A horse race is a thrilling sport for spectators and gamblers alike. However, it is also a world of slang, jargon and vernacular that can be confusing to the newcomer to the sport. There are literally hundreds of words and phrases – some of which can be found in this section – that horse racing uses to communicate amongst itself and with the outside world.

A large number of people are involved in a horse race from the breeders to the trainers, jockeys and track officials. Each of these people has a unique vocabulary that they use to describe the racing process in their own way. This language has been referred to as “horse-speak.” It is very common for people who do not understand the terminology used in this context to be intimidated or confused by the specialized vocabulary. This article will attempt to explain some of the more important terms and acronyms that are commonly used in a horse race.

The first step in a race is the post parade and warm-up. A horse is walked to its post position and then led into the starting gate, which consists of small metal stalls where an attendant holds the horse until the official signaling the start of the race flies open. Injuries in the starting gate are common, as horses fly out of the stall at high speeds and the jockeys must maintain a low squat position on the stirrups to minimize movement and risk of injury. The sudden stop and the close quarters can lead to upper and lower extremity injuries (11).

Once the race begins, the horses run around a circular course and jump any hurdles (if there are any) along the way. The winner is the horse that crosses the finish line first, followed by the second and third place horses. The winning jockey receives a specified amount of prize money and the horse owner receives a portion of the total purse, which is determined by the number of runners in a race and the total amount wagered on all the winners.

During the race, a patrol judge(s) observe the progress of the horses from various vantage points around the track. A patrol judge(s) may be a track employee, a police officer or an off-duty sheriff. The patrol judge(s) will decide the order of finish in a race and are responsible for ensuring that all entrants follow rules and regulations set forth by the racing authority.

A special type of race that is contested on an off-track surface. This is usually a dirt or turf course that has been oiled to create a lightning-fast racing surface. These races are often used as an opportunity to evaluate a horse for future racing. The condition of the track may influence the pace of the race and the outcome of a wagering parimutuel, such as a pick 3 or an exotic. A fast track is more conducive to a fast, longshot victory by a horse that has the right combination of skills and qualities, but would be disadvantaged on an unfastened surface.