All Racing Terms

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Baby Race

Frankie Lovato Jr. explains why certain races are called baby races. He also explains that there's a difference between a baby race and a maiden race and what age group falls under the baby race title.

Backside

Stable area, dormitories and often times a track kitchen, chapel and recreation area for stable employees. Also known as "backstretch," for its proximity to the stable area.

Backstretch

1) Straight portion of the far side of the racing surface between the turns. 2) See backside. 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.

Bad Actor

Frankie Lovato Jr. explains what the term bad actor means. He explains that it's not just something to do with racehorses and that the kind of feed a horse is on can make them more high spirited than the naturally are.

Bad Doer

Frankie Lovato Jr. explains what a bad doer is and how trainers fix the problem. 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.

Bad Gate Horse

Frankie Lovato Jr. explains what the term bad gate horse means. He also explains why a horse may be a bad gate horse and how horses who may be afraid of the gate are worked with. 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.

Bandage

Bandages used on horse's legs are three-to-six inches wide and are made of a variety of materials. In a race, they are used for support or protection against injury. "Rundown bandages" are used during a race and usually have a pad under the fetlock to avoid injury due to abrasion when the fetlocks sink toward the ground during weight-bearing. A horse may also wear "standing bandages," thick cotton wraps used during shipping and while in the stall to prevent swelling and/or injury. 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.

Bar Shoe

Frankie Lovato Jr. and blacksmith Danny Gale explain what a bar shoe is. Danny also explains how you know a horse is wearing a bar shoe and why someone will use a bar shoe on a horse. 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.

Bay

A color ranging from tan to dark chestnut with black mane, tail and points. 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.

Bearing In (or Out)

Deviating from a straight course. May be due to weariness, infirmity, inexperience or the rider overusing the whip or reins to make a horse alter its course. 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.

Beyer Number/Speed Figures

A measure of performance developed and popularized by Andy Beyer of The Washington Post. Beyer Speed Figures are used in the Daily Racing Form. 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.

Billets

Frankie Lovato Jr. explains what billets are on a saddle. He also explains what the billets are used for and why different saddles have different amounts of billets. 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.

Bit

A stainless steel, rubber or aluminum bar, attached to the bridle, which fits in the horse's mouth and is one of the means by which a jockey exerts guidance and control. The most common racing bit is the D-bit, named because the rings extending from the bar are shaped like the letter "D." Most racing bits are "snaffled," (snaffle bit) which means the metal bar is made up of two pieces, connected in the middle, which leaves it free to swivel. Other bits may be used to correct specific problems, such as bearing in or out.

Black Letter or Bullet Work

Frankie Lovato Jr. explains why you may hear a horse's workout called a "bullet" and who records the horse's workout. He also explains where you may see a list of all that day's workouts and how you read the works when they are in a track program. 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.

Black Type

Boldface type, used in sales catalogues, to distinguish horses that have won or placed in a stakes race. Many sales catalogues have eliminated the use of black type for stakes below a certain monetary level-$15,000 in 1985, $20,000 from 1986-1989 and $25,000 beginning in 1990. If a horse's name appears in boldface type in a catalogue and in all capital letters, it has won at least one black-type event. If it appears in boldface type and capital and lower case letters, it was second or third in at least one black-type event. Black type was awarded to fourth-place finishers in races before Jan. 1, 1990. 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.

Blanket

A cloth used to keep a horse warm. There are a variety of blankets that can be used before, during, and after exercise. Also called “sheets.”

Blaze

A generic term describing a large, white vertical marking on a horse's face.

Bleeder

A horse that bleeds from the lungs when small capillaries that surround the lungs' air sacs (alveoli) rupture. The medical term is "exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage" (EIPH). Blood may be seen coming out of the horse's nostrils, known as "epistaxis," although it is typically discovered by a fiber optic endoscopic examination after exercise. Hot, humid weather and cold are known to exacerbate the problem. The most common treatment currently available is the use of the diuretic furosemide (Lasix). 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. Frankie brings in Dr. Erika Wierman to explain what a "bleeder" is and what causes the condition. Dr. Wierman also explains symptoms of bleeding and how vets find out if a horse is bleeding. She also explains what Lasix is and what it does for a bleeder.

