Change in DRF past performance layoff lines

Beginning with the Friday, Aug. 9, edition of Daily Racing Form, the layoff line in past performances will reflect an absence from the races of 60 days or more, rather than the previous 45 days.

A change in training methods over the last several decades, since the layoff line was first introduced in past performances, has necessitated the adjustment. It used to be that the vast majority of Thoroughbreds would, barring injury or planned freshening, race every three to four weeks. Now, even non-stakes horses have much more carefully managed campaigns, so a layoff of 45 days is not uncommon for a horse who is perfectly fit to run. Stakes horses who are sound and in training may still have layoffs of 60 days or more, but a careful perusal of the workout line would indicate whether the horse in question was sidelined or being more carefully prepped for its next engagement.