Glossary of North American horse racing

{{Short description|none}} The following is a '''glossary of North American horse racing'''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://hollywoodpark.com/beginners-corner-glossary |title=Hollywood Park - Beginners Corner glossary |access-date=2012-01-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107060355/http://hollywoodpark.com/beginners-corner-glossary |archive-date=2012-01-07 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Additional glossaries at: *Glossary of Australian and New Zealand punting *Glossary of equestrian terms *Parimutuel betting#Parimutuel bet types

==A== {{glossary}}

{{term|term= Advance-deposit wagering}} {{defn|defn= Advance-deposit wagering (ADW) is a form of horse race gambling in which the bettor must fund their account before being allowed to place bets. ADW is often conducted online or by phone.<ref>{{cite web|title=Report of Impact of Account Wagering Providers| url=http://www.gaming.ny.gov/pdf/09191215442609.14.12.adwreport.pdf|access-date=31 August 2014}}</ref>}}

{{term|term= Allowance race}} {{defn|defn= A race for which entries are restricted to horses meeting certain earnings or other race criteria.<ref name=Lyons6>Price, et al. ''Lyons Press Horseman's Dictionary'' p. 6</ref> The track operator's designated official (usually the Racing Secretary) establishes specific conditions that determine what weights are to be carried by any competing horse based on factors from the horse's previous performances including races won and/or earnings.<ref name="equibase defs"/> }}

{{term|term= Allowances}} {{defn|defn= Adjustments in weight "allowed" in a race. Examples include those granted because an apprentice is riding, for three-year-olds running against older horses, or for female horses running against male horses.<ref name="equibase defs" />}}

{{term|term= Also eligible}} {{defn|defn=A horse officially entered in a race, but because the field is too large, the horse is not allowed to start unless other horses are scratched prior to a set deadline.<ref name="DRF terms" />}}

{{term|term= Apprentice}} {{defn|defn= A young jockey, sometimes called a "bug," who is still in training. An apprentice is required to ride a given number of winners in a specified period of time before completing their apprenticeship.<ref name="Hersh25Sept">{{cite web|last1=Hersh|first1=Marcus|title=Growing pains: The journey of an apprentice jockey|url=http://www.drf.com/news/growing-pains-journey-apprentice-jockey|website=Daily Racing Form|access-date=20 May 2016|date=September 25, 2013}}</ref> }}

==B== {{glossary}} {{term|term= Backside}} {{defn|defn=Also sometimes called the backstretch (see "backstretch", ''below''), an area with restricted access, usually behind the track, where the stables and residential living areas for staff are located.<ref name=Kiesler>{{cite journal|last1=Kiesler|first1=Joseph|last2=Vaughn|first2=Lisa M.|last3=Kaur|first3=Gupreet|title="Voicing" the Social Determinants of Health on the Backside of a Horse Racetrack|journal=Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved|date=2013|volume=24|issue=3|pages=1074–1088|doi=10.1353/hpu.2013.0153|pmid=23974382|s2cid=45579062}}</ref>}}

{{term|term= Backstretch}} {{defn|defn= The straightway on the farther side of an elliptical or oval racecourse. It typically runs parallel to the grandstand and the homestretch where the finish line is located.<ref name="Price 14">{{cite book|last=Price|title=Backstretch|year=2003|page=14|publisher=Globe Pequot Press|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xEZL0A5FZLwC&q=backstretch%20terms%20horse&pg=PA14|isbn=9781592280988}}{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Also refers to the stabling area adjacent to the racetrack (see "backside", ''above'').<ref name="DRF terms" />}}

{{term|Bearing In (or out)}} {{defn|defn= When a horse does not run straight on the course. There are many causes, including fatigue, infirmity, reaction to being whipped, or the rider's inability to control the horse.<ref name="DRF terms" />}}

{{term|term=Black type}} {{defn|defn=In a sales catalogue, black type is boldface print and indicates a stakes winner if the name is in all caps, or a stakes-placed runner if in upper and lower mixed case letters.<ref name="WA Thoroughbred"/>}}

{{term|term=Blanket finish}} {{defn|defn= A finish "so close that a blanket would cover all the contestants involved."<ref name="Dict.com">{{cite web|last=Staff|publisher=Dictionary.com|title=Blanket finish|url=http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/blanket+finish|access-date=12 June 2013}}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Bleeder, bled}} {{defn|defn=A horse that bleeds from the nostrils either during the running of a race, or when returning to be unsaddled. May be due to Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). May explain a poor effort.<ref name="equibase defs" /> ''See also'': Furosemide (Lasix).}}

{{term|term=Blinkers}} {{defn|defn=A hood designed with partial cups behind the horse's eyes that limit a horse's rear and side vision to varying degrees, depending on design. Blinkers may prevent a horse from swerving away from objects or other horses.<ref name="equibase defs" />}}

