Re: RC: Tevis vs OD

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

<< > I am thinking the only way to compare races of the same distance might
 > be by average completion rates.  If 90% of the entrants usually complete
 > one ride,  75% another and only 50% on average for a third, wouldn't the
 > first most likely be the easiest and the last one the hardest of the
 > three?  Any thoughts on this?   >>

Yep.  You also have to figure in the calibre of horses that come, the 
distance they haul to get there, and how many marbles there are in one basket 
making the race more competitive.  For instance, our pre-ride for the Bend 
Pan-Am had a much higher completion rate despite it being the same trail and 
similar conditions than the actual Pan-Am did the following year.  
Differences??  Mostly relatively local horses (at least West Coast) 
unstressed by long hauls, and no pressure to win at the pre-ride.  One has to 
look at ALL the factors that go into lower completion rates, not just the 
trail and the weather.

Heidi


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