Margaux Farm is hosting a free seminar Jan. 5 for owners that explains step-by-step the development of a Thoroughbred racehorse from weaning through pre-race training.
Called "Developing a Racehorse...Weaning to Winning," the seminar will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Keeneland sale pavilion.
"Training begins on day one," said Steve Johnson, managing partner of Margaux Farm, which is a full-service operation near Midway, Ky. "Many horses do not make it to the starting gate for a variety of reasons, some mental, some physical. The discussion will focus on the steps that a horse must go through to prevent these mental and physical issues from developing, and to help an owner manage their racehorses in the best way possible. Common problems such as refusal to load onto the trailer or into the starting gate can, with good management, be prevented."
The town hall-style meeting will feature a discussion with a panel of experts moderated by owner/breeder/trainer Edd Roggenkamp. The panelists are stakes-winning trainers Kellyn Gorder, Alex Clarkson, and Wayne Mackey; Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron; and veterinarian Dr. Dwayne Rodgerson, a surgeon with the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. The staff at Margaux Farm will also participate.
"We want to help owners, particularly those new to racing, understand everything that goes into making it to the winners circle," said Michael Hardy, manager of Margaux Farm.