All Racing Terms

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Aces

Frankie Lovato Jr. explains what the term "aces" means. He also explains where aces can be purchased and why they are used on horses. Accompanying video courtesy of Jockey World, a non-profit educational organization in horse racing created by Frankie Lovato Jr. and dedicated to providing reliable information, tools, guidance and resources, that include knowledge in health and safety, to anyone who wishes to pursue a career or develop a better understanding of the horse racing industry. Lovato in 2013 vowed to create 365 racing terminology videos for every day of the year in an effort to better educate racing fans and bring awareness to Jockey World.

Acey-deucy

Uneven stirrups, popularized by Hall of Fame jockey Eddie Arcaro, who rode with his left (inside) iron lower than his right to achieve better balance on turns. Accompanying video courtesy of Jockey World, a non-profit educational organization in horse racing created by Frankie Lovato Jr. and dedicated to providing reliable information, tools, guidance and resources, that include knowledge in health and safety, to anyone who wishes to pursue a career or develop a better understanding of the horse racing industry. Lovato in 2013 vowed to create 365 racing terminology videos for every day of the year in an effort to better educate racing fans and bring awareness to Jockey World.

Across the board

A bet on a horse to win, place and show. If the horse wins, the player collects three ways; if second, two ways; and if third, one way, losing the win and place bets. Actually three wagers.

Action

1) A horse's manner of moving. 2) A term meaning wagering. For example, “The horse took a lot of action.” Accompanying video courtesy of Jockey World, a non-profit educational organization in horse racing created by Frankie Lovato Jr. and dedicated to providing reliable information, tools, guidance and resources, that include knowledge in health and safety, to anyone who wishes to pursue a career or develop a better understanding of the horse racing industry. Lovato in 2013 vowed to create 365 racing terminology videos for every day of the year in an effort to better educate racing fans and bring awareness to Jockey World.

Acupressure

Utilizing stimulation on acupuncture points to treat an animal.

Acupuncture

A centuries-old means of treating an animal or human through the use of needles, electrical current or moxibustion (heat and herbs) to stimulate or realign the body's electrical fields.

Added money

Money added to the purse of a race by the racing association, breeding fund, or other fund. The money is in addition to the amount paid by owners in nomination, eligibility, entry and starting fees. For example, “the $1 million-added Kentucky Derby.”

Added weight

A horse carrying more weight than the conditions of the race require, usually because the jockey exceeds the stated limit.

Age

All Thoroughbreds celebrate their birthday on Jan. 1.

Agent

A person empowered to transact business for a stable owner or jockey, or empowered to sell or buy horses for an owner or breeder. Accompanying video courtesy of Jockey World, a non-profit educational organization in horse racing created by Frankie Lovato Jr. and dedicated to providing reliable information, tools, guidance and resources, that include knowledge in health and safety, to anyone who wishes to pursue a career or develop a better understanding of the horse racing industry. Lovato in 2013 vowed to create 365 racing terminology videos for every day of the year in an effort to better educate racing fans and bring awareness to Jockey World.

All out

When a horse extends itself to its maximum ability. Accompanying video courtesy of Jockey World, a non-profit educational organization in horse racing created by Frankie Lovato Jr. and dedicated to providing reliable information, tools, guidance and resources, that include knowledge in health and safety, to anyone who wishes to pursue a career or develop a better understanding of the horse racing industry. Lovato in 2013 vowed to create 365 racing terminology videos for every day of the year in an effort to better educate racing fans and bring awareness to Jockey World.

Allowance 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. Accompanying video courtesy of Jockey World, a non-profit educational organization in horse racing created by Frankie Lovato Jr. and dedicated to providing reliable information, tools, guidance and resources, that include knowledge in health and safety, to anyone who wishes to pursue a career or develop a better understanding of the horse racing industry. Lovato in 2013 vowed to create 365 racing terminology videos for every day of the year in an effort to better educate racing fans and bring awareness to Jockey World.

Allowances

Reductions in weights to be carried, allowed because of the conditions of the race or because an apprentice jockey is on a horse. Also, a weight reduction that female horses are entitled to when racing against males, or that 3-year-olds receive against older horses.

Also-Eligible

A horse officially entered for a race, but not permitted to start unless the field is reduced by scratches below a specified number. Accompanying video courtesy of Jockey World, a non-profit educational organization in horse racing created by Frankie Lovato Jr. and dedicated to providing reliable information, tools, guidance and resources, that include knowledge in health and safety, to anyone who wishes to pursue a career or develop a better understanding of the horse racing industry. Lovato in 2013 vowed to create 365 racing terminology videos for every day of the year in an effort to better educate racing fans and bring awareness to Jockey World.

Apprentice

Rider who has not ridden a certain number of winners within a specified period of time. Also known as a "bug," from the asterisk used to denote the weight allowance such riders receive. Accompanying video courtesy of Jockey World, a non-profit educational organization in horse racing created by Frankie Lovato Jr. and dedicated to providing reliable information, tools, guidance and resources, that include knowledge in health and safety, to anyone who wishes to pursue a career or develop a better understanding of the horse racing industry. Lovato in 2013 vowed to create 365 racing terminology videos for every day of the year in an effort to better educate racing fans and bring awareness to Jockey World.

Apron

The (usually) paved area between the grandstand and the racing surface. Accompanying video courtesy of Jockey World, a non-profit educational organization in horse racing created by Frankie Lovato Jr. and dedicated to providing reliable information, tools, guidance and resources, that include knowledge in health and safety, to anyone who wishes to pursue a career or develop a better understanding of the horse racing industry. Lovato in 2013 vowed to create 365 racing terminology videos for every day of the year in an effort to better educate racing fans and bring awareness to Jockey World.

Assistant Starter

Frankie Lovato Jr. explains what the assistant starter is and what an assistant starter's duties are. He also explains how important the assistant starters are to the race and safety of the riders.

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