{{term|term=Bloodstock agent}} {{defn|defn= People who specialize in buying and selling horses on behalf of clients and offer advice on purchasing horses.<ref name=nusser>{{cite book|last=Nusser|first=Susan|title=Kentucky Derby Dreams: The Making of Thoroughbred Champions|year=2012|publisher=Macmillan|location=New York|isbn=9780312569907|page=250|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JZhpNxMluRgC&q=%22bloodstock%20agent%22%20glossary&pg=PA250}}</ref>''See also'': Pinhooking}}

{{anchor|Blue hen}} {{term|term=Blue hen}} {{defn|defn= A mare who produces many high quality offspring who also have a significant impact on the breed.<ref name="WA Thoroughbred">{{cite web|last=Staff|title=Thoroughbred Terminology|url=http://www.washingtonthoroughbred.com/magazine/Terms.htm|publisher=Washington Thoroughbred Breeders Association|access-date=2013-08-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319193832/http://www.washingtonthoroughbred.com/magazine/Terms.htm|archive-date=2012-03-19|url-status=dead}}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Book}} {{defn|defn=1) The list of mares that a stallion will breed in a given breeding season. A full book is when the maximum number of mares the stallion is deemed able to breed has been reached. 2) A jockey's riding commitments for races. An agent usually is the person who manages and books the races a jockey is to ride.<ref name="equibase defs" />}}

{{term|term=Bounce}} {{defn|defn=A horse that runs a poor race directly following a career-best or near-best performance.<ref name="equibase defs" />}}

{{term|term=Boxed in}} {{defn|A horse that is surrounded on all sides by either other horses or the track's rail, and cannot move to a more favorable position.<ref name=MRGlossary>{{cite web | title=Standardbred Horse Racing Glossary | website=Meadows Racing | date=2025-05-02 | url=https://meadowsharnessracing.com/standardbred-horse-racing-glossary/ | ref={{sfnref|Meadows Racing|2025}} | access-date=2025-10-13}}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Break or broke}} {{defn|defn= To leave the starting gate in the initial strides of a race.<ref>{{cite book|last=Price|title=Broke|year=2003|page=24|publisher=Globe Pequot Press|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xEZL0A5FZLwC&q=backstretch%20terms%20horse&pg=PA24|isbn=9781592280988}}{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Break maiden}} {{defn|defn= When a horse wins a race for the first time in its career.<ref name="DRF terms" />}}

{{term|term=Breather}} {{defn|defn=Deliberately restraining or easing off a horse for a short distance, allowing the horse to conserve or renew the horse's stamina or strength.<ref name="DRF terms" />}}

{{term|term=Breeze}} {{defn|defn=1. To win easily.<ref>{{cite book|last=Ammer|first=Christine|title=The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms, Second Edition|year=2013|publisher=Houghton Mifflin Harcourt|location=New York|isbn=978-0547676586|page=57|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9QuEiIMaBt0C&q=horse%20racing%20terms%20breeze&pg=PA57}}</ref> 2. A timed workout where the horse is not being asked for full speed; less effort than handily;<ref name="DRF terms" /> or can refer to a light training workout over a short distance that is used to gauge a horse's racing potential and performance.<ref name="Price 26">{{cite book|last=Price|title=Breeze|year=2003|page=26|publisher=Globe Pequot Press|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xEZL0A5FZLwC&pg=PA26|isbn=9781592280988}}{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Broke down}} {{defn|defn= A horse that has a serious physical problem during a race, usually limping or unable to put a limb on the ground, resulting in either being removed from the track in a horse ambulance or, in the worst cases, euthanized.<ref name="equibase comments">{{cite web|url=http://www.equibase.com/products/cc-comments.cfm |title=Guide to Race Comments|publisher=Equibase.com|access-date=2014-01-10}}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Bullet or bullet work}} {{defn|defn=The best workout time at a track on a given day at a specific distance. The past performance listings indicate this work by a printer's "bullet" in front of that particular workout time.<ref name="equibase defs"/>}}

==C== {{glossary}}

{{term|term=Chalk}} {{defn|The horse who runs a particular race at the best win odds; the favorite. A bettor who routinely places wagers on favorites is called a "Chalk Player."<ref name="equibase defs"/> The horse with the second—-lowest win odds is sometimes called "Second Chalk" and so on. If all the races run so far have been won by horses with relatively low win odds, then today's results so far are called "Chalky."{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}}}

{{term|term=Champion}} {{defn|Formally, and especially when capitalized, a Champion is a racehorse who has won an Eclipse Award in America, or an equivalent award in other racing jurisdictions.<ref name="equibase defs"/> Informally, the term may be used for the winner of a major race.<ref name="DRF terms" />}}

{{term|term=Chart}} {{defn|A detailed list of statistics about a race. The chart lists the position of each horse at various points of the race, the margin between horses, plus the odds for the race, and each horse's sex, age, weight carried, owner, and trainer. The chart also describes the purse, race conditions, payouts for various winning bets, times and other data.<ref name="DRF terms" />}}

