What do clockers do during training hours?

Clockers play a crucial role in the horse racing industry by timing and recording official workouts during training hours. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the data regarding how fast a horse runs during a workout is accurately captured and documented. This information is vital for trainers, owners, and betting entities as it provides insight into a horse's performance capabilities and overall fitness level.

Having precise workout times helps in evaluating a horse’s readiness for races, guiding training decisions, and helping trainers assess progress. The information collected by clockers is often used in pre-race analysis and can influence betting strategies. Their work, therefore, directly impacts the athletes' preparation and the competitive landscape of horse racing.

In contrast, monitoring horse health records, overseeing safety compliance, and assisting with jockey replacements are responsibilities that do not specifically pertain to the timing and recording of workouts. Each of those tasks, while important, focuses on different aspects of horse racing management and operations.