What to Expect

Each training preparation has three phases; pre-training, racing and spelling.

When your horse commences their preparation, they begin pre-training. This usually involves 3-4 weeks of slow work (trotting and cantering), followed by another 4-6 weeks of pace work. This program prepares your horse for galloping by building their fitness and strength.

The final step before your horse goes to the races is to have a jumpout or barrier trial. This is a practice race over 800m to 1000m distance. This is used for education in younger horses and to peak the fitness of older horses. Most horses will usually need two jumpouts before going to the races.

Most horses will begin racing over a shorter distance (1000m to 1200m), even if their preferred distance is 1600m+. Each horse if different, but usually they need 2-3 weeks between races to fully recover and prepare for their next start. The number of starts your horse has before they need a spell again depends on the individual horse but most will do 6-10 races each preparation.

Spelling is time spent recuperating in a paddock. If your horse has no injury they will usually spell for about 4 to 6 weeks. If they have sustained an injury and need time away from training to heal, the spell may last for longer.

Let’s go racing!

When your horse is ready, it will be nominated in a suitable race. Nominations are published on the Racing NSW website about six days before race day.
The weights and ballot order are published the following day.
If we want to run, we accept and declare a jockey the next day and fields, including the barrier draw, are published online.

Our horses race in the Thorotek silks unless a majority owner nominates to race in their silks.
You will receive an email from us with the race information and a short summary of our expectations for the race.

If you are able to come to the races to watch your horse in person you are entitled to full owners’ privileges, which typically includes race course entry, race book, members access and mounting enclosure access to speak to the jockey before and after the race.
If you cannot make it in person, the races are broadcast on Sky Channel and online at the Racing NSW website. Replays are also available on the Racing NSW website. Jockey and trainer post-race comments are emailed to the owners with a report on the race.

Winners are grinners!

The NSW prize money structure is the best in the country, perhaps the world, at the moment and each race will usually result in a prize money payment.
The prize money allocation for each race is published with the race fields. The owners receive 83% of the purse.
Stakes payments are made directly from Racing NSW to each owner fortnightly according to the below schedule:
Races between 1st and 15th of the month are paid around the 19th
Races between the 16th and the end of the month are paid around the 4th

If your horse wins and you are on course, there may be a trophy presentation, photo opportunity and a complementary drink to enjoy while watching the race replay, depending on which track your horse races at.
Winning photos are available for purchase through Bradley Photos.

We find the owners that get the most out of their racing are those that come to the track on raceday. Many Thorotek owners have become great friends, meeting up regularly to cheer their horses on.