{{term|term=Chute}} {{defn|defn= An extension to a straightaway on either the homestretch or the backstretch used for establishing a distance to eliminate the need to begin the race on a turn.<ref name="equibase defs"/>}}

{{term|term=Circle the field}} {{defn|defn= When a horse is forced to go very wide around other horses in order to move into a winning position.<ref>{{cite web|title=Quotes from the $100,000 Sycamore (G3) {{!}} Keeneland Thoroughbred Racing and Sales|url=https://www.keeneland.com/racing/quotes-100000-sycamore-g3-3|website=www.keeneland.com|access-date=10 August 2017|archive-date=10 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810211900/https://www.keeneland.com/racing/quotes-100000-sycamore-g3-3|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Haskin|first1=Steve|title=The Greatest Performance No One Has Seen|url=http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/05/24/the-greatest-performance-no-one-ever-saw.aspx|website=Blood Horse|access-date=10 August 2017|date=24 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Gurnick|first1=Ken|title=HORSE RACING; General Challenge Circles Field to Win at Santa Anita|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/05/sports/horse-racing-general-challenge-circles-field-to-win-at-santa-anita.html|website=The New York Times|access-date=10 August 2017|date=5 March 2000}}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Claiming race}} {{defn|defn= Race in which any competing horse is subject to be purchased for a preset price. A claim is made before the race and can only be acted upon by a licensed owner or their agent.<ref name="equibase defs"/> The price is set by the conditions of the race. If the horse wins prize money during the race, the money goes to the previous owner.<ref name=Lyons44>Price, et al. ''Lyons Press Horseman's Dictionary'' p. 44</ref> Prior to 1925 they were called Selling races.<ref>{{cite web |title=Belmont Park |url=https://drf.uky.edu/catalog/1920s/drf1924061101/drf1924061101_1_8 |website=Daily Racing Form |access-date=7 April 2025}}</ref> }}

{{term|term=Closer}} {{defn|defn= A horse that performs best during the final part of the race, usually coming from behind against most of its race competitors.<ref name="equibase defs"/>}}

{{term|term=Clubhouse turn}} {{defn|defn=The turn to the right of the grandstand, so called because the clubhouse is usually to the right of the general stands<ref name="OaklawnTerms">{{cite web|title=Racing Terms|url=http://www.oaklawn.com/racing-101/racing-terms/|website=www.oaklawn.com|access-date=2 July 2016|archive-date=15 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815130627/http://www.oaklawn.com/racing-101/racing-terms/|url-status=dead}}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Conditions}} {{defn|defn=Conditions are requirements for horses to be entered into a specific race, such as age, sex, number of wins, and amount of money won. Racetracks publish a Conditions Book listing the upcoming stakes that set the eligibility requirements and any restrictions for each race.<ref>[https://www.dummies.com/sports/examining-different-levels-of-competition-at-the-racetrack/ ''dummies.com'' Examining Different Levels of Competition at the Racetrack] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921053136/https://www.dummies.com/sports/examining-different-levels-of-competition-at-the-racetrack/ |date=September 21, 2016}}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Connections}} {{defn|defn= The owner and trainer of a horse. The term can also be extended to other members of a racing team or partnership.<ref name="equibase defs"/>}}

{{term|term=Coupled}} {{defn|defn=The trainer or owner is entering more than one horse in a race with the purpose of having one betting entry to protect those betting on the other horse<ref name="Coupling">{{cite web|url=https://blinkersonracing.wordpress.com/2016/09/20/the-coupling-of-horses-as-a-betting-entry/ |title=The Coupling of Horses as a Betting Entry |work=Blinkers on racing |date=20 September 2016 |accessdate=14 April 2021}}</ref>}} {{glossary end}}

==D== {{glossary}} {{term|term=Dead heat}} {{defn|defn= Term to denote a tie at the finish of the race between two or more horses.<ref name="equibase defs"/> A tie with three horses is very rare.<ref>{{cite web|title=Triple dead heat took place at Aqueduct Racetrack in 1944|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more-sports/triple-dead-heat-place-aqueduct-racetrack-1944-article-1.2247161|website=NY Daily News|date=9 June 2015 |access-date=18 June 2016}}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Derby}} {{defn|defn= A stakes race for three-year-old racehorses.<ref name="equibase defs"/> In 2016, there were over 20 derbies in the United States, often named for the racetrack or the state in which the race is run.<ref>{{cite web|title=Graded Stakes in the United States|url=https://www.toba.org/graded-stakes/races.aspx|website=www.toba.org|access-date=19 June 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130415231623/http://www.toba.org/graded-stakes/races.aspx|archive-date=15 April 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Did not finish (DNF)}} {{defn|defn= A horse that did not finish the race, for any of a number of reasons}}