Blew the Turn

Frankie Lovato Jr explains why a horse may blow the turn and what the result of the race will most likely be. Angel Cordero Jr. also explains what is was like to riding Broad Brush when he won a race after blowing the turn. 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.

Blinkers

A cup-shaped device that limits a horse's vision. 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. 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.

Blow-Out

A short, timed workout, usually a day or two before a race, designed to sharpen a horse's speed. Usually three-eighths or one-half of a mile in distance.

Blowout

Frankie Lovato Jr explains why a horse may have a blowout before a race. He also explains what a blowout is and what kind of horses may get a blowout before a race. 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.

Board

Short for "tote board," on which odds, betting pools and other information are displayed.

Bobble

Frankie Lovato Jr. says what he calls a bobble compared to a stumble. He explains why a horse may bobble and shows an example of what he means by "bobble". 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.

Bolt

Frankie Lovato Jr. explains the term bolt and another term that it gets confused with. He also explains how dangerous the move is for a jockey and how it differs from bearing in or out. 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.

Bottom

Frankie Lovato Jr explains that bottom has multiple different meanings. Bottom can refer to a horse's energy level or the surface of a track among other things. 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.

Bounce

An exceptionally poor performance on the heels of an exceptionally good one. Joe Kristufek explains what bounce means when they talk about a horse bouncing. He explains that bouncing hasn't been proven but that there are many different factors that could cause a horse to "bounce" after a good race.

Break (a Horse)

1) To train a young horse to wear a bridle and saddle, carry a rider and respond to a rider's commands. Almost always done when the horse is a yearling. 2) To leave from the starting gate. 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.

Break from the Gate

Frankie Lovato Jr. explains what breaking for the gate means. He explains how the rider keeps himself from falling off when the horse leaves the gate and some of the reasons why horses may break slowly from the gate. 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.

Break Maiden

Frankie Lovato Jr. explains what it means when a horse breaks its maiden and what a maiden refers to. He also explains different maiden classifications and the restrictions on a maiden race.

Breakdown

When a horse suffers a potentially career-ending injury, usually to the leg: The horse suffered a breakdown. The horse broke down.

Breast Plate

Frankie Lovato Jr. explains why a breast plate is used on a horse and what it does. He also explains where it attaches to the saddle and that is isn't a usual piece of equipment for normal races in America. 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.

Breeder

Owner of the dam at time of foaling unless the dam was under a lease or foal-sharing arrangement at the time of foaling. In that case, the person(s) specified by the terms of the agreement is (are) the breeder(s) of the foal.

Breeze (Breezing)

Working a horse at a moderate speed, less effort than handily. (Depending on location, breezing can be referred to a horse working at top speed, faster than handily.) 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.

Bridle

A piece of equipment usually made of leather or nylon, which fits on a horse's head that includes other attached equipment, such as a bit and the reins.

Broodmare

A female horse used for breeding.

Broodmare sire

A sire whose female offspring have produced foals.

Bucked Shins

Inflammation of the covering of the bone (periosteum) of the front surface of the cannon bone to which young horses are particularly susceptible. This is primarily a condition of the front legs. 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.

Bug

See apprentice; apprentice allowance.

Bug Rider

Former jockey Frankie Lovato explains what the word "bug rider" refers to at the racetrack in this easy-to-understand video. Enjoy! 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.

Bull Ring

Frankie Lovato Jr. explains what is defined as a bull ring and how it can cause problems for horses and riders. He also names a few tracks that are considered bull rings. 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.

Bullet

The fastest workout of the day at a track at a particular distance.

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