Horse racing is an activity in which horses compete to be the first to cross a finish line. The sport has a long and distinguished history, and it has been practiced in civilizations around the world since ancient times. Some archeological records indicate that the contest was a common element in the Olympic games, and it is also featured in many myths and legends.
Unlike in the wild, where horses are free to move swiftly and joyfully, racehorses are confined to small spaces and forced to sprint at speeds that often cause injuries and egregious breakdowns. They are subjected to the stress of whipping and electric shocking devices, and they suffer from a variety of ailments, including bone fractures, pulmonary bleeding, and severe lacerations. Despite the romanticized facade, these horses are running for their lives.
When betting on a horse race, it is important to understand the terminology used by the bookmakers and other participants in the event. The following terms can help you get started:
Starting Gate
The opening in the fence that horses enter from to start a race. A runner that is not in the starting gate when the official signals the start of the race has not started and may be disqualified.
Stakes race
A type of race in which a set amount of money is awarded to the winner. A stakes race is normally run over a distance of one mile. It may be held on a dirt, grass or synthetic track. It is the most important race in a horse’s career.
Breeders’ Cup
A thoroughbred horse race held annually at Santa Anita in California. The event is open to a limited number of horse owners, trainers and jockeys who pay an entry fee to participate in the race. The horses are inspected by veterinarians and required to take a series of tests for the presence of prohibited substances before being allowed to run. The race is a key part of the Breeders’ Cup year-end festivities.
Speed Figures
A popular handicapping ranking system that assigns a numerical value to a runner’s performance. It takes into account the track conditions and the number of runners in the race. See Beyer number.
Sprain: An injury to the ligament connecting a joint to a bone, typically in a horse’s hindquarters or forelegs. The most common sprain is the spiral, which is the result of impact from another horse.
The eleven horses in the field lined up at the gates, a few steps apart and a few feet off the ground. War of Will, that year’s Preakness winner, broke quickly and held a slight advantage over Mongolian Groom and McKinzie. But when they reached the clubhouse turn and entered the stretch, it became clear that War of Will was tiring. The others accelerated, and by the top of the stretch they were in a dead heat. Then Vino Rosso, a chestnut colt, made his move on the outside.