How much does a flat tire affect a horse in a race?

[TimTimTimbo]

Horse in NZ drags a flatty over a mile and 38ths and trots his last half in 54.3

Just metres into the Sires’ Stakes Trot Championships on Friday driver Tony Herlihy looked down and knew he was in trouble.

The tyre on the inside sulky wheel behind his exceptional trotter Bolt For Brilliance was going flat.
“I couldn’t believe, it started straight after the start and I thought, well this is about the only way he could get beat,” lamented Herlihy.

But 2000m later concern turned into joyous disbelief as Bolt For Brilliance was still able to wear down a truly talented rival in Cracker Hill, trotting his last 800m in 54.6 for one of the more remarkable trotting wins seen at The Park in recent years.
http://www.harnesslink.com/International/Remarkable-win-for-Bolt-For-Brilliance

[the master]

Amazing story but at that time it pays to have a light driver!

[TimTimTimbo]

Amazing story but at that time it pays to have a light driver!

Tony Herlihy said the inner tube wrapped around the wheel over the last half. To top 54.3 last half with an effed up wheel is quite amazing

[Fatboy]

  FAT GUYS MAKE IT WAY WORSE WHEN IT HAPPENS

[FirstUpFrom8Hole]

Fatboy is right. It makes a huge difference. Imagine pushing a wheelbarrow with a flat tire with rosie o'donnell in it.

[Fatboy]

Fatboy is right. It makes a huge difference. Imagine pushing a wheelbarrow with a flat tire with rosie o'donnell in it.

  The drag is terrible.   

[dinkadoo]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpgUgjv1-kY

this will slow one down --- forward to top of the stretch