Claiming races: every horse has a price tag
In a claiming race, every horse is entered at a set price and can be bought by a licensed owner or trainer before the race. Claiming prices group horses of similar ability so races stay competitive.
Reviewed Oct 15, 2026
Answer first
90s- 01Claims are entered before the race, and the new owner takes the horse after it.
- 02The old owner keeps any purse the horse earns in that race.
- 03Moving up or down in claiming price is a key handicapping clue.
Key numbers
Claiming races in four numbers
In short
Key takeaways
- A claiming price tells you the level of the race.
- A drop in price can mean a horse is worse or is being sold.
- Claims are final, even if the horse is hurt in the race.
- Optional claiming races mix claimers and allowance horses.
At the door
Reading claiming prices on a program
Gate pass
21+
Horse A
Same level as last race
Horse B
Dropping in price
Horse C
Moving up after a win
Horse D
Claimed last out by a new trainer
Example race at the $25,000 level.
Claiming race types
| Type | Who runs |
|---|---|
| Claiming | Horses for sale at a set price |
| Maiden claiming | Horses that have never won, for sale |
| Optional claiming | Some for sale, some not |
| Starter allowance | Horses that ran for a claiming price |
Conditions are printed in the program.
How a claim works
A licensed owner or trainer drops a claim slip in a box before the race. After the race, the horse belongs to the new owner, whatever happened in the race. If several claims are made, a draw called a shake decides.
The previous owner keeps any purse money from that race.
Price level examples
| Track type | Lower claiming | Higher claiming |
|---|---|---|
| Small track | $4,000 | $15,000 |
| Mid-size track | $8,000 | $40,000 |
| Major track | $16,000 | $100,000 |
Levels vary widely by track and purse.
Why claiming races exist
Without price tags, owners could enter strong horses in weak races and win easily. The risk of losing the horse at a low price keeps owners honest about where a horse belongs.
This keeps fields close in ability, which helps betting pools.
Sequence
Using claiming info as a bettor
Step 01
Note the price level
Today vs last race.
Step 02
Check drops
A big drop can be a warning.
Step 03
Check rises
A rise may show confidence.
Step 04
Look for new trainers
After a claim.
Step 05
Compare speed figures
Against the level.
Drops and rises
A horse dropping from $25,000 to $10,000 may be facing easier rivals, or the owner may want to sell a horse with problems. A horse moving up after being claimed may have a trainer who expects improvement.
Use these clues together with form and speed figures.
Floor rules
Claiming terms
Know before you sit
- Claiming price
- Price at which a horse can be bought.
- Shake
- Draw when several claims are made.
- Jail
- Period a claimed horse must run higher.
- Optional claiming
- Race open to claimers and non-claimers.
Claiming races and betting pools
Claiming races make up most cards at many tracks, so bettors see them daily. Fields of similar ability often produce good pools and fair prices.
Track handicappers often explain class drops in their notes.
Clues by price change
| Change | Possible meaning |
|---|---|
| Big drop | Easier rivals or a problem |
| Small drop | Seeking a winnable spot |
| Rise after claim | Trainer expects improvement |
| Same level | Steady form |
Combine with form and speed.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring class changes
- Price changes matter.
- Assuming a drop is good
- It can be a warning.
- Forgetting maiden claimers
- Weaker fields.
- Overlooking new trainers
- Can change form.
Keep reading
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01Basics
What is a claiming race?
A race where every horse can be bought for a set price before it runs. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Who can claim a horse?
Licensed owners and trainers, under state rules. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Who gets the purse?
The previous owner keeps the purse from that race. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
02Rules
What if several people claim?
A draw called a shake decides. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
What if the horse is hurt?
The claim usually stands; some states have exceptions. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
What is the jail rule?
Claimed horses must run at a higher price for a set time. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
03Betting
Is a price drop a good sign?
Not always. It can mean easier rivals or a problem. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
What is maiden claiming?
A claiming race for horses that have never won. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Where do I see claiming prices?
In the race conditions in the program. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Sources
- Equibase Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Race conditions and results
- America’s Best Racing Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Racing basics
- UNLV Center for Gaming Research Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Research library on casino games and gambling
- National Council on Problem Gambling — Help and resources Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Free, confidential help: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER