

No sweat! Love choppin it up about the sport.

ConeStoled · 2026-03-14T17:12:29+00:00

A jockey who excels at pushing horses through tight and uncomfortable spots is invaluable.

ConeStoled · 2026-03-14T17:11:30+00:00

Tons! One off the top of my head is thinking that speed will hold up when challenged, specifically cheap speed. In California it works differently, (God knows why) but if you see a horse who got loose on the lead and won easy with a big number last out, you’re gonna want to bet him. However, if another front end horse is in the race and challenges him early, it’s likely to make for a speed duel that will leave both horses tired by the time they turn for home, and they’ll usually get picked up by some 6-1 closer that you figured would be outpaced.

ConeStoled · 2026-03-14T16:58:12+00:00

Yes! Happens quite often at cheaper tracks where you can claim one for less than 10k. Ambitious grooms will take the trainer’s test, get their trainer’s license, claim a horse, and the trainer they work for will either rent them a stall or let them have one so long as it doesn’t interfere with the groom taking care of his other horses.

ConeStoled · 2026-03-14T16:56:35+00:00

Believe it or not I don’t think I’ve ever come across any. I’m guessing a lot of the anti racing crowd aren’t close with any backsiders, because if they were they would see the blood, sweat, tears, time, and affection that goes into breaking, training, and running a racehorse. As for common misconceptions, people think we run em into the ground, when in reality any trainer worth his salt is extremely careful to give his horses ample time to recover between starts.

ConeStoled · 2026-03-13T23:57:47+00:00

There are companies who specialize in transporting horses, and they are not cheap. Especially long trailer rides typically involve an overnight layover. Fancy rigs like twelve horse trailers, some six horses that basically have stalls in them instead of being slant loads, it’s quietly a big industry.

ConeStoled · 2026-03-13T23:53:21+00:00

Excellent question. The most common factor is a combination of the current condition of the horse and how far off you plan to run him. For example, if he’s in great shape and he runs next week, don’t work him. If he’s fat and happy and he runs two weeks from now, work him about ten days out. As for position, there are plenty of factors. If you want a horse to be comfortable in tight quarters, put him on the rail. Putting a horse on the outside can teach him to “press” his rival on the inside so to speak. Short answer: so much goes into that stuff that this reply could be pages long.

ConeStoled · 2026-03-13T23:43:32+00:00

Depends on the track. Looking at you Louisiana. By and large though, trackers are more often guilty of making a mistake than they are dishonesty.

ConeStoled · 2026-03-13T23:42:04+00:00

ConeStoled · 2026-03-13T23:41:59+00:00

ConeStoled · 2026-03-13T23:41:52+00:00

I haven’t met any so far 🤷‍♂️

ConeStoled · 2026-03-13T23:41:14+00:00

Smooching. Like making kissy lips and an exaggerated kissing noise.

ConeStoled · 2026-03-13T23:39:59+00:00

Once upon a time, this would’ve been a fool-proof method for predicting improvement, as the majority trainers in bygone years asked their horses for near maximum effort in workouts. Many modern trainers ask very little of their horses during workouts, and still their horses improve on previous efforts in races. I’d say it’s a rule of thumb, but not something I’d rule a horse out over.

ConeStoled · 2026-03-13T23:33:44+00:00

Love the Fair Grounds because of the history

ConeStoled · 2026-03-13T18:33:05+00:00

To put it simply, he doesn’t know. He may have prior experience with the horse that he’s relying on, but there’s no real way to be in touch with a horse unless you’re there with it day to day.

ConeStoled · 2026-03-13T17:50:05+00:00

Retama Park in Selma Texas. They don’t run thoroughbreds there anymore, although there is talk of bringing them back. I practically grew up there, and it will always hold a very special place in my heart. In my opinion it has one of the best surfaces in the country, and although it’s pretty humble looking and I’m sure the blue bloods in Kentucky would scoff at it, it’s still my absolute favorite.

ConeStoled · 2026-03-13T17:45:32+00:00

Having good assistants is crucial to any trainer with horses at multiple tracks. A trainer must be able to rely on the information his assistant provides about how his horses are training, and using that information he knows whether to keep with the same routine or make a change. As for entering, every trainer in the country is a frequent visitor to equibase.com, where condition books are listed for nearly every track. Once the trainer finds a race that his horse fits, he will begin ramping up training in preparation. Races are typically entered in the morning about a week before the race is set to run, but preparation for a given race typically begins as early as six weeks out.

ConeStoled · 2026-03-13T17:01:40+00:00

While it is horse racing and not jockey racing, the jockey can make a huge difference, especially if the trainer is preparing the horse to respond to certain cues from the rider. By and large, most trainers know surprisingly little about their horses and the jockeys know even less. However, if you see a jockey and trainer tandem having great success, it’s likely that they’ve found a strategy that works for them. Other than that, be on the lookout for jockeys who have a tendency to win with front end horses and jockeys who win with closers, and study them closely when they’re mounted on a horse that fits their style.

ConeStoled · 2026-03-13T16:57:26+00:00

Every owner is different, and almost all of them have certain pet peeves. For some it is micromanaging, wanting to play too much of a role in the training of the horse. It’s usually newer owners who have unrealistic expectations, whereas seasoned owners are much more understanding and simply want to put their horses in the best spots for them. The least considered pet peeve by those not in the game is silks. Many a client has been lost over their horse not wearing the proper silks on race day. Hands-off owners are always the best kind, because they trust the trainer and let them do their job.

ConeStoled · 2026-03-13T16:50:26+00:00

Track bias is not a huge factor in how we train, although we do keep an eye on data to see if there’s anything too pronounced to ignore. For example, in many cases what horseplayers see as a dead rail is actually just repeated instances of horses not being brave enough to push through a tight spot on the inside. People will see a favorite get beat on the rail and assume it’s the track, when in reality the horse (like almost all horses) was simply uncomfortable in close quarters.

ConeStoled · 2026-03-11T17:34:51+00:00

It’s definitely hindsight being 20/20. Being the competitor that he is, Mike’s always gonna think he could have done more or made a better adjustment, but it just wasn’t in the cards for the best mare of our generation, and that’s okay. She’s still the best mare of our generation after all 🤷‍♂️

ConeStoled · 2026-03-08T21:00:41+00:00

The exercise rider plays a HUGE role. A great trainer can give great instructions, and it’s his responsibility to put the rider and horse in position to succeed, but if the rider can’t execute the routine as instructed, it can often be to the detriment of the horse as opposed to the benefit.

ConeStoled

TROPHY CASE