Female horses, also known as mares, have been racing competitively for centuries. Historically, mares have had a long and fruitful career in the racing world, particularly in the flat racing and steeplechasing categories. Female horses have won many races and major stakes races, including the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders’ Cup. They have also had success in harness racing, show jumping, and other equestrian sports. In recent years, the success of female horses in racing has been on the rise.
Racing Categories and Female Horses
Female horses are eligible to compete in the majority of racing categories. In flat racing, mares are eligible to compete against colts, geldings, and other mares. They can also compete in steeplechasing, harness racing, and other equestrian sports. In some countries, female horses are even allowed to compete in the same races as colts and geldings, such as the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in France.
Female Horses and the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most prestigious races in the world and has been running since 1875. It is open to both male and female horses and is one of the few races in which mares can compete on equal footing with colts and geldings. In the history of the Kentucky Derby, two female horses have won the race: Regret in 1915 and Winning Colors in 1988.
Female Horses and the Breeders’ Cup
The Breeders’ Cup is a two-day event that features some of the best horses in the world. It is open to both male and female horses, and in its history, four female horses have won the Breeders’ Cup Classic: Bayakoa in 1989, Go for Wand in 1990, Zenyatta in 2009, and Royal Delta in 2011. Additionally, female horses have had success in other Breeders’ Cup races, including the Distaff and the Juvenile Fillies.
Female Horses and Harness Racing
Harness racing is a form of horse racing in which horses pull a two-wheeled cart, known as a sulky. Female horses have had success in harness racing, with mares winning some of the biggest races in the sport. In the United States, the Hambletonian Stakes is one of the most prestigious events in harness racing, and two female horses, Moni Maker and Continentalvictory, have won the event.
Female Horses and Show Jumping
Show jumping is a form of horse riding in which horses are required to jump obstacles while being timed. Female horses have been successful in show jumping and have won some of the biggest events in the sport. In the United States, the American Invitational is one of the most prestigious events, and two female horses, Beezie Madden and McLain Ward, have won the event.
Female Horses and Racehorse Ownership
Racehorse ownership is an important part of the racing industry, and female horses have had success in ownership as well as racing. Female owners have won some of the biggest races in the world, including the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. In the United States, female owners have won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, the Breeders’ Cup Classic, and the Breeders’ Cup Turf.
Why Female Horses Win Races
There are a number of factors that contribute to why female horses win races. For starters, female horses tend to have better stamina than male horses, which gives them an edge in longer races. Additionally, female horses are more agile, which gives them an advantage in flat races. Finally, female horses tend to be better at handling turns, which can give them an edge in steeplechases.
Notable Female Horses and Their Racing Achievements
Regret: The first female horse to win the Kentucky Derby, Regret had an illustrious career that included wins in the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
Winning Colors: The second female horse to win the Kentucky Derby, Winning Colors also won the Santa Anita Oaks and the Hollywood Starlet Stakes.
Bayakoa: The first female horse to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Bayakoa also won the Hollywood Oaks and the Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap.
Go for Wand: The second female horse to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Go for Wand also won the Beldame Stakes, the Mother Goose Stakes, and the Alabama Stakes.
Zenyatta: The third female horse to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Zenyatta also won the Vanity Handicap, the Apple Blossom Handicap, and the Lady’s Secret Stakes.
Royal Delta: The fourth female horse to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Royal Delta also won the Ogden Phipps Handicap, the Delaware Handicap, and the Beldame Stakes.
Conclusion
Female horses have had a long and successful career in racing, and they have won some of the biggest races in the world. They are eligible to compete in a variety of racing categories, including flat racing, steeplechasing, harness racing, and show jumping. Female horses have won the Kentucky Derby twice, the Breeders’ Cup Classic four times, and have achieved success in other major stakes races and equestrian sports. Female horses win races due to their superior stamina, agility, and ability to handle turns. With the increasing success of female horses in racing, it is clear that they are here to stay.
References
- The Kentucky Derby: https://www.kentuckyderby.com/history/kentucky-derby-winners
- The Breeders’ Cup: https://www.breederscup.com/history
- Harness Racing: https://www.ustrotting.com/divisions/harness-racing/history
- Show Jumping: https://www.fei.org/history/show-jumping
- Racehorse Ownership: https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/ownership/the-benefits-of-ownership