# The Ultimate Guide to Claiming Race Horses - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-claiming-race-horses/ - Published: 2023-10-19 - Author: Lillie Gabler - Categories: [Tips](https://33rdsquare.com/category/home/tips/) --- Hi there! If you‘re new to horse racing, you may be wondering: how exactly does a race horse get claimed? I‘ve been around the track a few times, so let me walk you through the ins and outs of claiming race horses. I‘ll provide plenty of details, statistics, examples, and tips so you feel like an expert by the end! ## What is a Claiming Race? A claiming race is a unique type of horse race where all the horses running are eligible to be purchased for a set price. This fixed "claiming price" is determined ahead of time by the racetrack hosting the event. Here‘s a quick primer on how it works: - Before the race, owners nominate horses that they‘re willing to sell for the established claim price - Any qualified person can put in a claim to buy any of the horses in the race - Once the race is run, if a claim has been made, the horse immediately goes to the new owner - The new owner pays the claiming price, and the previous owner gets to keep any purse money Claiming races help categorize horses of similar ability levels so they can compete against one another. It also encourages the buying, selling, and trading of horses at reasonable prices. Over the past decade, there have been approximately 26,000 claiming races run each year in North America. Claiming races make up over half of all races run, showing just how popular they are! ## Key Differences Between Claimers and Allowance Races While claiming and allowance races appear similar on the surface, there are some notable differences: - **Claiming Race:** Horses run for a published claiming tag set by the racetrack. Any entered horse can be purchased for this set price. - **Allowance Race:** Designed to group horses according to ability/experience. Horses aren‘t for sale but run for a portion of the total purse money. - **Risk Factors:** Claiming races pose more risk since any horse could get purchased. Allowance races let you run for prizes without sales risk. - **Field Quality:** Claimers usually feature horses of mid to lower class. Allowance races see better quality runners. - **Earnings:** Races with higher claim prices also have bigger purses. Allowance purses are smaller. While claiming races help classify horse talent, allowance races attract stiffer competition. As an owner or trainer, you‘ve got to weigh up these key differences when deciding between race types! ## Unique Benefits of Claiming Races Claiming races offer cool advantages that appeal to both owners and trainers: ### For Owners: - Acquire new horses for your stable at a fixed price tag - Easily move a horse to a new home at the same set claiming value - Race your horse at the right level by "dropping down" into lower claim prices _Over 28% of horses that run in claiming races are acquired this way rather than through private sales or auctions._ ### For Trainers: - Obtain new horses to work with without going through public sales - Replenish the owner‘s stable through claims that improve overall quality - Properly match a horse by running in a claimer versus allowance race _Top trainers often target claiming races to find hidden gems or give their horses experience early on._ ### For Both: - Creates excitement and speculation around which horses might change hands - Gives a clear way to buy and sell horses of comparable talent - Ensures a competitive race since all horses can potentially be claimed No matter your role, claiming races offer awesome opportunities! ## Step-By-Step Process of Claiming a Horse Here is a play-by-play of what happens when you claim a horse, before/during/after the race: ### Before the Race: 1. Submit eligibility forms and pay the entry fee to run your horse 2. Review the other horses entered and watch their past performances 3. Decide whether to protect your horse from being claimed by scratching it 4. If racing, get the proper authorization papers to facilitate a claim 5. Research any horses you might be interested in claiming yourself 6. Turn in your claim to the racing office for the horse you want to buy _Make sure to submit claims early! The deadline is usually 1 hour before the scheduled race post time._ ### During the Race: 1. The claim race runs as normal with all horses up for purchase 2. Claimed horses quickly go to the paddock after the race for ownership transfer 3. Stewards review and validate any claims made on horses _Over 15% of horses entered in claiming races get claimed on average._ ### After the Race: 1. New owners pay the claiming price plus any transfer fees 2. The horse‘s previous connections get any purse money earned 3. Claimed horses ship to the new owner‘s stable 4. New owners must race the claim at or above the purchase price for a set time Following this playbook allows everything to go smoothly from start to finish! ## Eligibility Rules for Horses and Owners Both horses and owners must meet eligibility standards to take part in claiming races: ### Horse Eligibility: - Pass pre-race veterinary examination - No medication limitations that prevent racing - Meet minimum and maximum age limits - Cannot be entered for less than the minimum set price _Commonly, horses must be between 3-10 years old to enter most claimers._ ### Owner Eligibility: - Must be a licensed owner or authorized agent - Have sufficient funds to cover the claim amount - Cannot claim their own horse or claim for others without permission _Owners usually must have an account with the horseman‘s bookkeeper to easily facilitate claims._ Additionally: - Claimed horses typically must race for 30+ days for the new owner - Claimed horses can‘t run for less than 25% of the purchase price within 60 days These rules help protect both buyers and sellers during the process. ## Key Factors to Consider Before Claiming Deciding to claim a horse takes research. Here are some key factors to assess: - **Racing Ability/History** – Study past performances, experience, running style, etc. Look for improving or declining trends. - **Physical Condition** – Review veterinary records to catch any lurking injuries or issues. Also visually inspect for signs of trouble. - **Age** – Make sure the horse isn‘t nearing retirement age. Look for 3-6 year olds with potential upside. - **Training Background** – Consider different trainers. Who achieved the most success? Look for changes in training that may have improved performance. - **Behavior/Mindset** – Note any gate issues, reluctance to train, or lack of competitive drive. This can tip you off to trouble. - **Competition Level** – Can the horse successfully compete at a higher claim price? Or is it topping out at this level? - **Desired Distance** – Determine if the horse excels at sprints vs route races. Specialist or generalist? Do your due diligence to avoid surprises! ## Potential Rewards and Risks Like any investment, claiming horses has both upsides and downsides: ### Potential Rewards: - Getting a quality horse at a reasonable fixed price - Injecting your stable with promising new runners - Selling claims at a profit down the road - Gaining racetrack experience without sales - Collecting purse money from any races your claims win _One top trainer netted over $12 million in purse earnings from claimed horses in a single year!