Page 14 - 7 July 2012

There is a healthy sports rivalry which comes from the friendship and prior meeting of the horse owners. That is the heart of match racing in Mexico!
MEXICO
Match racing is a popular sport.
by Luis Prieto Zamudio
Unlike countries such as Argentina, match races in Mexico are reserved for Quarter Horses, to take advantage of their explosive speed over short dis-
tances. The race’s distance is agreed upon and stated in one of three units of measurement, predominantly the Castilian ell known as “vara” (83.59 cm) of Spanish ori- gin, although the yard and meter is also used, according to regional customs and traditions. The representative distances vary from 200 to 300 varas (183 and 274 yards, respectively). The results of these competitions are not held in the official record of the participants, since they are not carried out under the rules of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA).
Competing in match races or at the official race- track are complimentary facets for many horses and their teams. There are individuals that begin in match racing before debuting at the track, and alternate their activity between both scenes. One recent example
is Allens Cash, who raced 21 match races before debuting at Hipódromo de Las Americas. When he did begin racing in official races, in his fourth race he set a world record time at 250 yards, which he broke again in his fifth participation on March 4, 2012.
Other equine athletes become match race runners after they retire from the racetrack, including many that are purchased in the U.S. These horses are usu- ally holders of dazzling statistics and records that end up competing athletically at the racetrack or in match races in Mexico.
No matter where it is located, and regardless of whether the horses have much or little recognition as athletes, are nationals or imported, or if there are many or just a few races, a track or lane is a popular center for festivities. Horse racing is the preferred recreational activity for inhabitants of the countryside and cities that are linked to equestrian activities. It’s a family spectacle where the men, women, and children, from any economic or social condition, can have fun and experience the excitement of the fast horses.
In the past 10 years, “Opens” or “Open Races” have increased in popularity. The administrator of the track issues a statement, written or vocal, establishing what the conditions are: the inscription fee per entry, maximum number of entries, distance, distribution of the prize, etc. The interested party, once having paid his entry fee, is not obligated to declare which horse will participate, which increases anticipation for the event. These events are done in two phases: The elim- ination phase, where the winner of each race becomes
Match Race in Taste del Haras Anahuac.
a finalist, and the final race, three weeks later. In these types of races it is very common to see top tier racing horses, especially using a different name from their official name or the one they are known by in other parts of the country or in the U.S.
How MatcH Racing is conducted
The traditional match race is a verbal agreement, or one’s “word,” between the proprietor or representa- tive of each horse, who establish an agreement on the racing conditions (place, distance, stakes, etc.). They then verify with the track administrator the best date for the event. Meanwhile, in each cuadra (corner)— which is the name given to the place where the horses train and live—work is focused on preparing the individual so it may arrive physically and mentally well on race day, which is the responsibility of a good trainer. This individual applies his skills, the product of experience or teachings that he has received from other colleagues with more time and experience in the field. Many trainers originate from families that, for generations, have been dedicated to the handling, preparation or mounting of race horses. Few are the ones that receive some sort of formal training.
On race day, fans attend the track upon payment of their right of access to the event. They observe the horses, which wait quietly for their turn in some ade- quate place. Sometimes fans have already chosen their favorites weeks in advance. The bets are done in two forms: person to person, whether or not depositing
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SPEEDHORSE, July 6, 2012
AROUND THE GLOBE
Luis Prieto