Our Mission || History || Rules || Glossary of Terms || Registration || Registered || Events || Results || Standings

Glossary of Terms

Here is a library of terms commonly used in the racing world. If you believe there is a word or term that should be added feel free to e-mail me and I will add it.

Allowance race:
A race for which the racing secretary writes certain conditions that determine the weights to be carried based on factors such as how many races and/or money each horse has won.

Also Ran
A horse that does not finish among the first three.

Back Stretch
The straightway on the far side of the race track. Also used as a reference to the stable area.

Blinkers
Once called the "Rogue's Badge," blinkers are a common piece of racing equipment today. The eye cups on the blinkers, depending on modifications, block side and rear vision in either or both eyes. The use or disuse of blinkers must be approved by the stewards and the change reported on the official program.

Blow Out
A brief last workout (usually three furlongs or a half mile) given a day or two prior to a race and designed to sharpen or maintain a horse's condition.

Break maiden
This term describes a horse or rider who has won the first race of his career.

Breeze
A breeze is working a horse at a moderate speed and involves less effort than a workout that is denoted handily.

Bullet
A bullet work is the best workout time for a particular distance on a given day at a race track or training track.

Claiming race
Any horse entered in a claiming race is subject to be purchased for a set price. Claims must be made before the race and only by licensed owners or their agents.

Clubhouse Turn
The turn to the right of the grandstand, so called because he Clubhouse is usually to the right of the general stands.

Colors
The jockey's silk or nylon jacket and cap provided by the owner. Distinctive colors are registered by the owner with The Jockey Club and with the state racing authority. The practice of using individually registered colors was introduced at Newmarket, England in 1762.

Condition book
A series of booklets issued by a racing secretary that establish conditions for the races to be run at a particular racetrack. These books are published well in advance to help trainers plan training schedules.

Cushion
The loose, top surface of the race track.

Dead Heat
Where the photo-finish camera shows two horses inseparable at the finish, the race is declared a "dead heat" or tie.

Driving
When a horse is running under extreme pressure he is said to be "driving."

Dwelt
A horse that is slow in breaking from the starting gate is said to have "dwelt."

Eased
A horse that is gently pulled up by its jockey during a race.

Eclipse Award
The year-end awards in Thoroughbred racing that honor the top horses in 11 categories; plus the leading owner, trainer, jockey, apprentice jockey, and breeder; plus members of the media who have demonstrated excellence in their coverage of the sport.

Fast
A race track at its best condition is said to be fast.

Furlong
One-eighth of a mile, 220 yards, 660 feet. Eight furlongs equal one mile. Originally a "furrow long" or the length of a plowed field.

Handicap race
A race in which the racing secretary assigns weights based on his evaluation of each horse’s potential. In theory, these weights put all contestants on an equal basis. Some of the major stakes races are run under handicap conditions.

Handicapper
One who assigns the weights to be carried in a handicap race. Also one who makes selections in a race based on a thorough study of the past performance of each horse.

Handily
A horse working or racing with ease and without urging is said to be going "handily."

Homestretch
The straightaway leading to the finish.

In the Money
A horse finishing first, second or third is "in the money."

Infield
The area within the inner rail of a race track.

Juvenile
A 2-year-old horse is called a "juvenile."

Longshot
Any horse that wins a race, but was not considered a favorite; odds are very high on a long-shot, resulting in high-money payoffs to winning bettors.

Maiden
A race for horses that have never won a race. Many trainers keep their horses in standing bandages at all times as a protection. They are also used in racing for protection and support.

Pinhook
Buying a racehorse with the specific intention (hope) of re-selling it at a profit. A pinhooker is one who engages in this practice.

Post parade
Horses going from the paddock pass the stands on their way to the starting gate

Post Position
A horse's position in the starting gate from the inner rail outward which is decided by a drawing at the close of entries the day prior to the race.

Post time
Designated time for a race to start

Post
The starting point for a race.

Purse
Technically, a race to which the owners do not contribute to the prize. There was a time when the prize money was contained in a purse and hung on a wire which crossed the finish line. The terms "taking down a purse" and "going under the wire" thus once had literal meanings.

Scratch
To scratch a horse is to withdraw him from a race. There is a deadline for scratches after which permission must be obtained from the Stewards.

Shadow Roll
A thick noseband of sheep's wool used to prevent a horse from seeing shadows directly in front of him which might cause him to jump or shy away.

Short
A horse that drops out of contention in the stretch or close to the finish is said to have been "short," the inference being that with more work or preparation he might have lasted to the finish and perhaps have been the winner.

Show
The third-place finisher in a race is said to show.

Stakes race
A race for which the owner usually must pay a fee to run a horse. The fees can be for nominating, maintaining eligibility, entering and starting, to which the track adds more money to make up the total purse. Some stakes races are by invitation and require no payment or fee.

Stayer
A horse that can run well at longer distances.

Stewards
They are officials of a particular race meeting who are responsible for enforcing the rules of racing.

Walkover
A rare occurrence in which only one starter goes to the post and is required only to gallop the distance of the race to be declared the winner and collect the purse or a prescribed portion thereof depending on the rules in effect.

Washy
A horse that breaks out into a heavy sweat prior to the race is said to be "washy."

Work Tab
A list of morning workouts according to distance and time.