MyRacehorse

INside look at Claiming Races:
Everything you need to know

When you’re first getting involved in horse racing, you’ll come across lots of terms—stakes, allowance, maiden, and one that often raises eyebrows: claiming races.

You might hear someone say, “That horse is in for a tag” or “He got claimed last out.” You’ll hear mixed reactions, and mixed opinions about claiming races. So what does all of it mean? Are claiming races bad? And why would anyone want to sell a horse before it even races? Let’s walk through what claiming is and what the process of a claim looks like.

What Is a Claiming Race?

A claiming race is a race where every horse entered is for sale at a set price. There are several different levels of claiming races depending on the price.

Let’s say your trainer enters your horse in a $25,000 claiming race. That means any licensed owner or trainer can put in a claim (an offer to buy the horse) for $25,000 before the race. If they win the claim, they own the horse the moment it finishes the race—no matter where it places or how it *performs.

It’s like a race and a sale happening at the same time

Why Use Claiming Races?

Claiming races serve a lot of smart purposes in the sport:

– They help keep races competitive by grouping horses with similar ability.

– They give owners and trainers access to horses at all price points—not just the high-end yearlings.

– They offer horses a fresh start when they’re no longer competitive in higher levels.

– They’re great scouting opportunities for smart trainers looking to find a hidden star.

Success Stories From the Claiming Ranks

Some very famous horses started in—or came out of—claiming races. That’s part of what makes horse racing so exciting: greatness can come from anywhere.

– Seabiscuit was once just a low-level claimer before becoming a racing legend.

– Rich Strike was claimed for just $30,000 before shocking the world by winning the 2022 Kentucky Derby at 80-1 odds.

– Lava Man was claimed for $50,000 and went on to win over $5 million.

– MyRacehorse’s very own Going to Vegas was claimed for $50,000 prior to MyRacehorse acquiring her. Under the MyRacehorse banner, she became a multiple graded stakes winner.

Do Claiming Races Put Horses at Risk?

This is a common fear—but no, horses in claiming races are not more likely to end up in bad situations.

Most racehorses have better safety nets now than ever before. Many tracks require owners to contribute to aftercare programs such as the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, and reputable trainers work hard to find second careers or retirement for their horses when they’re done racing.

In fact, claiming races can help horses find new barns, new strategies, and new success with people who believe in them.

How the Claiming Process Works

1. A claim is submitted before the race by a licensed owner or their trainer.

2. If more than one person claims a horse, a random draw (called a “shake”) decides who gets it.

3. The claiming owner takes possession following post-race inspection after the race.

** If a horse fails the post-race inspection (which can happen for a myriad of reasons), the claim is voided and the horse is placed on the vet’s list.**

4. You still get the purse money from the race. Even if the horse gets claimed, if it finishes in the money, the previous owner keeps the earnings from that race.

Final Thoughts

Claiming races may seem confusing at first, but they’re actually a key part of how the sport works. They keep racing fair, exciting, and full of opportunity—for horses and owners.

And who knows? Your next barn favorite—or your first big winner—might just come from the claiming ranks.

Owner Education Hub

April 10, 2025 No Comments

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