Looking for help understanding this issue..

[simc24]

Crosspost from Eventing Forum

I have owned several young OTTBs, including restarting a couple myself, but have never bought one directly off the track. I have found a mare that I’m very interested in but I’m uncertain on a couple of things and looking for some help “translating”.

I’ve found a mare I’m very interested in that has almost 50 starts under her belt. She completed every race except the last one, and the race video shows her not breaking out of the gate. I asked her owner about it and he basically said he doesn’t know what happened, she just didn’t break, but she’s been sound and in training since.

I will vet her with X-rays if I move forward, but just wondering if anyone who has actual experience at the track can help me understand why a horse might do that and if there is risk there?

He did share info about a different previous injury and a couple of vices she has, so I feel like he was being pretty honest.

[LaurieB]

It happens. Sometimes horses just decide they are ready to be done racing. It could be a physical issue, but especially with an older mare–and a trainer that seems as though he’s been honest with you–I would think she decided it was time for a new career.

[Palm_Beach]

They don’t say much. I usually chalk it up to stress and anxiety, and a horse that just doesn’t want to run any more. It would not bother me with a sport horse prospect as long as there is not an underlying physical issue.

I hope she works out for you, and thanks for giving a race horse a second career!

[simc24]

Ok exactly what I was hoping to hear! I will be scheduling a vetting tomorrow!!