Step 1: Finding the Right Spot — The Condition Book
Once a horse is ready to run, the first step is identifying the right race.
Trainers use what’s called a condition book, which is essentially a schedule of upcoming races at a specific track. Each race includes detailed conditions such as:
-
Race class (maiden, allowance, claiming, stakes)
-
Distance and surface (dirt, turf, synthetic)
-
Eligibility requirements (age, wins, restrictions)
-
Purse amount
The goal is to find a race where the horse:
-
Meets the conditions
-
Fits competitively
-
Is placed at the right distance and surface
This is one of the most strategic parts of racing — finding the right “spot” can make all the difference.
Review the conditions books across the US HERE.
Step 2: Entering the Race
Once a target race is identified, the trainer will enter the horse—typically a few days before the race.
At this stage:
-
The horse is submitted along with any preferences (surface, distance, etc.)
-
The racing office collects all entries for that race
-
If needed, the race may be split into multiple divisions based on demand
Step 3: Stakes Races — The Nomination Process
For stakes races, the process starts earlier.
Before a horse can even be entered, they must be:
-
Nominated (often weeks or months in advance)
-
Sometimes sustained through additional payments
Stakes races typically involve multiple payment stages:
-
Nomination fee
-
Entry fee
-
Starting fee
Not all nominated horses will ultimately run — final fields are selected based on eligibility and preference criteria.
Step 4: How Fields Are Selected
Not every horse that enters a race gets in. When races overfill, the racing office determines which horses are selected.
For Stakes Races:
Selection is often based on:
-
Stakes earnings
-
Past performance
-
Prestige of prior races
-
Points systems (in some cases)
For Maiden, Allowance, and Claiming Races:
Preference is typically given based on:
-
Condition eligibility
-
Number of lifetime starts
-
Recency of racing activity
-
Sometimes, a preference system is defined by the track
Horses that don’t make the field may become “also eligible” (AE) and can draw in if another horse scratches.
Step 5: Fees and Financials
Entering a race comes with associated costs, which vary by race type.
These may include:
-
Entry fees
-
Starting fees
-
Stakes nomination or sustaining payments (if applicable)
-
Jockey fees and percentages
These costs are factored into the overall campaign planning for each horse.
Step 6: Entry Day and Draw
Once entries close:
-
The field is finalized
-
Post positions are drawn
-
Jockeys are named
-
The race becomes official
This is when you’ll typically see your horse’s entry posted in the App and receive race-day communications.
Check out upcoming entries across the country HERE.
Step 7: Race Day — Pre-Race Veterinary Check
Before a horse is allowed to compete, they must pass a pre-race inspection by the track veterinarian.
This includes:
-
A visual soundness check
-
Observing the horse’s movement
-
Ensuring the horse is fit to race safely
If a horse does not pass this inspection, they will be scratched from the race.
Step 8: Race Time
Once cleared:
-
The horse heads to the paddock
-
Is saddled and prepared
-
Parades to the gate
-
And ultimately loads into the starting gate
From there — it’s go time.
Follow-Up: Scratches, Also-Eligible, and Late Changes
Even after entries are official, things can — and often do — change.
What Is a Scratch?
A scratch is when a horse is withdrawn from a race after entries are taken.
Common Reasons for Scratches
-
Minor health concerns or soreness
-
Track condition changes (e.g., turf to dirt)
-
Strategic decisions by the trainer
-
Failing the pre-race vet exam
Scratches are a normal part of racing and are made with the horse’s best interest in mind.
What Does “Also-Eligible (AE)” Mean?
When a race receives more entries than it can hold:
-
Extra horses are placed on the Also-Eligible (AE) list
How It Works
-
AE horses only get in if another horse scratches
-
They are drawn into the race in order of preference
-
If no scratches occur, they do not run
Being AE can be frustrating, but it’s often a sign the horse was placed in a competitive, logical spot.
Late Changes to Know About
Even on race day, adjustments can happen:
Surface Changes
-
Turf races may be moved to dirt or synthetic due to weather
-
Some horses will scratch if surface changes don’t suit them
Jockey Changes
-
Illness, travel delays, or scheduling conflicts can lead to rider changes
Post Time Adjustments
-
Races can be slightly delayed due to weather or track conditions
The Big Picture
What looks simple on race day is actually the result of careful planning, timing, and coordination behind the scenes.
From studying the condition book to navigating entries and ensuring race-day readiness, every step is designed to:
-
Put the horse in the right spot
-
Maximize their opportunity to perform
-
Prioritize safety and long-term success
Understanding this process gives you a deeper appreciation for what it takes just to make it to the starting gate.
Important Disclosures
This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a recommendation, offer, or solicitation to buy or sell any security or interest in a horse. References to race entries, fees, or outcomes are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent or predict future results. Past performance of any horse or participant is not indicative of future outcomes.
