A couple of times I've had horses that, during a race, drop their speed right down for no reason at all. The horse still has potential and once I get it going again can actually still win.
I even wondered if I was accidentally catching the down key but I have been very careful since and I know that isn't the cause.

anyone else had this issue? As the game is so realistic I did wonder whether this was the horse 'blowing up' during a race due to lack of fitness or ground issues

what do people think?

I usually play with AI jockey but I do ride my 2yo's to find their best racing pattern.
I can't say I have noticed this but then again I may not ride enough to encounter it.
The times when something similar has happened to me it is when I have reined in my horse to much or hit the down key by mistake.

thanks for replying - I'm giving the topic a bump to see what else comes up

thanks again