How to Clock a Racehorse

A racehorse's performance during morning workouts is beneficial information for both amateur and professional handicappers. To clock a racehorse you'll need a stopwatch that measures to one-fifth of a second. Head to the track during the morning hours between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., the most popular time racehorses work out. If you're not a licensed owner, double check with the track security about how to gain entrance in the morning.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Stopwatch that has precision to at least one-fifth of a second.

1. Ask the trainer the distance of the racehorse's workout. Distance will usually be between three and five furlongs. The workout distance lets you know which starting and ending furlong poles to watch.
2. Question trainer to determine if the racehorse will be starting the workout from the starting gate or a slow breeze.
3. Determine starting pole if the racehorse is starting from a slow breeze. Most racetracks have eight starting poles. Each starting pole represents 1/8 of a mile.
4. Have another person also clock the racehorse and compare times at the end for optimal accuracy.
5. Start your stopwatch as soon as the gate opens if the racehorse if coming from the starting gate.
6. Press "start" on your stopwatch when the racehorse reaches the designated furlong pole if the racehorse is starting from a slow breeze.
7. Press "stop" when the racehorse reaches the designated furlong pole for the end of the workout.
8. Compare difference between start and stop times.

Tips & Warnings

• A fast workout time doesn't automatically mean the racehorse will run fast during a live race. Many factors determine how fast a racehorse runs on race day such as the pace of the race, the competition, and post position in the starting gate.