A concise guide on triggering the race challenge to unlock maximum speed for your horses. Please be aware that this guide contains spoilers about specific events in the game.
Introduction
When examining your horse’s speed, you may have noticed a third bar that remains grayed out. Rockstar implemented a mechanic where your horse’s maximum speed is initially restricted until you complete a race challenge. While this concept isn’t terrible, the challenge lies in encountering these racers, as it tends to be random and elusive for most players.
Winning a single race isn’t sufficient; you must win against the same racer repeatedly. Moreover, not every racer grants maximum speed as a reward. For example, the racer in Lemoyne only offers improved bonding. Fortunately, I stumbled upon a helpful online post outlining a method that consistently spawns a specific racer, thus unlocking the third bar of horse speed.
First Encounter
This is the racer you’re seeking.
The initial encounter takes place in this location. The racer typically approaches from the south and challenges you to a race to Diablo Ridge (near the Appleseed Timber camp). The trigger for his spawning is unclear, but if he can spawn, it usually happens as you arrive in the area.
I’ve experimented with reloading and riding away, then returning to the crossroads, but it doesn’t seem to make a difference. It’s advisable to attempt this encounter as early as possible. Oddly enough, the later you progress in the game, the less likely he appears.
If he doesn’t show up, try completing a mission and returning. I did manage to spawn him after completing “A Quiet Time,” but I recommend checking as frequently as you can. Take the train to Wallace Station, ride down, and hope he’s not preoccupied elsewhere.
Last Encounter
This is the location of the subsequent encounter. You cannot go directly from the first race to this one; you have to wait for approximately one in-game week. After winning the first race, engage in other activities. I’ve had him spawn here in Chapter 3, indicating that this encounter is less time-sensitive.
This time, he challenges you to a race to Owanjila. If you’re concerned about losing, save when you spot him. However, it’s a relatively easy race if you have a decent horse. Once you emerge victorious, you’ll receive a notification indicating that your horse’s speed has improved, and that concludes the process! Slight spoiler alert: after losing, the racer shoots his horse.
There’s a brief window when he dismounts that allows you to hop on his horse and ride away to save it. If you happen to miss the window, you won’t be able to mount the horse, even if you kill the racer. The horse simply runs away. Please note that its stats aren’t remarkable; if the racer did indeed pay a high price for it, he was deceived. He appears rather gullible.
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