Misthi 

Thank you so much for the information and clarification. 

#####

Chase

Thank you for the information 

Thank U chase for your reply

A and AL denotes Alumninium shoes.

S and ST means Steel Shoes.

RPAL means Rubber Padded Aluminium Shoes.

HAL and  HST means Heel Aluminium and Heel Steel Shoes respectively. Instead of the general U shaped shoes , these have a connecting plate at the heel end for better traction and grip. Generally worn in Hind Legs.

Shoes are a general term for all work horses. Racing throughbteds have generally delicate tender legs and need definitive support to the hooves depending upon their conformation. Light weight aluminium shoes are the general norm and are called in racing parlance as " Racing Plates". Racing plates always means Aluminium shoes for racing throughbreds.

While the anatomy  of the hoof is generally same there are individual variations and requirements depending upon the conformation , injuries , infirmities , lopsided wear and tearof the hoof, racing surface whether dirt, hard, synthetic, slushy , grass etc which demand different kinds of shoes.

Shoeing and Farriery are specialised skills.

All we need to know is what a particular horse performs with what kind of shoes.

Heavy Horses can perform over sprints with steel shoes. In longer distances steel shoes will be a handicap.

In Mysore , after the monsoon , the turf wears luxuriant grass and I have observed that unshod horses or horses with no shoes in the hind legs winning.

One can't know everything. One should know how to decide based on the limited info, limited knowledge and limited understanding. 

If you wait for full knowledge and info , it will not be a decision but will be a foregone conclusion.

@Manish Ji, I am not a teacher nor am I an expert in horse racing. I am also learning despite being there in horse racing for 28 years. I have sharing 2 videos that will give your more clarity on the difference between horseshoes and the weights that horses carry tucked inside the pockets of a saddle.

The first video explains how to read a race card (UK) and gives information on the weights that are placed in the pockets of a saddle. These are lead weights. This is same across the world. In UK, for flat races, generally all the horses wear Steel shoes during their training and wear Aluminium shoes in races. So the video does not have details on the type of horse shoe that the horse is wearing in the race.

https://youtu.be/JDneOyXOrSY?si=lwBPbnDRiRaUHhjB

The second video listed below is how to read a race card (India). Here it explains the regarding the type of horse shoe that the horse is wearing in the race.

https://youtu.be/E1OU_1QW3Xs?si=ksMH7bKyQkELG2O-

Please do watch both the videos as there are many things (basics) that are explained well and will be useful.

I love your confidence and the challenge that you gave. All I can say is that after going through the videos and getting to know the facts, please don't quite racing :)

@Thunderstrike, whenever there is a change in shoe from Steel to Aluminium or from Aluminium to Steel, it is denoted as A* or S* respectively.

It's my request to Veteran Punter , Govindarajan S ( Chennai ) , Pramod Kumar , Godzilla and other experts to please clarify the discussion between Manish Mumbai and Misthi.

Even I am curious , 

###

@Admin please share the below link if it acceptable. Thank you 

https://www.kentuckyderby.com/horses/news/horse-shoes-provide-a-solid-foundation/#:~:text=Shoes%20may%20be%20made%20out,lightweight%20aluminum%20called%20racing%20plates.

###

I want to know what Manish Mumbai is saying , is it about weight carried on saddle's lead pad ?... Does change in S to A affects weight carried  on saddle's lead pad or some extra weight is added to the saddle  or jockey .. I don't know . Please clarify.

Lead pad or pockets or if you have any right terminology please do share..

Thank you

Mishti is absolutely right. S & A stands for shoes and not plates. Weights are added in the saddle pockets. 

Mishti

Thank you for clarification. Do you know what's the difference between A , S , S*  or any other shoes ?

####

D.seetha Rama Rao 

I will go through this and get back to you. Sorry I am not aware of this. And thank you for information.

####

Nagarjuna K

Let's hope somebody clarifies on this. Please note , Misthi has given good information.

Mishti if jockeys don't carry plate behind I will leave horse racing... Go n check it's my challenge to you... Both A N S represent those plates. It's better for your knowledge as teacher n for thunderstike as student. I am unable to post picture or else i would have 

Dear Mishti, Thank you so much for your comprehensive explanation of the shoe category, I really appreciate it and hope it will help us to make a better decision.

Wishing all the fraternity Good Luck 

VT

And ofcourse Jockeys also wear vests (mandatory safety equipment) and boots in addition to the ones that I listed in my earlier post.

I am not misguiding anyone. These are basics. I guess newbies should read the racing book carefully on how to read the racing book which is there in the first few pages or go to original vel racing website and select any race card and see the first page itself. It clearly states that "S" or "A" is the type of shoe.

