Racing Glossary
QUARTER
One-quarter of a mile; 440 yards; 1,320 feet.
QUARTER HORSE
Breed of horse especially fast for a quarter of a mile, from which its name is
derived.
QUINELLA
Wager in which first two finishers must be picked, but payoff is made in either
order of finish.
TACK
Riders' racing equipment, also applied to stable gear worn by a horse.
TAKE (or TAKEOUT)
Commission deducted from mutual pools which s shared by the track and local and
state governing bodies in the form of tax.
TAKEN UP
A horse pulled up sharply by his rider because of being in close quarters.
TATTOO
A letter and a group of numerals applied to the underside of the upper lip of
each registered thoroughbred.
THOROUGHBRED
A thoroughbred is a horse whose parentage traces back to any of the three 'Founding
Sires' (the Darley Arabian, Byerly Turk and Godolphin Barb), and that has satisfied
the rules and requirements of The Jockey Club and is registered in 'The American
Stud Book' or in a foreign stud book recognized by The Jockey Club and the International
Stud Book Committee. Any other horse, no matter what its parentage, is not considered
a thoroughbred for racing and/or breeding purposes.
TICKET
The betting slip or ticket that is received by the bettor from the bookmaker
or totalisator, as proof of his or her wager. The ticket is necessary to collect
the dividends.
TONGUE TIE
Strap or tape bandage used to tie down a horse's tongue to prevent it from choking
in a race or workout.
TOPWEIGHT
Highest weight assigned or carried in a race.
TOTALISATOR
Machine that sells and records betting tickets and shows odds. Also figures out
and displays payoff figures.
TOUT
One who gives tips on racehorses, usually attaining some personal reward in return;
to give tips.
TRACK RECORD
Fastest time at various distances recorded at a particular track.
TRIFECTA (or TRIPLE)
A wager picking the first three finishers of one race in exact order.
TRIPLE CROWN
In the United States, the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.
In England the 2,000 Guineas, Epsom Derby and St. Leger. In Canada, the Queen's
Plate, Prince of Wales Stakes and Breeders' Stakes.
TURF COURSE
Racecourse on the grass.
TURN DOWN
A protrusion on the bottom of a horseshoe added to give traction.
TWITCH
A device usually consisting of a stick with a loop of rope at one end, which
is placed around a horse's nose and upper lip and twisted to curb fractiousness.
SADDLE CLOTH
Cloth under the saddle on which number (and sometimes horse's name) denoting
post position is displayed.
SCRATCH
To be taken out of a race.
SECOND DAM
Grandmother; granddam.
SESAMOID
Sesamoid bones are located at the back of the fetlock, the joint formed by the
pastern bone and the cannon bone.
SHADOW ROLL
Usually a lamb's wool rolls half way up the horse's face to keep him from seeing
his own shadow.
SHANK
Rope or strap attached to a halter or bridle by which a horse is led.
SHED ROW
Stable area; a row of barns.
SHOW
Third position at the finish.
SHUT OFF
Cut off, unable to improve position due to another horse suddenly blocking the
path.
SILKS (or COLORS)
Jacket and cap worn by riders which designates the owners of the horse, designed
and picked out personally by each owner.
SIMULCAST
Televising a race, live to other tracks, OTB offices or other outlets for the
purpose of wagering.
SINGLE
A straight bet on one horse to win, place or show one race or event, also known
as a straight-up bet.
SIRE
Father of a horse.
SIX FURLONGS
Three-quarter of a mile; 1,320 yards, 3,960 feet.
SIXTEENTH
One-sixteenth of a mile; 110 yards, 330 feet.
SLOPPY
Condition of footing. Wet on surface with firm bottom.
SLOW
Footing that is not fast, wet on the surface and base of the track, between good
and heavy.
SMART MONEY
Insiders' bets or the insiders themselves.
SPRINT
Short race, less than one mile.
STAKE
A race (usually a feature race) for which the owner must pay up 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.
STAKES HORSE
One capable of competing in such events.
STALLION
Entire male horse.
STARTER
The person responsible for starting a race, releasing the gates once all horses
and riders are in and facing forward.
STARTER RACE
An allowance or handicap race restricted to horses that have started for a specific
claiming price or less.
STEPS UP
A horse moving up in class to compete against better runners.
STEWARDS
Top officials of the meeting responsible for enforcing the rules.
STEEPLECHASE
A jumping race over high obstacles.
STICK
A jockey's whip.
STOCKINGS
When a horse has white legs below the knees.
STRETCH
Final straight portion of the racetrack to the finish.
STRETCH CALL
The call of the position of horses at the eighth pole, usually about halfway
down the stretch.
STRETCH RUNNER
Horse that finishes fast.
STUD
Male horse used for breeding.
STUD BOOK
Registry and genealogical record of the breeding of thoroughbreds maintained
by The Jockey Club.
SUCKLING
A baby horse that is still nursing.
SUPERFECTA
A bet placed on four horses to cross the finish line in exact chosen order.
SWAYBACK
Horse with a dipped backbone.
Glossary
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