Hoods

[kasparov]

I notice a couple of hooded runners won at Cheltenham yesterday. I understand blinkers and cheekpieces but I don’t understand what a hood does to help the horse as it looks to me that they can see through the eyeholes as well as they can without a hood.

Can anyone explain?

[apracing]

The hood covers the ears and is mainly intended as a means of reducing the distraction of noise.

You can also have a hood that incorporates blinkers or visor.

My own experiences as an owner suggest that none of these combinations make a slow horse go any faster, but can be employed to extend the number of ‘last chances’ given to a dedicated loser.

[obiwankenobi]

The ears of these hoods are lined with a thick synthetic gel and are used a lot in France. Helps the horse’s settle in the race. What would English trainers do without France, whole new topic!

[Gingertipster]

I totally disagree AP.
In another 10 years time I believe trainers may well be using hoods and ear plugs on most of their runners.

Yes, it helps the quirky animal more, but am convinced it benefits genuine horses too. As Obi says helping to settle (MTOY could be next). Another major positive for me is helping idling. Mostly thought of as a "being in front" issue, but imo a lot of horses get distracted by crowd noise (particularly at a big meeting like Cheltenham) and find more up the hill with a hood/ear plugs. Even those not known for idling may find a bit more. I hear Mullins uses ear plugs a lot.

Value Is Everything

[betlarge]

In another 10 years time I believe trainers may well be using hoods and ear plugs on most of their runners.

Interesting. I have found that the application of earplugs to the punter himself is particularly of benefit when trainers/jockeys discuss their horse’s chances.

Mike

[Gingertipster]

Jockeys also use ear plugs when with connections in the paddock Mike.

Value Is Everything

[tbracing]

Headgear Bets Wins WinStrike SP_PL Places PlaceStrike ROI BF_Back BF_Lay

Hood 1896 192

10%

-349.62 457 24% -18.44% -261.24 103.29

Hood & Blinkers 157 16

10%

-23.17 40 25% -14.76% -15.51 2.13

Blinkers & Eye S/C 610 52

9%

31.54 119 20% 5.17% 78.38 -138.37

Visor 10026 843

8%

-2572.13 2335 23% -25.65% -2126.78 1311.86

Cheekpieces 23967 1711

7%

-9183.21 5194 22% -38.32% -8318.83 6503.32

Blinkers 22950 1593

7%

-7672.72 4539 20% -33.43% -6738.98 4934.08

Eye shield or cover 961 65

7%

-345.71 196 20% -35.97% -307.89 233.44

None 101091 6562

6%

-40787.36 19080 19% -40.35% -37007.51 29380.82

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