What are the Equinics? The Equinics are a player sponsored and coordinated day of races showcasing good horses representing the entire SIM family.

Huh? What exactly are the Equinics? The Equinics consists of 16 races on the dirt and turf. Up to 20 horses may be entered, with each horse representing a managed track or a SIM entity.

When are the Equinics?Week 2216 - August 14, 2004.

Are the races Grade I?Yes.

Why?Because of feedback from the first year, and our experience with the 2002 Equinics. This is a showcase day for SIM Residencies and in order to attract the highest level of competition possible it was decided to make them all Grade I.

Isn't that being elitist?You obviously were not involved with the Equinics the last couple of times around or this thought would not enter your mind. Think of the Jamaican Bobsled Team or Eddie the Eagle at the Calgary Olympics - they were the best their country had to offer. They came, they competed, they held their head high when the competiton was over. Same thing at the last Equinics. The best some tracks had to offer in some conditions were just trying to break their maidens. I know of no track/entity that has a top 20 horse in all conditions. If they field a strong team they are still going to have 'marginal' horses in some races. Every single stable in the SIM has a shot at participating in the Equinics. All you have to do is join a residency.

Where are the races being run? This will be announced in due course - and will send a chill up and down your spine.

How do I get involved with the Equinics?Hmmm. Well, as of this writing, to the best of my knowledge, most tracks are accepting new residents. Scroll down the Tipsheets and Links page until you find one that tickles your fancy. Look for a Residency Summary page to be prepared shortly that will provide you more information.

How are the tracks picking their horses for the Equinics? From what I can see they are all doing it a little differently, but there are two main methods: elimination races and selection committees. Check with your track manager for details. Residencies are solely responsible for fielding their team.

What is the Equinics' Diary? The first two Equinics, a route map was prepared and the Equinics Torch travelled from participating tracks. Each track wrote a diary entry concerning the travels of the torch as it went from track to track. Some very nice writing.

How long does it take to put the Equinics together?Well, a very long time. Coordination with up to 20 SIM entities; email back and forth with potential sponsors; graphics and webpage stuff; running our own elimination races; I don't know..maybe 20 minutes or so...

Is there anything else I should know? I just want to re-emphasize the requirement to belong to a residency to participate in the Equinics. Other then that, if you have an unanswered question ask on the Main Board, or your Residency Board.

You can read all about this year's edition of the Equinics by following the link below.