{{term|term=Distance}} {{defn|defn=A recorded margin of difference between the winning horse and a competitor so great that the actual length wasn't measured.<ref>{{cite web | title=Jargon Buster | website=Great British Racing | date=9 October 2020 | url=https://www.greatbritishracing.com/guide-to-racing/jargon-buster/ | ref={{sfnref|Great British Racing|2020}} | access-date=9 April 2026|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260207023238/www.greatbritishracing.com/guide-to-racing/jargon-buster/|archive-date=7 February 2026}}</ref>}}

==E== thumb|Horses going past the eighth pole at Santa Anita Park {{glossary}} {{term|term=Eased}} {{defn|defn=Another term for Pulled Up. When a jockey deliberately slows down a horse during a race, often to prevent injury or harm to the horse.<ref name="DRF terms" />}}

{{term|term=Eighth pole}} {{defn|defn=A pole to signal that the finish line is one-eighth of a mile away.<ref name="DRF terms" /> Eighth poles are green and white striped<ref name="WA Thoroughbred"/>}}

==F== {{glossary}} {{term|term=Far turn}} {{defn|defn=The turn off the backstretch into the homestretch.<ref name="OaklawnTerms" /> So called because it is farthest from the finish line.}}

{{term|term=Fast pace}} {{defn|defn=When the leading horses in a race set fractional times that are substantially faster than normal for the distance.<ref name="equibase defs" />}}

{{term|term=Frontrunner, pacesetter}} {{defn|defn= A horse that has a preferred running style to run at or near the front of the field;<ref name="equibase defs"/> such horses generally lead or try to lead.<ref name="DRF terms" /> ''Compare:'' stalker, closer. ''See also'': Pacemaker, rabbit}}

{{term|term=Furlong}} {{defn|defn= A distance equal to 220 yards ({{convert|1/8|mi|m|disp=x| or }})<ref name="Boardman 100">{{cite book|last=Boardman|first= Samuel Lane|title=Handbook of the turf|year=1910|publisher=Orange Judd Co|location=New York|page=100|hdl= 2027/pst.000000275439?urlappend=%3Bseq=104|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/pst.000000275439?urlappend=%3Bseq=104}}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Furosemide}} {{defn|defn=Generic name of a medication used to treat exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). Most common trade name is Lasix. (''see'' bleeder).<ref name="DRF terms" /> Indicated on past performance tables by the letter L.<ref name="DRF-PPs">{{cite web|title=Daily Racing Form: How To Use DRF - Past Performances|url=http://www1.drf.com/help/help_drf_pp.html|website=www1.drf.com|access-date=2 July 2016}}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Futurity}} {{defn|defn= A race for two-year-old horses for which they have been nominated for entry while still a foal; the owners make payments over time to maintain the horse's eligibility. Purses are usually large<ref name="equibase defs">{{cite web|last=Staff|title=Industry Glossary|url=http://www.equibase.com/newfan/glossary-full.cfm|publisher=Equibase company|access-date=2013-08-27}}</ref>}}

==G== {{glossary}} {{term|term=Graded stakes race}} {{defn|defn= A classification system begun in 1973 to rank stakes races in North America, similar to the Group races of Europe. Roman numerals (I, II, or III) are used to designate the race classification.}}

==H== {{glossary}}

{{term|term=Half-brother, half-sister}} {{defn|defn=Horses who are out of the same dam, but sired by different stallions. Only horses with the same dam are considered half-siblings.<ref name="equibase defs" />}}

{{term|term=Handicap}} {{defn|defn= 1. A race designed to create equality by the horses being assigned different, specific weights determined by the track handicapper based on an assessment of each entrant's potential.<ref name="Equibase codes">{{cite web|title=Codes and Definitions|url=http://www.equibase.com/newfan/codes.cfm|website=Equibase.com|access-date=23 January 2015}}</ref> 2. The process of selecting winners based on past performances.<ref name="equibase defs"/> 3. The amount of weight, sometimes called an impost, carried by the horse.}}

{{term|term=Handily}} {{defn|defn=Working or racing with moderate effort, more than a breeze.<ref name="DRF terms" />}}

{{term|term=Hand ride}} {{defn|defn= When the jockey urges a horse just with their hands and does not use the whip.<ref name="DRF terms" />}}

{{term|term=Handle}} {{defn|defn=The amount wagered in the various pari-mutuel pools for either a specified race, program (ie, all races at a given track on a given day), meeting or year.<ref name="DRF terms" />}}

{{term|term=Head of the stretch, top of the stretch}} {{defn|defn= The beginning of the homestretch.<ref name="equibase defs"/>}}

{{term|term=Hit the board}} {{defn|defn=To finish in the top four placings, literally, to appear on the tote board.<ref name="Staff">{{cite web|last=Staff|title=Horse Racing glossary G-P|url=http://www.ildado.com/horse_racing_glossary02.html|publisher=ildado.com|access-date=20 December 2013}}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Homestretch or stretch}} {{defn|defn= The final straight section of the track leading to the finish line.<ref name="equibase defs"/>}}

