
The track today for the Belmont Stakes is sloppy. I suppose that’s better than the 100 degree heat in New York earlier in the week but the wet conditions create a different challenge: mud.
When jockeys race in the mud they wear up to nine pairs of goggles, pulling them down as they go around the track so they can see well enough to steer. As for the horses? Some of them close their eyes! Luckily for them, horses have a “third eyelid” which is transparent and protects their eyes.

It will be interesting to see how the horses handle the muddy surface and the mud in their faces. These conditions can really change the outcome of the race.
One thought on “On a sloppy track, jockeys wear up to 9 pairs of goggles”