sugahorse wrote: I have nothing against small fields/few nominations for 2 year old races. Makes sense to keep these babies back a while and still have a horse left once it hits 3 years, instead of breaking down being pushed too hard too early.
Spot on , Sugahorse!
The racing of juveniles is a relatively recent development in thoroughbred racing which has its origins in the 1970's. Prior to that it was quite unusual for the simple reason that a horse only reaches physical maturity at 5.
In most, but not all, instances exploiting 2 year olds does little or nothing for the welfare of the animal but PLENTY to fatten up the veterinary profession when immature physiologies are put under racing stress.
When one allocates a horse to a trainer you tacitly agree to leave the decision as to when that horse is 'ready' to a professional. Insisting that the animal be entered on a specific day or for a specific event is pointless as circumstances often conspire to make a mockery of any plan.
In the case of the Western Cape the juvenile season co-incides with the hardening up of the ground with the advent of summer. As most of the (surviving) owners would prefer not to face the prospect of expensive remedial treatment horses in this centre often start their careers a little later.
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