Mare (horseracing)

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In thoroughbred horse-racing, a mare is defined as a female horse more than four years old; in harness racing a mare is a female horse more than three years old. The male equivalent to a mare is called simply a horse, although in harness racing the term aged horse is also used. A younger female horse is called a filly.

Female horses are notoriously poor in their four year old season, and as a result big owners will not take the risk of racing them, using them for breeding instead. However there are exceptions and some mares prove to be excellent racehorses.