Fixed Shoe in thoroughbred horse racing refers to a horse that throws (loses) its shoe, either in the paddock or during the post parade, and requires the shoe to be repaired or replaced before the race.
When a horse throws a shoe, racing officials will typically delay the start while the course farrier is called to fix the issue. This can happen when the aluminum racing shoes that horses wear are ripped off on the way to the starting gate or shift around on their feet, creating a potential safety hazard.
This term appears in race chart comments and past performances to explain any delays or issues that occurred before the race started. It’s important for handicappers to note when a horse has had shoe problems, as it may indicate pre-race stress or disruption to the horse’s normal routine, though it doesn’t necessarily impact the horse’s racing ability once the shoe is properly fixed.