Pacesetter – The horse that is running in front (on the lead). Off track – A track that has a wet surface and isn’t labeled as “fast”. Length – A measurement approximating the length of a horse, used to denote distance between horses in a race. Handicap – This race type refers to a race where the weight each horse will carry is assigned by the track’s racing secretary or handicapper based that horse’s past performances. Graded race – A non-restricted race with added money or guaranteed purse value of $100,000 or more which has been run at least twice under similar conditions and on the same surface and has been assigned graded status for the year contested by the American Graded Stakes Committee.

(Eclipse Sportswire)įront-runner – A horse whose running style is to attempt to get on or near the lead at the start of the race and to continue there as long as possible. Some horses prefer to be in front at the outset of races. Blinkers, often used to try to improve a horse’s focus, come in a variety of sizes and shapes to allow as little or as much vision as the trainer feels is necessary.īullet – The fastest workout of the day at a track at a particular distance.Ĭlaiming race – A race in which each horse entered is eligible to be purchased at a set price. Also known as a “bug,” from the asterisk used to denote the weight allowance such riders receive.īlinkers – A cup-shaped device that limits a horse’s vision. Consider this our own version of horse racing and horse betting for dummies.Īllowance race – A race for which the racing secretary drafts certain conditions to determine weights to be carried based on the horse’s age, sex and/or past performance.Īlso-eligible – A horse officially entered for a race, but not permitted to start unless the field is reduced by scratches below a specified number.Īpprentice – A rider who has not ridden a certain number of winners within a specified period of time.

With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of some common horse racing terms and betting terms to help lift that cloud of confusion and set you up for success on the path to fandom. The complex terminology can feel overwhelming to someone new to the sport, whether you just want to watch and enjoy races or try your hand at betting a few bucks. Likewise, sports like football, basketball, and soccer have all sorts of insider phrases and idioms that can feel like a different language for a newcomer, and perhaps no sport exemplifies this more than horse racing. We all know what it’s like to walk into a new environment for the first time, whether it’s a new school or office, or a new friend group, and feel like an outsider because they are using words and references you are unfamiliar with.

Sports betting explained for dummies