

SARGA.CO - Before the cheers echo along the racetrack, there is a routine that is not widely known by the public. This daily 'ritual' serves as the key to performance between the jockey and their horse. It's not just about mounting the horse and setting off; the preparation before the race is a precise, disciplined process filled with emotional bonds.
For professional jockeys, the day begins at dawn. The routine starts with a health check for the horse. Alongside trainers and grooms, they ensure the horse is in peak condition, monitoring temperature, heart rate, and even their mood.
A racehorse’s diet is anything but random. They’re given energy-rich feed like oats, barley, and vitamin supplements—typically served 3 to 4 hours before the race to avoid running on a full stomach.
Around two hours before entering the track, horses begin a light warm-up—gentle walking followed by trotting in a designated area. It’s also when the jockey begins building an emotional connection, speaking in soft tones and gently stroking the horse’s face or neck.
Jockeys must maintain a strict weight limit. The day before a race, some avoid heavy meals or even use a sauna to meet weight requirements. They also study the track’s characteristics and plan their race strategy.
The Quiet Moment Before the Start
As the race nears, there’s a 10–15-minute quiet period in the starting area. The horse is fitted with a lightweight saddle, the jockey mounts, and the only sounds are hoofbeats and heavy breathing.
Behind the lightning speed and roaring crowds, the horse racing world is built on extraordinary dedication. Between jockey and horse exists a bond of trust formed through tireless training, care, and genuine love.
The race may last just minutes, but the preparation behind it is a lifetime of hard work.
Fierce competition occurred in the 2nd Year Beginner C/D non-finalist class - 1,200 meters
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