Racing has its own unique language that can sometimes be confusing. But fear not, with a little help, you'll be a pro in no time. Sun Racing is here to guide you through some of the common terms you'll hear on the racecourse and explain what they mean. We've even thrown in a few rarer ones to impress your friends.
Allowance
A deduction in the weight a horse carries in a race, usually due to the jockey's claim, the horse's sex, or age.
Ante-post
A bet placed more than 48 hours before a race, often popular for the Cheltenham Festival. While bookies offer bigger odds, remember that you usually don't get your money back if your horse doesn't run.
Bumper
A flat race (no hurdles or fences) for jumps horses, such as the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival. It provides valuable experience for the horses.
Chase
A steeplechase, which is a race run over fences. A horse that runs over fences is called a "chaser."
Classic
The five big Flat races of the season: the 2000 Guineas, 1000 Guineas, Epsom Derby, Epsom Oaks, and St Leger.
Colt
An uncastrated male horse aged four or younger.
Connections
The horse's owners.
Dam
The mother of a horse.
Dead-heat
A tie between horses that cannot be separated.
Declared
When a trainer formally announces that a horse will run in a race. Declarations usually take place 48 hours before the race.
Fences
The larger obstacles jumped in a chase.
Filly
A female horse aged four or younger.
Furlong
Races are measured in miles and furlongs, with the shortest race being over five furlongs. A furlong is an eighth of a mile or 220 yards.
Gelding
A castrated male horse.
Going
The condition of the course. The going can be described as good for firmer ground or heavy when there has been a lot of rain.
Good thing
A racing term for a horse considered unbeatable, like a "banker."
Graded/Group races
The highest quality of racing, called Graded races over jumps and Group races on the Flat. Grade/Group 1 races are the best races for the top horses.
Handicap
Another term for the official rating given to a horse. A horse's rating can go up if it wins races and can come down if it has a long losing sequence.
Handicap races
The majority of races are handicaps, where horses carry different weights based on their ability. Better horses carry more weight.
Handicapper
The person who decides the official rating of a horse.
Hurdles
The smaller obstacles jumped in a National Hunt race.
Juvenile
A two-year-old horse.
Mare
An adult female horse. A broodmare is used for breeding.
Nap
The best bet of the day, derived from the card game Napoleon, representing your best hand.
National Hunt
The official name for jumps racing.
Non-runner
A horse that has been withdrawn from a race after being declared to run.
Novice
A type of race for horses in their first season in a particular code of racing. For example, a novice hurdler is in their first season racing over hurdles.
Parade ring
The area of the track where horses are paraded before a race.
Plot job
When a trainer strategically manipulates the handicap system to benefit their horse. They may hold back their horse to run at the perfect time.
Pulled up
When a horse fails to finish a race after being brought to a halt by their jockey.
Silks
An owner's colors, used to describe the top a jockey wears.
Sire
The father of a horse. A stallion is a male used for breeding.
Steward's enquiry
A steward's enquiry is called after a race to determine if a result should stand or not.
Under starter's orders
When the starter brings the horses into line to start the race. For betting purposes, this is considered the official start of the race.
Weighed in
A race result is only final once all jockeys have weighed in. This procedure ensures that each horse carried the correct weight in the race. Jockeys are weighed before and after a race.
Yard
Another word for an owner's stables.
Yearling
A horse between the age of one and two.
Frequently Asked Questions
What health precautions are necessary when training a racehorse?
Meticulous attention to a racehorse’s health is vital in preventing injury and illness. Regular veterinary checks, vaccinations and dental care are important. It is also important to monitor the horse for any signs of strain or fatigue. By implementing a training plan that is well thought out and allows for a gradual progression of intensity, you can minimize the risk of injury to your musculoskeletal system.
What is the role a jockey plays in the training and preparation of racehorses?
Jockeys have a crucial role to play in the training of racehorses. Jockeys not only provide feedback to the horses on their performance during training, but they also educate the horses about racing tactics such as pacing and positioning. The jockey’s ability to understand the horse and its strengths and weakness is crucial for preparation.
There are different race training methods available for different horse types.
The race training methods used for different breeds of horses can vary because the breed characteristics as well as racing distances are different. Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses undergo different types of training. Thoroughbreds excel at long-distance flat races, while Quarter Horses excel in sprinting. Each breed is unique and requires a different approach to match their physical characteristics and behaviors.
What is the best diet for a race horse?
Racehorses need a diet that is high quality and perfectly balanced to support their training and racing. The diet is usually a mixture of high-quality hay, grains like oats and barley, as well as commercially prepared racehorse feed. A diet that is rich in essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients will support the horse’s health and help them perform at their best.
Can you ride a racehorse in any place?
While initial training on a variety tracks is possible, specific race preparation often requires facilities to simulate the conditions a horse will encounter in competition. This means that you need to have tracks that are of the correct size, with the same kind of surface your horse will be racing. The correct track will help condition your horse and give them the experience they need in that racing environment.
What’s the first step when training a racehorse?
The initial phase of training a racehorse involves a critical stage known as “breaking,” where the horse becomes accustomed to carrying a saddle, bridle, and the weight of a rider. During these sessions, patience is key to ensuring the horse feels comfortable around humans and with the equipment they will use throughout their racing career.
Statistics
- Around 80% of thoroughbred racehorses begin their racing careers by the age of two, according to industry estimates.
- Research has found that a racehorse’s stride length can increase by up to 7% following specific strength and conditioning programs.
- The majority of racehorses in training are subject to an exercise regimen that includes being ridden six days a week.
- The average cost to train a thoroughbred racehorse for one year can exceed $50,000, accounting for expenses related to training, boarding, and veterinary care.
- An extensive survey indicated that over 90% of racehorse trainers utilize swimming as a low-impact exercise in their conditioning routines.
- Approximately 70% of a racehorse’s diet consists of forage, with the remainder made up of grains and supplements to meet their high-calorie needs.
External Links
horseracing.com
paulickreport.com
jockeyclub.com
equibase.com
britishhorseracing.com
keeneland.com
How To
How to cool down a racehorse after a workout
Cooling down a racing horse after an exercise is crucial to preventing muscle stiffness and promoting recovery. Begin with a slow walk on a long rein, allowing the horse to gradually lower its heart and respiratory rates. This is the time to check for any signs that your horse may be in distress or injured. After a gentle stretch of the limbs, neck and shoulders, continue with another session. Then, groom the horse and check for cuts or abrasions.