_ ### Potential Risks: - Undiscovered health issues that prevent racing the claim - Claiming a horse that fails to meet expectations - Overpaying for a horse overmatched at the claiming level - Paying high upkeep for an unsuccessful claim - Losing your best horses when claimed away into other barns Carefully weigh these pros and cons before jumping into the claiming game. ## Examples of Winning Claiming Tactics Here are some proven claiming tactics used by successful owners and trainers: - **Move Up the Ranks** – Start with cheaper claims. As they improve, step up to higher price tags. - **Class Dropper** – Target horses dropping down from allowance races into claimers. They can dominate the lower competition. - **Change of Scenery** – Claim horses previously trained by different outfits. The fresh start often sparks improvement. - **Follow the Trainer** – Clues from certain trainers can uncover hidden potential. Watch for their cues. - **Pedigree Power** – Consider lightly-raced horses with superior breeding. The bloodlines can overcome other weaknesses. - **Second-Timers** – Horses running for the second time after being claimed often perform at their best with their new connections. These examples demonstrate that strategic planning pays off in the claiming game! ## Tax Tips for Claiming Horses If your claims find success, be prepared for the taxman: - Claiming costs and upkeep are tax-deductible, including entry fees, vet bills, training, etc. Use these to offset winnings. - Earnings from any races your claims win must be reported as taxable income. Keep detailed records. - Horses claimed just for fun don‘t qualify for deductions. The horse must be used for business or breeding. - Keep documentation like invoices to validate expenditures for claimed racehorses. - Consult a tax pro. The rules vary based on where races take place. _One top owner was able to write off over $300,000 in claim-related expenses in a single year!_ Proper tax planning is crucial to maximize returns from successful claiming. ## Ongoing Expenses for Claimed Horses The initial claim price is just the tip of the iceberg. Be prepared for many more costs: - Monthly expenses for board, feed, grooming, handling, regular care - Routine vet/dental exams to monitor health - Entry fees, licensing, nominations required for each race - Supplemental training programs and exercise needs - Transportation costs to/from the track - Continued eligibility fees and administrative charges - Commissions for jockeys, trainers, other personnel - Insurance premiums for mortality and other coverage _On average, expect to spend $35,000+ per year to race a claimer at a mid-level price point._ Factor in these costs before acquiring a claim! ## Rules and Regulations for Claiming Races Claiming competitions abide by strict standards and oversight: - All rules and protocols set by the state racing commission - Out-of-competition drug testing for claimed horses - Mandatory autopsies for any claims that die within 60 days - Set timeframes before a claimed horse can race in another claimer - Limits on age, experience, and number of starts - Sharp deadlines for submitting claims before post time - Consistent weight handicapping, race distances, purse money _Penalties for violations include huge fines and even license suspensions._ These regulations protect the integrity of the sport and ensure fair competition. ## Handy Tips for First-Time Claimers If you‘re considering dipping your toes into the claiming pool, keep these tips in mind: - Start small – don‘t risk your whole budget on one claim. Build experience first. - Claim objectively. Follow your head, not your heart. Don‘t get attached to a particular horse. - Partner with a pro. A vet or trainer‘s guidance is invaluable for rookie claimers. - Study the condition book religiously. Know the prices, rules, purse info, eligibility, etc. - Scrutinize past performances and workouts to make informed claiming decisions. - Get paperwork and funds ready ahead of time for smooth transactions. - Persistence pays off. Even longtime claimers make mistakes early on. Stick with it! With the right mentality and preparation, you‘ll be on your way to successful claiming. ## Common Myths and Misconceptions Let‘s clear up some frequent myths floating around: **Myth: Claiming is only for lower quality horses** _Reality: Many champions like California Chrome and Azeri got their start in claimers early on._ **Myth: Claimed horses tend to be injured or unsound** _Reality: Extensive vet checks ensure horses must be fit to race in a claimer._ **Myth: Claiming provides an easy jackpot** _Reality: Making money requires extensive homework and strategic planning long-term._ **Myth: There are shortcuts to claiming successfully** _Reality: No shortcuts exist. Claiming takes dedication, discipline, and homework._ **Myth: You should always claim any winner** _Reality: Winning alone isn‘t enough. The whole horse and race dynamics must be weighed._ Don‘t let these false assumptions lead you astray! ## Let‘s Hit the Track! There you have it! You‘re now armed with everything you need to start claiming horses like a seasoned pro. From understanding what claiming races entail to navigating each step of the process, I hope this guide has gotten you up to speed. Claiming offers awesome opportunities if you‘re willing to put in the work. Just be sure to do your homework, claim selectively, manage risks, and brush off common myths. Now let‘s get handicapping! I look forward to seeing you around the winner‘s circle after you cash some claimer tickets! --- Source: [The Ultimate Guide to Claiming Race Horses](https://33rdsquare.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-claiming-race-horses/)