Horse Racing is one of the only sports in the world where it’s important you understand the terminology because if you don’t, you might find that you’re completely lost. Over the hundreds of years that horse racing has been around there has been a long list of terms used around the tracks. In order to ensure that you’ll be able to understand what is going on at the tracks or online you should read our list of terms.
• Across The Board – This term is used to describe when a bettor has placed the same amount of money on the same horse to win, place and show.
• Also-Ran – This term is used to describe a horse that finished the race in close to last place or last.
• Blinkers – A tool used to help the horse have tunnel vision which will prevent the horse from focusing its line of sight away from the track.
• Blow Out – A term used to describe a workout before any given race.
• Bolt – Term used to describe when the horse makes a sudden jolt to the left or right.
• Break Maiden – A term used to describe a horse that just won its first race.
• Claiming Race – A term used for a race where every horse can be bought at a set price.
• Dead Heat – Term used when two+ horses finish the heat with the same exact time.
• Derby – A derby race is for three year old horses only.
• Favourite – Term used to describe the horse that should win the race.
• Foal – A horse that is less than a year old.
• Furlong – A term used to describe a distance that is 1/8th of a mile.
• Jockey – Term used to describe the person racing the horse.
• Longshot – Term used to describe a horse that doesn’t have that good of a chance of winning the race.
• Maiden Race – A race that is simply allowed for horses that have yet to win a race.
• Match Race – A race that is allowed for two horses only.
• Photo Finish – A term used when a race is determined by a photograph because it was so close.
• Post Time – A term used to describe the time when a given race is supposed to begin.
• Purse – A term used to describe the amount of money in the prize pool for the race.
• Stakes Race – A term used to describe the highest class of horse racing. The owners of the horse also need to pay a stake to compete in the race.
• Starting Gate – The starting gate is a mechanical tool that ensures all the horses start the race at the exact same time.
The terms above will cover most aspects of horse racing including betting terms. I haven’t included some of the more general terms because they are not really used. If you ever come across a term that you can’t find the definition for, just ask us and we’ll send you the definition.