Cold temps and racing?

At what temperature will a track typically suspend racing due to cold temperatures?

The reason I’m asking is that a friend claims it’s too cold to ride (not race) if it’s 32 degrees, because it’s bad for the horse’s lungs. My argument is that if horses are racing at that temp, I’m pretty sure a horse is OK to do a 30-minute W/T hack at that temp too. :stuck_out_tongue:

I think sucking in air at a full gallop/or a working pace is a lot different then a winter hack. Our BO has harness horses. I cringe everyday when I see those babies being worked hard in single digit temps on a frozen track.

Racing is suspended at a combined air temp and windchill of -25°C. I’ve jogged in much colder than that with more harm to me and equipment than to the horse.

I worry more about frozen ground than harm to their lungs.

During winter months where there is racing the track doesnt freeze, they run harrows over it all night. Usually brutal temps will call the races off, it’s a combination of the jockeys and racing officials calling it off. Extreme cold weather can wreak havoc on a horses respitory system, causing horses to bleed that otherwise wouldnt. I’ve galloped many horses in 10 degree weather.

So I’m correct in assuming that “The Race Will Go On” at 32 degrees F (assuming no ridiculous wind chill)… :slight_smile:

[QUOTE=cnvh;6852816]
So I’m correct in assuming that “The Race Will Go On” at 32 degrees F (assuming no ridiculous wind chill)… :)[/QUOTE]

Yes!