Jockeys dont carry any additional weight apart from their own weight (including all gears) and Saddle weight. They wear Skivvies (lightweight, stretchable undergarments), Leggings or Racing Pants, Helmet, Helmet Covers (not mandatory), Gloves, Horse Racing Goggles, and Whip. Additionally, jockeys wear silks, which consist of colorful jackets representing the owner of the horse.

If the Jockey's weight is less than the carrying weight of a horse, then Lead weights are added to the saddle to balance the deficit weight. Lead pads or discs can be inserted into pockets within the saddle pad.

I hope this clarifies.

Class of the Race means.   

You know the horse which class is running

Example.  Class 1 etc. Or grading

Class of the horse means

Proved means won the race.

Next Official Rating.

To observe.   1. Penultimate Race.  Ex.   50

 2 Last Race.                Ex.    52

  Revised.                   Ex.   61

  This means improve

shoe of horse   represented by the official Mysore race card reads as   "RPAL RPAL AL AL", "hst hst hst hst         hlb ", "HAL HAL HAL HAL hlb ",

Please anyone can explain what is meant by hst,RPAL, hlb

Seetharama Rao

I didn't understand what you said.

#####

Kamlesh and Ishan Mehra

Thank you for your advice . I am just trying to understand for my satisfaction.

By the way I did share the post with link and it was not posted yet . Probably some protocol by Indiarace.com.

It was from Racing pulse , article by Sharan Kumar. Obviously my English below standard, so I had to copy paste the article content.

I don't go to racing centres or off course centres.

#####

Misthi 

Can you reply to Manish Mumbai

####

Manish Mumbai

Frankly speaking I have no clue. Now I am confused about the shoes and plates. What does S and A stands for in race card ?

Because as per Misthi is it is related to traction,  but you are saying that jockey is carrying the weight.

Can you please elaborate. I am not aware of these things ?

Thank you

FIRST WHAT DO YOU WANT?

IF YOU WANT MONEY TO LEARN  1. CLASS OF THE RACE.

                                                           2. CLASS OF THE HORSE.

     DO NOT THINK OTHERWISE.

Misthi it's not shoes it's plate don't misguide. 

When a horse transitions from steel horseshoes to aluminum horseshoes, several factors contribute to potential improvements in performance:

1. Weight Difference: Aluminum shoes are significantly lighter than steel shoes. Reduced weight can enhance a horse’s agility and overall speed during races. Lighter shoes reduce the strain on a horse’s legs, allowing them to move more efficiently.

2. Traction and Grip: Aluminum shoes provide better traction due to their design and material properties. Improved grip on the track helps prevent slipping, especially during turns or sprints.

3. Shock Absorption: Aluminum shoes have some flexibility, which allows them to absorb shock better than rigid steel shoes. Enhanced shock absorption reduces the impact on a horse’s joints and hooves, potentially leading to better performance.

4. Specific Racing Conditions: Aluminum shoes are commonly used for sprint races where speed and acceleration matter. Steel shoes, on the other hand, may be preferred for longer races or rough terrains due to their durability.

5. Customization: Farriers can customize aluminum shoes to fit a horse’s hoof shape precisely. Properly fitted shoes improve comfort and reduce the risk of injury.

6. Individual Horse Variability: Each horse is unique, and their response to different shoe materials varies. Some horses may perform better with aluminum shoes, while others might prefer steel.

7. Track Surface: The type of racing track matters. Aluminum shoes may perform exceptionally well on certain surfaces, such as turf or synthetic tracks.

Remember that the choice between steel and aluminum shoes depends on the specific horse, race type, and track conditions. Regular monitoring by experienced farriers ensures optimal shoe selection for each horse’s needs.

@Thunderstrike, can you site few examples where the horse is declared running with steel shoes and came with aluminium shoes in the paddock and ran the race as I have not come across such an incident. There can be change in equipment, jockey, weight, allowance, running in emergency colors, etc. but I don't recall change in shoe at the last moment. Changing shoes close to the race can cause discomfort or stress to the horse. Some horses may adapt well, while others may need more time to adjust.

Happy to learn from others as well :)

It's not necessary that plate when changed horses win. Yes plates when change it gives indication that horse is on try. And brother why you going in common aspects in big way. It's common thing n let me be very clear that in history of horse racing never in paddock plates have been changed. This is wrong information. I don't know who told you n where you learnt this.  You are moving in wrong track this with your this article I am able to understand. God Save you.... 

Thunderstirk when did you saw that steel plate changed to aluminium it have never happened it will never happen. It's against rules of horse racing world wide.... I am shocked at your such point also.... don't confuse yourself just try to improve your study as I think even KAMAL Delhi told you for your Delhi choice of horse no 8 . Please try to see card don't waste your energy on these things 

Thubderstirk first of all you please learn what us plate n shoes.  A is aluminium plate which is lighter in weight n is carried in back of jockey n S stands for steel plate which is approx 2.5 kgs heavier in weight b it's also carried by jocjey. 

So first be clear Brother are you talking about plate or shoes...