==I== {{glossary}} {{term|term=In the money}} {{defn|defn=1. For a horse to finish in the top three placings, where bettors win money. 2. Less often, for the horse to finish in the top four, where the horses win prize money.<ref name="Staff"/>}}

{{term|term=Inquiry}} {{defn|defn=1) When track stewards review the race to determine if there was an infraction of the rules. 2) When the "inquiry" sign is placed on the tote board. Inquiries lodged by a jockey are called objections.<ref name="equibase defs" />}}

==J== {{glossary}} {{term|term=Juvenile}} {{defn|defn= Two-year-old horses. Also refers to certain races for two-year-olds.<ref name="equibase defs"/>}}

==L== {{glossary}} {{term|term=Lasix}} {{defn|defn= See Furosemide, above.}}

{{term|term=Length}} {{defn|defn= Used to describe the distance between horses during a race and at the finish line. One length is approximately {{convert|8|ft|m|disp=x| or }} and represents the length of one horse.<ref name="crickmore 26">{{cite book|last=Crickmore|first=H.G.|title=Dictionary or glossary of racing terms and slang.|year=1880|publisher=Rogers and Sherwood|location=New York|page=26|hdl=2027/loc.ark:/13960/t8kd2qc6p?urlappend=%3Bseq=32|url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/loc.ark:/13960/t8kd2qc6p?urlappend=%3Bseq=32}}</ref>}}

==M== {{glossary}} {{term|term=Maiden race}} {{defn|defn= Specific race for horses that have never won a race, usually by age, but not always.<ref name="DRF terms" />}}

{{term|term=Margin}} {{defn|defn=The distance between horses at a given point in the race, usually measured in lengths (see above). For the leader, it is the distance ahead of the second place horse. For other horses, it is the distance by which they trailed the leader. Shown in past performance charts as the small number after the horse's position at a given call.<ref name="DRF-PPs" />}}

{{term|term=Minus pool}} {{defn|defn=When there is not enough money left in the parimutuel pool to pay the legally required minimum on each winning bet. This usually happens when one horse is very heavily bet upon. In these cases, the racing association usually is the entity that makes up the difference.<ref name="equibase defs" />}}

{{term|term=Morning line}} {{defn|defn= The approximate odds before wagering begins and exact odds are established.<ref name="DRF terms">{{cite web|last=Staff|title=Help: Glossary of Horse Racing Terms|url=http://www1.drf.com/help/help_glossary.html|publisher=Daily Racing Form|access-date=13 June 2013}}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Mudder}} {{defn|defn= A racehorse that runs well on a muddy racetrack.<ref name="DRF terms">{{cite web|last=Staff|title=Help: Glossary of Horse Racing Terms|url=http://www1.drf.com/help/help_glossary.html|publisher=Daily Racing Form|access-date=13 June 2013}}</ref>}}

==N== {{glossary}} {{term|term=Never fired}} {{defn|defn= A horse that loses a race after running the entire distance in virtually the same position without igniting a sudden burst of energy to challenge other horses in front.}} {{term|term=New shooter}} {{defn|defn= A horse which skipped the Kentucky Derby to run in the Preakness Stakes<ref name="DRF shooter">{{cite web|url=http://www.drf.com/news/new-shooters-preakness-have-strength-numbers|title=New shooters in Preakness have strength in numbers|last=Hersh|first=Marcus|work=Daily Racing Form|date=May 12, 2014|access-date=June 11, 2014}}</ref> or Belmont Stakes.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/coburn-s-reaction-simply-sour-grapes|title=Coburn's reaction simply sour grapes|last=Carp|first=Steve|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|date=June 7, 2014|access-date=June 11, 2014}}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Nom de course}} {{defn|defn= A name, usually a pseudonym, used by a racehorse owner under which their horse is registered to compete.<ref name="DRF terms" /> }}

{{term|term=Nose}} {{defn|defn= The shortest margin of victory in a race, any length shorter than a horse's nose.<ref name="DRF terms" />}}

==O== {{glossary}} {{term|term=Oaks}} {{defn|defn= A stakes race for three-year-old fillies.<ref name="equibase defs"/>}}

{{term|term=Odds-on}} {{defn|defn=Odds of less than even money ($1 to $1). A winning bet returns the amount wagered plus the ratio specified by the odds. A winner at a payoff of under $4.00 for a $2 bet is "odds on."<ref name="OaklawnTerms" />}}

{{term|term=Optional claiming}} {{defn|defn= A race where a horse can either meet the conditions of the race or be entered as a claimer.<ref name=BrisnetClassifications>{{cite web|title=Race Classifications|url=http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/static.cgi?page=rclass|website=Brisnet.com|access-date=23 January 2015}}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Out of the money}} {{defn|For a horse to finish worse than third, meaning that bettors do not win money.<ref name="Staff"/> Opposite of "in the money".}} {{glossary end}}

