Maiden Races

Question
I am trying to find out what the average number of races is that a thoroughbred runs before  breaking his/her maiden.  I found the statistic on how often an average horse wins (every 9.2 races), but I can't find the maiden break average.  I own a thoroughbred who has run 5 times and not won and I'm just trying to get a feel for when I should start thinking of putting her in claiming races.many races the average number of races  

Answer
Bob

I don't believe that there are any stats out there on how many starts it takes on average for a horse to break his/her maiden.  But considering your question, I don't really think that an average number would really be of any help to you.  You don't really want to know about the AVERAGE horse, you are trying to find out about YOURS.  I knw the feeling, LOL.  Sometimes horseracing can be a frustrating business.
As far as when to drop your horse down, rather than try and determine an arbitrary average time to break a maiden, you have to consider how your horse has been running so far.  You can generally throw out the first few races, since often they are a learning experience, and not a true test of ability. You also need to think long and hard about whether it is a class issue, or a training/distance/fitness issue.    The greatest sprinter in the world won't run well in a distance race, regardless of the level of competition.  Ditto the reverse.  How well is your filly finishing? Is she always right there, but never seems to manage to cross the wire first?  Is she slow to get moving, but comes on like a freight train at the end (maybe she needs a longer distance), quick at the start, but can't finish( try a shorter race, or get her scoped for bleeding)?  Or just plain not competitive in any part of the race?
If the last is the case, maybe a drop in class in order.  But make certain to consider all of the factors first.  Maybe the filly needs a different distance, maybe she needs the turf (remember that many tracks don't write races on the turf for claimers, so you might want to try turf before dropping her)

Good luck with your filly,
Stephanie Frost
www.alchemybloodstock.com