I hope the link works. In this clip from the gate it looks like Nyquist is wearing a neck strap. I couldn’t tell from other race videos. Can anyone confirm what that strap is?
I watched the video-the only thing I saw on his neck was the rein.
It’s definitely a neck strap-- looks like he wore it last year as well.
There was a horse that during the pre-race coverage they said ran with his head really low. Maybe that one?
Yes it’s a neck strap.
http://c482944.r44.cf2.rackcdn.com/Nyquist_Best_Pal_2015_615x400_orig.jpg
They are becoming more popular stateside. Standard issue in some jurisdictions around the world for a number of years.
They are very common here, almost all horses wear it.
[QUOTE=Drvmb1ggl3;8661053]
Yes it’s a neck strap.
http://c482944.r44.cf2.rackcdn.com/Nyquist_Best_Pal_2015_615x400_orig.jpg
They are becoming more popular stateside. Standard issue in some jurisdictions around the world for a number of years.[/QUOTE]
That’s a great pic of it and of his hair style. The poor dude always looks like he just had a bad perm. I’m guessing he was braided prior.
Of what use is a neck strap in racing?
I cannot imagine its use as an Oh $^#& grab on for the Jock
[QUOTE=hoopoe;8661294]
Of what use is a neck strap in racing?
I cannot imagine its use as an Oh $^#& grab on for the Jock[/QUOTE]
That is exactly what it is. When our 3 y.o. had his first start, back in April, the jock requested one, so he didn’t get unseated when they broke from the gate. And this is a stakes winning jockey.
[QUOTE=hoopoe;8661294]
Of what use is a neck strap in racing?
I cannot imagine its use as an Oh $^#& grab on for the Jock[/QUOTE]
Yep, that is what it is. They generally just wrap a finger around them to steady themselves during the break then let go.
It seems smart to have a neck strap. The going from nothing to fast has to be a pretty good jolt. A neck strap seems like the perfect solution.
And bonus - it is another example of a very capable horse person using a neck strap so the next time a thread turns into a thread insisting ‘if you knew how to ride you would not need a neck strap’ we can use this example too. 
Thank you to all the stakes winning jocks who request a neck strap so I don’t feel so bad when I use the of @#$% strap on my own horse. lol.
[QUOTE=hoopoe;8661294]
Of what use is a neck strap in racing?
I cannot imagine its use as an Oh $^#& grab on for the Jock[/QUOTE]
That’s what it’s for, and it’s priceless for that purpose. I generally keep a finger in it for the entire race, except for riding the finish.
Can never have enough safety items in the tack box. The neck strap should a required piece of equipment.
“I generally keep a finger in it for the entire race, except for riding the finish.”
^^^^ Oh, how kewl, a jockey! You go, Bug Boy! Wishing you many wins and safe rides!
[QUOTE=beaujolais;8662237]
“I generally keep a finger in it for the entire race, except for riding the finish.”
^^^^ Oh, how kewl, a jockey! You go, Bug Boy! Wishing you many wins and safe rides![/QUOTE]
Thanks for your kind words! I took a spill in a race the last Saturday in April (horse fell) and broke my collarbone, so I’m off for a few weeks, but I can’t wait to get back on . There’s really nothing like it.
Thanks again! 
Oh dear, so sorry! Wishing you a fast and easy recovery!
[QUOTE=partita;8661023]
There was a horse that during the pre-race coverage they said ran with his head really low. Maybe that one?[/QUOTE]
It was Gary Stevens mount, Mor Spirit, that runs like that. He made a comment about it pre-Derby.
I’m curious about the neck strap. I don’t think I’ve noticed one in the saddling area, although perhaps I wasn’t paying attention or thought it was part of a breast plate. (The one place I tend to hang out in saddling areas is at smaller tracks, especially in England or Ireland.) Is it sometime put on just before the horse is loaded into the gate?
