Speed Index and Race Times

You can use the Speed Index (SI) or the actual race time your horse achieved to gauge your horses performance.  The higher the SI, the faster your horse ran the race. For example, a 100 SI is faster than 90.

Speed Index Basics:

Speed Index (SI) is a numerical representation of a horses performance based on the final time the horse ran a race.  It is roughly based on real life speed indexes from a variety of tracks.

Benchmark times have been established for each race distance. If a horse runs at or very near the benchmark time, it earns a Speed Index of 100. Approximately .10 second separates the median point of the Speed Index point time brackets. For example, a horse that runs a race .10 second slower than the average benchmark receives a 99 Speed Index.

Several top Thoroughbreds have recorded SI's of over 120.

Several top Quarter Horses have recorded SI's over 170.

If  one of  your horses records a speed index below 80 there may be reason for concern. You should evaluate your training practices and study the Help Center for tips on improvement.

Speed Index - Factors Involved:

The Speed Index of each horse in every race is effected by a wide variety of factors, including:

   - Suitability of the horse for the race distance and surface.

   - Adequate preparation of the horse for the race including rest and proper workouts.

   - Age of the horse. Most horses reach their peak around age 3 or 4 and gradually slow as they get older.

   - The jockey, track and post position.

   - Random factors such as breaking good or bad from the starting gate.

   - Form cycles. Most race horses in real life and in the game are not always consistent performers.

   - Class of the race and intensity of competition. For example, most horses tend to run higher SI's in Claiming Races than in Allowance races. By the same token, most horses tend to run higher SI's in Allowance Races than Stakes. This is due to the greater intensity of competition that usually exists in the higher class races and against higher quality opponents.

   - Speed Index is also partly dependent on the race distance. Longer race distances tend to produce slightly lower Speed Index ratings on average than short races.

Since each race your horse competes in from week to week involves different factors and circumstances, the SI of your horse will probably vary from race to race depending on the combined effect of all the variables.

Average Race Times and Track Records:

Average race times and Track Records for various distances at each track can be easily viewed.

Just click on a track name from the "Race Card" link in the Main Menu, or a track name from any horses page that has raced. National (all time) records for the various race distances are also recorded and can be displayed.

New track records are automatically announced under the topic "Simulation News" in the Forum.

Actual Race Time:

Yet another way to evaluate a Thoroughbreds performance is by the actual race time. The actual race time for your horse in any completed race can be found on the Race Results in the column "HTime." (ie: your Horses Time)

In real life thoroughbred racing 12 seconds per furlong is usually considered a good average as a "rule of thumb,"  however this can vary by track and racing surface.

Here is a summary of what would be considered good average times for thoroughbreds at the various racing distances:

5 furlongs - - - -1:00

5 ½ furlongs - -1:06

6 furlongs - - - -1:12

6 ½ furlongs - -1:18

7 furlongs - - - -1:24

7 ½ furlongs - -1:30

1 mile - - - - - - 1.36    (8 furlongs)

As races go over 1 mile, average time per furlong generally slows to around 14 seconds per furlong.

1 1/16 mile - - 1:43    (8 1/2 furlongs)

1 1/8 mile - - - 1:50    (9 furlongs)

1 3/16 mile - - -1:57   (9 1/2 furlongs)

1 1/4 mile - - -  2:04   (10 furlongs)

1 5/16 mile- - - 2:11   (10 1/2 furlongs)

1 3/8 mile - - - 2:18 (11 furlongs)

1 7/16 mile - - 2:25   (11 1/2 furlongs)

1 1/2 mile - - - 2:32   (12 furlongs)


Remember, there are several variables involved in determining your horses race performance. Your job as trainer is to try and maximize the success of each of your horses.

Last Updated: 1/22/2011 9:38:12 AM

Game Records
The top earning Quarter Horse on Trophyhorse was Flo Riida with $6.7 million in earnings
Game Tips
Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses do not race against each other in this game. Each breed has their own specific tracks and races.