Racehorses Gut fill is a prime concern when feeding the racehorse. More rapid replenishment of muscle glycogen stores can be beneficial to performance during stadium jumping the following day. Forage intake should be high because of the associated increase in size of the water and electrolyte reservoir in the hindgut. However, as with other disciplines, large hay meals should not be fed within four hours of the start of a ride. Similarly, grain meals should be fed four to six hours before competition.
Many top competitors feed a beet pulp or bran-based slurry at reststops.
P. The effects of timing and amount of forage and grain on exercise response in Thoroughbred horses.