All Racing Terms

Directory

H

Hack

Frankie Lovato Jr. explains what a hack, or light ride, is in horse racing. Frankie also explains why taking a hack is useful for the training of a horse.

Half

Frankie Lovato Jr. explains that a half refers to four furlongs, the equivalent to half of a mile. Frankie also explains why this distance is so useful for train horses between races.

Half Brother

Frankie Lovato Jr. explains what a half-sibling is in the Thoroughbred industry. Something to remember is that a horse is only considered a half-sibling if it comes from the same dam and not the same sire. 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.

Halter

Like a bridle, but lacking a bit. Used in handling horses around the stable and when they are not being ridden.

Hand

Frankie Lovato Jr. explains what a "hand" is and how you measure to get the correct number of hands for 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.

Hand Ride

Urging a horse with the rider’s hands and not using the whip. 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.

Handicap

Frankie Lovato Jr. explains the concept of a "handicap" race, how additional weight affects a horse's performance, as well as why horses are assigned specific weights for 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.

Handicap (HCP)

This race type refers to a race where the weights are assigned by the track’s Racing Secretary or Handicapper based upon past performances. Their goal is to assign weight to each horse so that all entrants have an equal chance of winning the race. THERE IS NO ADDED MONEY IN A HANDICAP 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.

Handicapper

Frankie Lovato Jr. explains the role of the track handicapper, who assigns morning-line odds and weights to horses running in handicap races as determined by each horses 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.

Handicapping

This is the study of factors in the past performances of racehorses used to determine the relative qualities and abilities of horses in a race.

Handily

1) Working in the morning with maximum effort. (Depending on location, used to describe a horse working in the morning “in hand” or of little effort) Compare with, 2) A horse racing well within itself, with little exertion from the jockey. 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.

Handle

Money wagered. 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.

Harrowing

Implement or unit with pulling teeth or tines used to rake and loosen the upper surface of a track.

Head

A margin between horses. For example, one horse leading another by the length of its head. 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.

Head and Head

Frankie Lovato Jr. explains how the term head and head is used to describe two horses completing a morning workout in company, or by the way that two horses may finish a race.

Head of Stretch

Beginning of the straight run to the finish line.

Head of the Stretch

Frankie Lovato Jr. explains where the head of the stretch is located on the track, as well as how important phrases are in terms of calling the 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.

Heavy

Frankie Lovato Jr. explains how the term heavy is used to describe a dirt or turf surface. Frankie also explains the implications that this may have on 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.

Helmet

A lightweight fiberglass cap worn by riders to prevent head injuries. It is required equipment that is not considered part of a jockey's riding weight.

High Weight

Highest weight assigned or carried in 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.

Hock

A large joint just above the shin bone in the rear legs. Corresponds to the level of the knee of the front leg.

Hood

A (usually) nylon covering which goes over a horse's head to which blinkers or earmuffs are attached.

Horse

When reference is made to sex, a "horse" is an ungelded male 5 years old or older. 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.

Horse Path

Frankie explains the horse path, or walkway, that horses use to get from the barn or stable to the track. Frankie also explains the importance of having a safe horse path for the horses to use. 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.

Horse Was Off

Frankie explains that when a horse is off, he is not 100%. People may use this phrase to refer to a sore or uncomfortable horse, as opposed to a horse that is lame, which is more serious. 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.

Horsing

Frankie explains that horsing is the term used when a mare goes into heat and is receptive to breeding. 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.

Hot Walker

Person who walks horses to cool them out after training, workout or races. 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.

Hung

Retired jockey Frankie Lovato Jr. explains what the term hangs or hung means in terms of when a horse approaches the leaders of a race but will not pass the horses and claim the lead. Lovato also reflects on how frustrating this can be for trainers and jockeys. 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.

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