Читать книгу Beyond the Track - Anna Morgan Ford - Страница 24

2.1 Most Thoroughbreds only race for a couple of years, then a lack of success on the track or injury means decisions must be made concerning their future.

I have discussed how Thoroughbred breeders produce thousands of horses every year, and while most of these horses are indeed prepared and trained to run, only a select few go on to win prestigious races and vast sums of money—and only about 20 of them end up racing in the Kentucky Derby. Of those racehorses that make it to the starting gate, most have modest careers, perhaps bringing home enough winnings to cover their board and training. There are many different levels of racing: some races have a purse worth millions, some as little as $2,500. At smaller tracks you might see horses that are winning $50 each start for ten starts. Obviously, these horses need to find a new purpose in life, because they are definitely not paying the bills.