==P== [[File:Finish post.jpg|thumb|The finish post at Belmont Park]] {{glossary}} {{term|term=Pace}} {{defn|defn= The speed of a race. To run a horse "off the pace" means that the horse will not be in the lead for the early part of the race but will advance to the front shortly before the finish of the race.<ref name=stevens>{{cite book|last=Stevens|first=Gary|title=The Perfect Ride|year=2002|publisher=Citadel Press Books|location=New York|isbn=0806523611|page=219|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SYcw6P6o39YC&q=%22rate%22%20off%20pace%20glossary&pg=PA219}}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Pacemaker, Rabbit}} {{defn|defn= A horse with early speed sent to the front early in a race to set a fast pace, often to tire out other horses and help a stablemate who runs off the pace win by closing at the end. In contrast, a frontrunner is trying to win the race. ''Compare'': closer, stalker.<ref name="equibase defs"/><ref>{{cite web|last1=McGrath|first1=J A|title=Pacemakers under scrutiny|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/horseracing/3013846/Pacemakers-under-scrutiny.html|website=Telegraph.co.uk|date=30 September 2001 |access-date=19 June 2016}}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Paddock}} {{defn|defn= Saddling and parading area where horses can be seen prior to the race.<ref name="equibase defs"/> ''See also'': paddock for agricultural uses.}}

{{term|term=Past performances}} {{defn|defn= A list of the horses in a race showing each horse's previous racing record, earnings, pedigree and so on.<ref name="equibase defs" />}}

{{term|term=Phenylbutazone}} {{defn|defn=Generic term for a widely used analgesic medication in horses. Most common trade name is Butazolidin; often called "bute".<ref name="DRF terms" /> Shown on past performance tables as a B.<ref name="DRF-PPs"/>}}

{{term|term=Photo finish}} {{defn|defn= A race result so close that the judges cannot decide the order of finish until they consult photographs taken of the race finish.<ref name="DRF terms" />}}

{{term|term=Pinhook, pinhooking}} {{defn|defn= Buying young race horses, usually yearlings, with an intent to resell later at a profit.<ref name="OxfordPinhook">{{cite web|title=pinhooking - definition of pinhooking in English {{!}} Oxford Dictionaries|url=https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/pinhooking|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409201627/https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/pinhooking|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 9, 2017|website=Oxford Dictionaries|access-date=9 April 2017}}</ref>''See also'': Bloodstock agent}}

{{term|term=Place}} {{defn|defn=To finish second.<ref name="equibase defs" /> Broadly speaking, to finish in the top three (''see also'' In the money).<ref name="DRF terms" />}}

{{term|term=Place bet}} {{defn|defn=A wager on a horse to finish first or second.<ref name="equibase defs" />}}

{{term|term=Pole}} {{defn|defn=Markers placed at specific locations around the track marking the distance from the finish line, named after the distance remaining, not the distance run, i.e. the quarter pole, eighth pole, sixteenth pole each measure the distance left in the race.<ref name="DRF terms" /> One-sixteenth poles are black and white striped. Eighth poles are green and white. Quarter poles are red and white.<ref name="WA Thoroughbred"/>}}

{{term|term=Post}} {{defn|defn= 1. The starting point of a race 2. Post position (see below) 3. (verb) To reference or record a win.<ref name="equibase defs"/>}}

{{term|term=Post parade}} {{defn|defn=When the horses in a race travel from the paddock to the starting gate ("post"), past the grandstands.<ref name="WA Thoroughbred"/>}}

{{term|term=Post position}}{{anchor|Post position}} {{defn|defn= The number of the individual stalls in the starting gate where horses will begin a race.<ref name="DRF terms" /> The first stall (#1 or inside position) is next to the rail at most racetracks with higher numbers on the outside of the track. Post position can be a hindrance or tactical advantage for horses depending on their racing style.<ref name=Durso>{{cite news|last=Durso|first=Joseph|title=Horse racing: Fly So Free Gets Post 1; It's Not the Favorite Spot|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/03/sports/horse-racing-fly-so-free-gets-post-1-it-s-not-the-favorite-spot.html|access-date=July 4, 2013|newspaper=New York Times|date=May 3, 1991}}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Post time}} {{defn|defn= The specified time of day a horse race will start.}}

{{term|term=Prep}} {{defn|defn=A workout or race that is used to prepare for a future engagement.<ref name="DRF terms" />}}

{{term|term=Pull up}} {{defn|defn= To pull back on the reins to slowly stop a horse. Jockeys will typically ease a horse to a stop after passing the finish line or if there is a problem with the horse, such as injury, that necessitates a withdrawal from a race.<ref name="hammond 166">{{cite book|last=Hammond|first=Gerald|title=The Language of Horse Racing|year=2000|publisher=Fitzroy Dearborn|location=Chicago|isbn=1579582761|page=166|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CJ4zH2P_6mMC&q=%22pull%20up%22%20horseracing&pg=PA166}}</ref>}}

