A student of mine is trying out a very cute OTTB gelding, he is supposed to be a 7 yr old, his tatoo starts with “J” and we can partially read the tatoo. Supposedly an “irish” TB, but would she would like me to help her trace his history, I know that you can submit the tatoo, or part taht can be read and color of horse, sex and age and get possible matches, but where/how do you do this? ALso can someone tell me what year is “J”? thanks
Well, if it is using the American tattoo system, then the horse is either 29 or
3. The letters correspond in order with years. My horse is a G which means he was born in 2003. A J would mean either 1980 or 2006 as the year of birth. Could it be a tattoo from another country? And for the rest of the research, you can go to the Jockey Club website. I believe tattoo research is free now, it used to be $35. They will try to find a match for you.
WEll it is impossible that he is either 29 or 3! As stated he is supposed to be an irish TB, so perhaps he was imported. His teeth are fairly accurate 7 - 8 year old teeth and he is very well trained for dressage and jumping, so definitely not three! I an fully aware that the letter corresponds to a year but did not know what a “J” was.
2002 would be F… could the J actually be part of a D (2000) making him 9?
Well I was simply answering your question! A J here in America would mean the horse is 3 or 29. Since you say the horse is obviously not that age, then either the first letter is not a J or horse was tattooed using a different system from America. If the horse is from Ireland you will have to get in touch with their racing commission for info. I’m not familiar with their system. However, I did find out that since January 1999 all foals born in GB and Ireland (and probably the other major European racing countries) are microchipped at about 8 weeks of age. If your vet has a microchip scanner then they might be able to get the chip number which could lead to some answers.
Is there an asterisk before the letter? That would mean it is an international tattoo.
[QUOTE=LauraKY;4451245]
Is there an asterisk before the letter? That would mean it is an international tattoo.[/QUOTE]
I’ve been corrected. Had to call the JC (actually the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau) on a different matter and according to them, if the tattoo begins with a letter it is most definitely NOT an Irish horse. Foreign horses are not tattooed until they are imported to the U.S. If they are racing, their tattoo will begin with an asterisk and 5 numbers. No letters. Looks like you’ve been had.
If I were you, I would double check the letter (that’s usually where one goes wrong) and contact the TRPB for tattoo research. I would also have a vet attempt to age the horse by his teeth. Should be fairly accurate. I’d also have them check for a microchip, but, again if he has a letter, he’s not imported.
Its a “D” not a “J” thanks everyone! The first part of the D was VERY faint so looked like a J, so that makes him a 9 yr old which fits his teeth and we were able to read the most of it and it appears his name is Draco City, by Slew City Slew. We did know he was bred in OK, which also fits this horse as well as color etc. So happy to have a name to match to him!
I was wondering. Thanks for the info. Is your student still interested now that she knows he’s nine?
Yes, he is here on trial but she is planning to purchase him as long as a VERY SLIGHT stone bruise clears up (had him vetted and that appears to be the only issue). He has a WONDERFUL mind and work ethic. A 9 yr old is not at all old and actually, for an OTTB I kind of prefer it, as it shows that he has held up well to a “job” after racing! He is really a cute guy and just seems so happy to go out and do some work! I think he will be perfect for her, so now he is “Draco”, whereas before they didn’t use his prior barn name as they wanted to know “who” he was first! We were able to get a match on his tatoo once we figured it out, so this is definitely the right fellow!
The Slew City Slews are tough as nails and great horses. Wish I had a barn full of them. They are not always fancy, and they can sometimes be a little obstinate, but they are incredibly sound and have a terrific work ethic.
WEll this guy is a NICE mover and super jumper, he is totally “into” his work, we took him cross country schooling today and he was fabulous! Knows his job and likes it without being at all hot or difficult. He suits this rider perfectly. A smallish 15.3, as he is quite close coupled, but he fits her great. I adore him!
He was actually bred in Ohio. If the Hudson’s raced him, his trainer would have been Tim Hamm (Too Much Bling).
[QUOTE=shawneeAcres;4458084]
A 9 yr old is not at all old and actually, for an OTTB I kind of prefer it, as it shows that he has held up well to a “job” after racing! [/QUOTE]
I agree. We bought a 10 year old with 96 starts. He’s DD dressage horse. Never an off day in the 3 years we’ve owned him. I agree, if they hold up for that long they are really sturdy.
