Question About Starting Gate

[Lockjaw]

When there is a twelve horse field (two trailers) behind the starting gate, is the speed of the starting gate consistent with the start of races with no trailers?

[LVGaryD]

Generally they go the same speed as usual. You can't have horses doubled over behind the gate just because there are trailers.

[Dolfan]

I would agree but that got me thinking about this:

What is the speed difference in the car from an FFA pacing group compared to a field of 2 year old trotters?

The FFA race is getting out in :12 for the 1st 1/8 while the 2 y.o. trotters may get out in :14 or :15.

[Just Saying]

In my opinion: A smart starter will gear the gate speed to the quality of horses. Top level horses HATE a slow gate that won't get out of their face. They get mad, doubled-up, and banging into each other. A field of green babies are better off being eased out of there.

I always preferrred having veteran horses up on their tippy-toes, going all they can go at the start. Causes a lot less confusion behind the gate.

[LVGaryD]

I would agree but that got me thinking about this:

What is the speed difference in the car from an FFA pacing group compared to a field of 2 year old trotters?

The FFA race is getting out in :12 for the 1st 1/8 while the 2 y.o. trotters may get out in :14 or :15.

There is definitely a difference between classes, at least for better starters there is.

[Lockjaw]

If you are driving  the horse in the one or two hole, with a trailer behind you, are you required to be "on the gate" sooner rather than later? 

[LVGaryD]

Not at all, just so your horse does not cause the horse behind it interference or hinder that horse in any way. Most starters will not fine you if your horse is near the gate when the starter says "go".

One particular starter used to tell guys, "If you want a fine, just don't give me one of your stable hats. You'll know who gave me a hat and/or jacket when you read the fines list."

[dennycrane]

there is pretty much a set standard of speed where the staster should be at an 1/8 out an then at 1/16 out  and then they are supposed to turn u loose at 30

[Lockjaw]

Can I assume that, at the start of the race, the starting gate accelerates at exactly the same time the gate "opens"?

[Just Saying]

Can I assume that, at the start of the race, the starting gate accelerates at exactly the same time the gate "opens"?

Varies with starter. Most accelerate to about 34mph+ just before they say
"GO"
Track lay-out makes a difference too. At Maywood the gate takes a hard left right after the start, so they tend to pull ahead of the field prior to the start to have more room to navigate the 1st turn. Same if it's icy or sloppy. Other size tracks give the starter much more wiggle room prior to the 1st turn.

[Dolfan]

PPK car accelerates to 38 mph at start.

[beans and weenies]

1 trailer can follow out  any horse on the gate he wants to.  2 trailers have to follow the 1 and 2 horse out.    i think 

[Just Saying]

1 trailer can follow out  any horse on the gate he wants to.  2 trailers have to follow the 1 and 2 horse out.    i think 

I know 1st of multiple trailers has to follow the rail horse. I belive a 2nd trailer is "free to roam" unless there's another trailer out side of him.

[Just Saying]

I know 1st of multiple trailers has to follow the rail horse. I belive a 2nd trailer is "free to roam" unless there's another trailer out side of him.

Biggest field I ever drove in was 13 at DuQuoin. Got to win that rascal going for about $35k. I think it was callled "The Windy Skeeter Stake".

[LVGaryD]

 

I know 1st of multiple trailers has to follow the rail horse. I belive a 2nd trailer is "free to roam" unless there's another trailer out side of him.