illinois faqs

Is there a charge or commission?

CANTER is a free service offered to Northern Illinois's racing trainers and owners to help them find non-race buyers for their retiring racehorses. Furthermore, there are no fees charged to shoppers or purchasers.

What is the best way to find a horse?

Prospective buyers find a horse for sale two ways:

• By placing their name and desired horse requirements on the Horses Wanted list which is then distributed to the trainers and owners on the backside barn area of the racetrack.
• By shopping at the Horses for Sale section of the website.

What breed of horses are these?

CANTER lists only Thoroughbreds. Occasionally, there maybe a track pony horse that is listed for sale. These horses can be any breed and are exceptionally quiet and well trained as they are used to bring the racehorses to post on race day. It will be specifically stated that the horse is a pony horse.

Do these horses have their registration papers?

Any horse currently racing will have its Jockey Club registration papers. Many owners and trainers will not surrender the papers as part of the sale in an attempt to prevent the horse from racing again at some point. Some will surrender the papers but write something like “Not for racing”on them. If the person you are purchasing the horse from does not want to give up the papers, ask if you could have a Xerox copy. You’ll still have all the information you need to track the horse’s pedigree and past racing history, if you are interested in that. If you need the original papers in order to register a horse’s offspring in a sport horse-type registry, negotiate this with the owner or trainer upfront. There is a method an owner can use to prevent a horse from being raced again without retaining the Jockey Club papers, but it requires some effort on the part of the owner, so consider that part of your negotiation.

Will the trainers take a check?

Usually not and it is not because they do not trust you! Racing trainers are very nomadic and move from race meet to race meet and most times do not have a local bank account and would be unable to cash your check. For this reason, many of them insist on cash.

Is an Ex-Racehorse best for me?

Good question! These horses are NOT for beginners! Although extremely intelligent and quite worldly in their life experiences, as far as riding skills, they have only been taught to gallop at 38 miles an hour, steering is not well engrained, and "whoa" literally means stop in a half a mile as quick stops on the racetrack could mean injury. They need professional retraining or an experienced horse person to teach them new skills. Please visit the Ex-Racehorse Resources section of the website for more information on this topic.

Does CANTER vouch for the soundness and health of the horses for sale through the program?

CANTER is a free service, much like a newspaper online, to help Illinois's racing trainers and owners find buyers for their retiring horses. CANTER DOES NOT OFFER ANY GUARANTEE ON THE PHYSICAL CONDITION OR BEHAVIOR OF ANY HORSE AT ANY TIME. Buyer and seller carry full responsibility for the sale, transportation, care, and soundness of any horse. All statements made on the website with reference to any horse listed are the descriptions of the trainers/owners of their horses and are not verified by CANTER. As with any horse sale, CANTER recommends a veterinary pre-purchase examination.

Where are the horses located?

Until the end of April, horses will be located on the backside of Sportsman's Park. From May 1 on, horses will be located on the backside of Arlington Park. Horses may also be stabled at various farms/stables in Northern Illinois.

What do they sell for?

The asking prices of the horses are listed on the website. Unless stated the prices are firm, most prices are negotiable. Strictly as a general rule, the price of the horse is determined by 3 factors: Soundness, height and trainer's need to sell. You are not likely to find a 16.2 hand horse that will vet out for jumping for $800 although this is not impossible. The highest number of horses sell in the $1500 to $3000 range with everything above and below that.

How do I get to see a horse?

If your name is on the Horses Wanted list and a trainer calls you with a horse for you to see, you make a definite date and appointment time to see the horse. Likewise, if you find a horse on the Horses For Sale list and you contact the listing party, you also make a definite date and appointment to see the horse. Please be ON TIME and call if you must cancel. These trainers are at work and are taking time out of their work day to meet with you.

Do I contact CANTER if I want to see a horse?

No. You always contact the person who has the horse listed for sale. For questions relating to the operation of the program, feel free to email CANTER.

Does CANTER have any volunteers that will help me at the track?

Yes. CANTER does have a limited number of volunteers that will act as free guides to serious buyers. These volunteers do NOT offer advice on purchase or physical condition of any horse but are there to assist you in finding the barns you need and helping you with the logistics of your trip and understanding race track backside etiquette. Email CANTER to request a guide and check availability.

Do I bring my trainer or experienced horse person with me?

Wonderful idea! You will need this person's expertise in evaluating the horse while the horse is led out of its stall, trotted up and down the lane, stood for close inspection, etc.

What are the best days to go to the track?

Saturdays, Sundays and holidays are great days to go to the track and usually work out best for prospective buyers too. Horses are trained 7 days a week but some trainers take a day off during the week. Make your plans accordingly.

What is the best time to go to the track?

The best time to schedule appointments to meet with the trainers on the track is from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Most trainers are on the grounds during this time. By late morning into early afternoon, the horses are resting and the trainers have left the grounds. It is best not to schedule appointments in late afternoon or evening during live racing as the trainers are intent on preparing their horses to race.

Can I ride the horse at the track?

You will probably NOT be allowed to ride the horse at the track but this is dependent on the trainer. Some will never allow it because of liability concerns. Others might encourage it to sell the horse. Remember though that these are racehorses and whoa to them means stopping in a half a mile! CANTER recommends that you do not attempt to ride any horse at the track.

Can I have a pre-purchase exam done?

Yes, please bring your own veterinarian or you may use one of the track vets.

How do I remove a horse that I have purchased?

Trailering a horse from a farm or the track is the buyer's responsibility. You will make your best deal if you let the trainer know that your trailer is ready and waiting in the parking lot to bring your new horse home that day. Occasionally, racing trainers might know of someone on the track that would trailer a horse for you for a fee but do not rely on the trainers to find your trailer ride.

Are there any hotels in the area? I am driving a long distance which will make it difficult to be there in the early morning.

People driving a long distance might find it easier to drive in the day before and spend one night at a nearby motel/hotel. This will allow you a full morning at the track. Motels and hotels in Northern Illinois can be found at Big Yellow.