VIDEO: How Are Horses Kept Clean On Race Day?

The ways that horsemen get their horses cleaned up before the races - and after - can vary from stable to stable, but no matter what, presentation is key. 

A clean, healthy-looking horse displays a level of care and attention to detail from their handlers that often reflects positively on racetrack performance.

Horses from the stable of trainer Roger Attfield often turn heads for how well they're turned out, and that all starts back at the barn with his staff, long before they're led up to the paddock.

During the 2022 spring meet at Keeneland, Tina Wilcox with the Attfield barn walked us through the different tips and tools she uses to get horses looking their best on race day with Ready Lady, a homebred filly for Charles Fipke. 

Some of the methods she used are common among caretakers for horses heading to the paddock, while others are unique touches for the Attfield trainees, and specifically for horses under her care.

If you've ever wondered how horses get that unique checkerboard pattern on their coat over their hindquarters, Wilcox shows us the surprisingly simple method to do it, along with other useful tips to get horses looking sharp.

Wilcox also displayed how horses are cleaned up after their race to make sure they're put away for the day comfortably.