Cowboy Bob's Questions and Answers – page 160 – How fast can a thoroughbred run?

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QUESTION:

How fast can a thoroughbred run?

– L. J. P.

ANSWER:

That’s a mighty interesting question! I suppose the safest answer is, “as fast as he cares to run”! Seriously, I’m a bit reluctant to give a firm number, because as soon as I do someone will come up with a faster speed. Back around the 1930s, some scientist determined that it was physically impossible for a human to jump higher than his own height. It wasn’t long, however, before his theory was smashed. Also, the speed of a horse depends on many variables: distance traveled, weight carried, terrain, weather, etc. The biggest variable, of course, is the horse’s willingness to run.

Having said all that, I’ll just point out that the record for a thoroughbred on a one-mile track works out to about 39 MPH. During a race, some Thoroughbreds have been momentarily clocked at speeds higher than 50 MPH.

Now just watch — next week some smart-alek thoroughbred will hit 40 MPH!

I hope this gives you what you need!

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