Claiming a horse

Question
QUESTION: I own 25% of a 3 yr old thoroughbred  she is running in a claiming race what i
would like to do is to claim her fully. I want to own her completely. Can I do this
in the state of Pennsylvania?

ANSWER: Hi Donna:

Unfortunately, you cannot claim your own horse.

I assume that you have attempted, unsuccessfully, to buy out your partners.  If that is the case, you still have some options available.  Be advised, however, that they would not be "neat" and "simple" transactions:

  - Have your partners buy YOU out (at that point, you would be free to claim the horse back)

  - Auction the horse and bid on it for your own account

  - Have a friend claim the horse, and then privately purchase the horse (after 30 days) from that person

Obviously, there may be other details and obstacles - to which I am not privy - that make the above options useless.  In any event, I hope I have been of some help.


Brad Adler
www.superthoroughbred.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: not sure of the spelling but what is phen buteral used for? And can you tell me
what is tapping a horse? Thank you. I do appreciate your knowledge and straight
forward answers.

Answer
Hi Donna:

Clenbuterol is a bronchodilator that also has steroidal properties.  It helps horses to breathe easier and builds muscle.  This drug is closely monitored in all states and is illegal as a race-day medication.  It can be used, judiciously, but most states do not allow it within 3 or 4 days of a race.

Tapping is when the synovial (lubricating) fluid in a horse's joint is removed and replaced with acid or hyaluronic (inorganic) fluid.  This process temporarily reduces the swelling in the joint and allows the horse to perform better.  If a horse is tapped too often, this procedure loses its effectiveness and becomes a very real danger to the horse's welfare.

Brad Adler
www.superthoroughbred.com