Fit for the Races

Horses can run shortly after birth, and, if trained for flat racing, can begin racing as early as two years old.

Flat racehorses may begin their racing careers early, but they retire relatively early too. Most flat racehorses retire by the age of 10. However, horses do retire as early as 4 years old. Their peak racing days are between 3-5 years old. Indeed, some of the most prestigious races are confined to 3-year-old horses.

By comparison, jump racehorses begin their racing careers around the age of 4, but they continue to 12 years and beyond.

Generally, endurance racehorses are required to be at least 4 years of age to enter novice races. In races of 80 km or more, horses may only begin racing once they have reached between 4-5 years of age. However, an endurance race horse's career can continue into their 20's.