Training Regime

At Micky Hammond Racing, we have a maximium of 50 racehorses in training at any one time. This allows us to scope out and deliver a unique and specifically designed training and racing programme for each individual horse in training with us. Our owners are fully consulted and involved in the specifics of their horse’s programme.

Typically, racehorses are in training for an average of 9 or 10 months per year, with the remaining months being taken as a break, often ‘out at grass’. This is like having a holiday for horses, with the change of scenery and rest from work often having a refreshing impact on a horse’s freshness and attitude. Sometimes owners have their own facilities for their horses when they take a break, but Micky Hammond Racing can arrange for your horse to take a break at our sister yard.

When a horse comes into training for the first time after a break, it typically takes Micky and his team 8-12 weeks to get a horse race-fit. Even then, horses often get a significant benefit from a run, just like Premiership footballers who need to be “match fit”.

Typically, horses start back in training with ‘road work’ where they are ridden, but just at walking pace, around local lanes. After a few weeks they move up to a gentle canter on the gallops and gradually build up from there. However, the routine is different for each horse - some need less work than others to get fully fit.

Towards the end of this initial period, Micky will plan some specific target races for the horse, in consultation with its owners, mapping out a programme for the following 6-8 months before the horse has its next break.

Typically, the major work is done from a Monday to a Friday, but there is exercise on a Saturday morning too, and some horses do gallop on a Saturday if they are racing the following week.

As each race approaches, the training routine is adjusted slightly to ensure each horse is spot on for its race.

Racehorses are often delicate and precocious athletes, and are occasionally subject to minor injuries which interrupt the training programme. Micky and his team have a very good record with the care of horses (see our Ethos), but obviously need to adjust the training programme of an injured horse. We use the very best in veterinary care, with regular visits from Mark Collins from the Minster Equine Clinic in York, and John Patterson, our “back specialist”.