Should I Bet on a Temperamental Horse?

The short answer is no.

You may ask: ‘What is a temperamental horse?’

After following two-year-old horse racing for over 30-years I’ve seen just about every type of horse. Those which behave impeccably to those that misbehave so badly they never return to the racecourse for their second start. Often they don’t even make their debut run because they are led away from the stalls because they have been difficult to handle.

A horse has three opportunities to enter the stalls. That’s three races, and if they misbehave and cannot be stalled they have to pass a test. This usually follows extensive training at the home stables. Sadly, some horses learn bad habits or are so wilful they cannot learn to behave and often they have no place in racing.

They will find another home or a different role than the one they were bred.

Each horse should be viewed on its individuality and on its merit. Every horse has its own story to tell. In their formative years there is much to learn, many changes and it is understandable that, at times, these can be overwhelming. Think back to being a young child at school. I can bet for many readers it wasn’t the easiest of times. The system insisted you walk a certain path. You weren’t allowed the option to do things your way.

There are a plethora of reasons why a horse may be difficult to handle and show temperament. It is, like us all, a combination of nature and nurture.

It’s very easy to look at a horse making its debut and not really think about its life leading to that day. Why should you consider it? You’re mostly interested in its chance of making you some money or adding a little bit of excitement to your day.

However, I think we lose something as individuals if we don’t consider the past and solely focus on the present or future. This is important for horses as much as people. It gives reason, if not justification, for the objective truth seen on a given day.

When it comes to betting on temperamental horses you are pushing your luck if you think it will end well. Not to say you will know that many horses are temperamental until after the race. Perhaps the most likely factor is a horse that’s keen or in layman’s terms pulls too hard. There are other aspects of temperament but a horse pulling for its head is one of the most common and a problem. You can often see the jockey sitting tight, reins even tighter, as the horses head turns from left to right. The jockey will do their best to get the horse to settle by restraining it. This will expend a lot of energy. Some horses pull for two or three furlongs. The likelihood of them winning is minimal. Such has been the expenditure of energy. The horse will usually tire in the closing furlongs. Sometime, a very good horse will manage to win. This is usually over the minimum distance of five-furlongs (it may be further).

The problem with a horse pulling too keenly is that it often become a pattern of behaviour. They learn this is how we race. Unless the experience of trainer and jockey can help the horse to learn to settle its future is most likely limited. Winning is hard at the best of times and wasting energy makes it next to impossible.

However, there is a chance with age and experience a horse will settle, learn, and realise its true potential. This takes time and care. It is a behaviour that horses can learn all too easy and it can be very difficult to break this habit.

Personally, I try to steer clear of temperamental horses as they usually prove to be losing bets. If a horse has disappointed because of temperament it is best not to give them a second chance (when betting) as it is very likely they will display such errant behaviour once more. Even against inferior opposition you are pushing your luck. There is little to be gained from hoping beyond hope. I would rather watch and learn.

In truth, I would rather oppose a temperamental horse, especially if they are short odds. They have an increased chance of disappointing and give additional value to others in the race.

The only exception would be that a temperamental horse is a very big price and you simply have to hope for the best.

Be careful when betting and always bet responsibly.