==Q== {{glossary}} {{term|term=Quarter pole}} {{defn|defn= A pole to signal that the finish line is one-quarter of a mile away.<ref name="DRF terms" /> Quarter poles are red and white striped.<ref name="WA Thoroughbred"/>}}

==R== [[File:Generic racetrack diagram.png|thumb|upright=1.2|Generic left-handed racetrack diagram: A = finish line, B = grandstand, C/black = chute, Yellow = homestretch, Red = Clubhouse turn, Blue = backstretch, Green = Far turn, gray inside line = rail and the white center is the infield. Black dots note standard locations of the poles that measure distance to the finish.]] {{glossary}}

{{term|term=Racecard}} {{defn|defn=A program for a race day that lists the individual races and the name, age, and sex of each horse scheduled to compete along with their recent performances plus the name of their jockey, trainer and owner.<ref name="DRF terms"/>}}

{{term|term=Racemare}}{{anchor|Racemare}} {{defn|defn= Female horse (mare) who has competed in sanctioned Thoroughbred races.<ref name="DRF terms" />}}

{{term|term=Race meet}} {{defn|defn= When a racetrack is scheduled over a designated number of specific days to run horse races.<ref>{{cite web|last=Staff|title=Race Meeting|url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/race-meeting?q=race+meet|publisher=Cambridge Dictionaries Online|access-date=April 1, 2019}}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Racetrack or racecourse}} {{defn|defn= A flat surface made of dirt, grass (turf) or synthetic material, usually arranged in an oval, where races are conducted. Races can either be run in a counterclockwise (left-handed) or clockwise (right-handed) direction around the track. Left-handed, dirt tracks are the predominant form in the United States, mostly due to tradition.<ref name="ashforth">{{cite web|last=Ashforth|first=David|title=Why are all American racetracks left-handed? David Ashforth reveals how a long forgotten racetrack set the tone for racing in the US. (25 April 2010)|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Why+are+all+American+racetracks+left-handed%3F+David+Ashforth+reveals...-a0224796876|publisher=The Racing Post|access-date=13 June 2013|archive-date=18 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818181233/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Why+are+all+American+racetracks+left-handed%3F+David+Ashforth+reveals...-a0224796876|url-status=dead}}</ref> Tracks typically consist of two turns, a backstretch, a straight (or homestretch) arranged around a central infield and various surrounding structures such as the finish line and stands for spectators.<ref name="ashforth" />}}

{{term|term=Rail}} {{defn|defn= Inside fence on a racetrack.<ref name="DRF terms" /> Less often, both the inside and outside fences bordering the racetrack.}}

{{term|term=Rank }} {{defn|defn= A horse that is fractious and hard for the jockey to handle.<ref>{{cite web|last=Staff|title=Horse Racing glossary Q-Z|url=http://www.ildado.com/horse_racing_glossary03.html|publisher=ildado.com|access-date=15 September 2013}}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Rank outsider}} {{defn|defn= A horse that is not expected to win a race.<ref>{{cite web|last=Staff|title=RanK Outsider|url=http://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/british/rank-outsider|publisher=Cambridge Dictionaries Online|access-date=15 September 2013}}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Rate}} {{defn|defn= A deliberate action by the jockey to keep a horse "off the pace".<ref name=stevens />}}

{{term|term=Ridden out}} {{defn|defn= When a horse is not whipped but rather works out or wins with a strong hand ride.<ref name="DRF terms" />}}

==S== {{glossary}} {{term|term=Scratch}} {{defn|defn= To remove a horse from a race before it is run.<ref name="equibase defs"/>}}

{{term|term=Sealed track}} {{defn|defn= Packing down a track surface when it rains so that the water drains off the surface.<ref name="MitchellPreakness">{{cite web|last1=Mitchell|first1=Ron|title=Soggy Start to Preakness Day|url=http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/211789/soggy-start-to-preakness-day|website=The Blood-Horse|access-date=May 21, 2016|date=May 21, 2016}}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Show}} {{defn|defn=To finish in third position. Betting on a horse to show pays out if the horse finishes third or better.<ref name="equibase defs" />}}

{{term|term=Silks/colors, colours}} {{defn|defn= The silk or nylon jacket and cap worn by a jockey to indicate the owner of the horse, so people watching the race can distinguish each horse.<ref name="equibase defs"/> Each owner's unique colors are registered with the national and/or regional racing authority. The first use of registered "colours" occurred in 1762 at Newmarket Racecourse in England <ref>{{cite web|title=Silks|url=http://www.toconline.com/racingownership/owner-handbook/silks/|website=www.toconline.com|access-date=2 July 2016|archive-date=5 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005185009/http://www.toconline.com/racingownership/owner-handbook/silks/|url-status=dead}}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Stakes race}} {{defn|defn=A race where a fee must be paid to enter, which may include a fee for nominating, paying additional fees to maintain eligibility, then fees for entry and starting. The track often adds additional money to the total purse.<ref name="equibase defs"/>''See also'': Graded stakes race}}

