Or just not at Epsom?
Just curious.
I love the way the men are dressed, BTW! 
But sad the way they keep changing the name of the great Derby now. Churchill Downs may have tacky dress and no taste in its hats and dress code, but at least they haven’t changed our race to the Yum! Derby, or, in former years, the VISA Derby. Or, going back to my childhood, the Pabst Blue Ribbon Derby.
There’s no lead ponies in most of the world. It’s pretty much a north American thing.
RPM, I’m surprized you didn’t know this.
I thought you worked with Thoroughbreds? Maybe I’m thinking of someone else on here.
I’m confused as usual. sorry ! 
Some of them coming over here to race don’t use lead ponies in tne post parade either.
No - just trained horses! They are expected to hack to the gallops along public roads. The race name has never changed - just the Sponsor. It is after all THE Derby (since 1780), unlike the wannabe copies.!
That depends on the racetrack, racing commission rules and regs. A few Breeders’ Cups ago one of the European favorites for one of the races while going to the post with the required lead pony and was injured and scratched. The horse like probably all euro trained horses wasn’t used to a lead pony in tight quarters.
He got annoyed/bothered by the pony and kicked, cow kicked at him. Missed the pony but hit the post of the guard rail or I think it was the parked horse ambulance. A google search would give the details. I seem to remember the commentators saying that the euro horses are’t used to lead ponies but are required to use them. Again, a fact check maybe called for on my comment.
Personally I think it should be left up to the trainer. Especially with International Stakes and horses, Breeders’ Cup races.
Trevor McCarthy loves to take them for a good tour without a pony before the race.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
