As with any equestrian sport, racing has it’s very own way-too-long list of terminology used within the industry. This is one facet of the horse industry I haven’t written too much about because it’s one I don’t know much about.
However I have done some research and created this basic list of terminology. All of it in laymen’s terms without the pesky betting lingo to get in the way. The list is too long for one post, so I’m splitting it up, today it’s A-E, next week F-P and the following week we’ll look at R-Z.
Acceptor
An animal that is officially listed to start in a race.
Age
All Thoroughbred horses consider January 1st their birthday (no matter when they were born).
All-Age Race
A race for animals older than two years.
All Out
A horse who is running to the best of their ability.
Allowances
Reductions in weights a horse must be carried due to specific conditions (i.e. an unfair matched field, an apprentice jockey, etc.).
All Weather Racing
Racing on an artificial surface allows for races during a wider variety of conditions.
Also Ran
Any runner that didn’t finish above 4th place.
Amateur
Refers to a young rider that has not yet gone professional.
Apprentice
A jockey in training and usually only run flat races.
Baby Race
A race for two year old animals.
Back Marker
The animal carrying the biggest handicap in a handicapped & standing start race.
Backstretch
The straight way on the far side of the track.
Back Straight
The straight stretch of racetrack that is furthest from the spectators.
Backward
A horse that is either too young or not physically fit to run.
Barrier or Tape
An elastic band that is stretched across the track and when released starts a steeple chase.
Barrier Draw
A ballot held by the race club to determine which stall each runner will start from.
Bat or Stick
A whip used by the jockey during a race.
Bearing In or Out
Failing to continue on a straight course around turns, either bearing in & running toward the inside rail or baring out and going wide around the turn.
Bell Lap
The last lap of a harness race, which is indicated by the ringing of a bell.
Beyer Number
This is a handicapping tool which assigns a numerical value to each race a horse runs. The number is used to objectively compare different animals (running at different tracks) and is based on track condition & final time run.
Blanket Finish
When the horses cross the finish link in a close bunch, close enough to put a single blanket over them.
Blinkers
A pair of cups that are worn on the side of a horses head near their eyes that limits their vision. This keeps the animals from becoming distracted by things around them.
Blow-Out
A timed workout of usually a mile in distance. Generally practiced the day before a race and designed to sharpen an animal’s speed.
Boxed In
When a runner becomes trapped between other runners.
Bobble
When a horse takes a bad step coming away from the starting gate that causes them to stumble or fall to their knees.
Bolt
When a horse suddenly veers off course of their own accord.
Breakdown
When a runner suffers an injury that could potentially end their career during a race or workout.
Break Maiden
A horse or jockey that wins the first race of their career.
Breezing
Working a horse at a moderate running speed.
Broken Maiden
A maiden horse that has won its first race.
Bug Boy
An apprentice rider.
Bull Ring
A smaller racetrack that measures less than a mile in length.
Caulk
A projection on a horse’s shoe that gives them better traction (often used on a wet track).
Checked
When a runner is quickly pulled up by their jockey because they were cut off or are in tight quarters.
Chute
An straight stretch of track, either the backstretch or the homestretch.
Claiming Race
A race in which all of the entered horses are eligible to be purchased. Claims must be made by a licensed owner (or their agent) of a racing animal before the race begins.
Closer
A runner that tends to do better later in the race and come from behind.
Colors or Silks
The colors on the jacket and cap of the jockey signifies who they are running for.
Colt
An ungelded male horse that is less than four years old or younger.
Conditional Jockey
An apprentice jockey that is also allowed to jump.
Correct Weight
The weight that each horse is allocated to carry. These weights are checked before & after the race (for those who place).
Cracking Pace
When the field of runners moves at a very rapid pace, generally early in the race.
Cross Fire
When the hind foot of a horse hits the opposite front leg (or foot).
Crossing to the Fence
When a horse starts in one position on the track and works their way inside towards the rail as they run the race.
Crossing to the Lead
When a horse crosses to the fence and moves into the lead.
Cuppy Track
A loose, dry racing surface which has a tendency to break away under a runner’s hooves.
Dark Day
Days when there are no scheduled races.
Dead Heat
When two or more horses finish equally in a race, a tie.
Dead Track
A track with footing that is lacking in resiliency.
Declaration Of Weights
The publication released by the handicapper which details the weight allocated to each horse nominated for the race.
Declared
In Europe this means a horse confirmed to start a race. Conversely in the US it means a horse that has been withdrawn in advance of scratch time.
Derby
A stakes race strictly for three year old horses.
Distanced
A horse that finishes a long distance behind the winner.
Dogs Up Or The Dogs Are Up
This term refers to the rubber traffic cones placed on the inner rails during work out hours when the truck conditions are difficult. This prevents practicing horses from chewing up the footing along the rail.
Dosage
A mathematical analysis of an animal’s pedigree that is essentially based on the class of their sire.
Driving
Urging or pushing by the jockey for more speed.
Entry
A horse that has been entered in a race.
Extended
When an animal is pushed to run at top speed they are fully extended.
Just Part of the Alphabet
Be sure to check out F-P and R-Z
There is a lot of horse terminology to learn, why not try some general terms, some dressage terminology or if you prefer western show lingo.