{{term|term=Stalker}} {{defn|defn=A horse whose running style is to stay just behind the leaders. ''Compare'': Closer, front-runner, pacesetter.<ref name=acumen>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sportsbettingacumen.com/horse-racing/beginners-guide|title=Horse Racing 101 - Beginner's Guide to Horse Racing|website=www.sportsbettingacumen.com|access-date=2016-01-10|archive-date=2016-01-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104234243/http://www.sportsbettingacumen.com/horse-racing/beginners-guide|url-status=dead}}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Stayer}} {{defn|defn=A horse that can run long distances.<ref name="DRF terms" /> In North America, this refers to distances of 12 furlongs or longer. Horses who finish strongly in races at 10 furlongs may also be considered stayers.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Peters |first1=Anne |title=Sources of Stamina |url=https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/114110/sources-of-stamina |website=BloodHorse.com |access-date=6 May 2020 }}</ref> }}

{{anchor|Steward}}  {{term|term=Steward or track steward}} {{defn|defn= Racetrack official responsible for enforcement of racing regulations.<ref name="equibase defs"/>}}

{{term|term=Stretch}} {{defn|defn=see ''homestretch'', above.<ref name="equibase defs"/>}}

{{term|term=Stud mare}} {{defn|defn= A female horse kept for breeding purposes. ''see also'': Horse breeding}}

==T== {{glossary}} {{term|term=Top of the stretch}} {{defn|defn= ''See'' Head of the stretch}}

{{anchor|Track record}}{{term|term=Track record/course record}} {{defn|defn= The fastest time on a specific racetrack it has taken any Thoroughbred to complete a set race distance on a specific surface.<ref name="DRF terms" /> Many tracks have more than one surface (typically dirt and turf), so there are separate track records maintained for each course, also known as a course record.<ref>{{cite web|title=Belmont Track Records|url=https://www.nyra.com/belmont/records/|website=www.nyra.com|access-date=2 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428053418/https://www.nyra.com/belmont/records/|archive-date=28 April 2016}}</ref>}}

==U== {{glossary}} {{term|term=Undercard}} {{defn|defn= The races on the same day that precede a major or important race.<ref name=mcclelland>{{cite book|last=McClelland|first=Ted|title=Horseplayers: Life at the Track|year=2005|publisher=Chicago Review Press|location=Chicago|isbn=1556525672|page=263|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nHk1OSgrGh4C&q=undercard++glossary+horse&pg=PA263}}</ref>}}

==W== {{glossary}} {{term|term=Walkover}} {{defn|defn= Race with only one horse going to the post.<ref name="equibase defs"/> As a result, the sole starter needs only to gallop the distance of the race to be the official winner, but covering the distance is required by racing rules.<ref name="DRF terms" /> }}

{{term|term=Washy, Washed out}} {{defn|defn=A horse that is sweating profusely due to nerves.<ref name="equibase defs" />}}

{{term|term=Weight for Age}} {{defn|defn= Race with a fixed amount of weight carried by horses based on their age, sex or other parameters such as time of year or distance of race.<ref name="DRF terms" />}}

{{term|term=Winner's circle}} {{defn|defn=The area next to a racetrack, usually near the grandstands and enclosed, where the winning horse and jockey are brought for photographs and awards.<ref name=MerriamW>{{cite web|url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/winner's%20circle| title =Winner's circle| website=Merriam-Webster Dictionary|access-date=February 5, 2015}}</ref>}}

{{term|term=Wire to wire}} {{defn|defn=When a horse leads the race from start to finish.<ref name=yourdict>{{cite web|url=http://www.yourdictionary.com/wire-to-wire| title =Wire to Wire| website=Your Dictionary|access-date=July 14, 2014}}</ref>}}

==References== {{reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography== *{{cite book|last=Price|first=Stephen D.|title=The Horseman's Illustrated Dictionary: Full Explanations of More Than 1,000 Terms and Phrases Used by Horsemen Past and Present|year=2003|publisher=Globe Pequot|location=Guilford, CT|isbn=1592280986|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xEZL0A5FZLwC&q=horse%20racing%20terms%20breeze&pg=PA26}}{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} * {{Cite book|author1=Price, Steven D. |author2=Shiers, Jessie |title=The Lyons Press Horseman's Dictionary |publisher=Lyons Press |location=Guilford, CT |year=2007 |edition=Revised |isbn=978-1-59921-036-0}}

==External links== *[http://jockeyworld.org/racing-term-videos.htm Frankie Lovato's 365 Days of Racing Term Videos]

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