Training Thoroughbreds for races in Samoa

Question
I have recently brought a thoroughbred across from NZ to race in Samoa.  The conditions here are very similar to Queensland (probably most like Townsville).  The next race meet here will be in December - our wet season when the track is likely to be heavy.  I would be grateful for your advice on a few things in terms of preparing the horse.  We propose to begin our training programme 8 weeks out from the meet.  Training will consist of a brisk morning walk for about an hour each day.  Twice a week I will also take the horse to the track beginning with a slow canter and progressing to a 3/4 gallop for the final 3 furlongs.  Do you think that this would provide sufficient conditioning for the horse which I propose to run in two races - 6 and 8 furlongs.  Both races will be run on the same day.  I would also be grateful for your views on the type of feed we should be using.  We are currently using vitalities and chaffe and pellets brought in from NZ.  We also use freshly cut grass and cut papaya.  I thank you in advance for any advice you may be able to provide.  Tom.

Answer
Tom,


I'm sorry, but I don't believe that conditioning such as you've described will get your horse to the proper level of fitness to compete in even one of those races, let alone both in one day.  Conditioning should be at least close to the speeds at which you will be racing, and preferably farther in distance.  To put it another way, would you prepare yourslef for a 880 meter running race by walking,  jogging only every three days or so, and just speeding up a little for the last 20 yards?   Probably not.  You would probably prepare by running for quite a distance on a daily basis, with wind sprints thrown in every few days.  Your horse will need to train in a similar fashion.  Try galloping him at least 1 and 1/2 miles daily, and speed up for a couple of furlongs at the end of every gallop.  Every 5 days or so, do speed work, at close to racing speed.  Start with a short distance at speed, then gradually increase the distance, up to about 3/4 of a mile, ro even farther.
 
I'm unfamiliar with New Zealand feeds, being based in the USA, but any good quality mix containing a good balance of vitamins and minerals should be fine for training.  How lucky that you are able to feed papaya to your horses.  I have always been told that the enzymes in papaya are great for digestive problems in the horse, and very soothing to the lining of their stomachs!

Stephanie Frost