Horse racing has long established itself as one of the most popular sports for wagering, offering fans a chance to engage with the sport on a deeper, more dynamic level. From the grand spectacle of the Kentucky Derby to local races at tracks around the world, horse racing is a thrilling event that blends speed and strategy.
However, success in horse betting goes beyond merely picking a winner—it requires a strong understanding of the terminology and betting structures involved. Having picked the right platform from AussieBonuses is all well and good. But not knowing basic terminology won’t get you too far. So read on to find out all the important jargon to set the right foundations.
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A – F
Abandoned
When a race has been canceled, typically due to poor weather conditions.
Across-the-board
A bet that involves wagering on a horse to win, place, and show in the same race essentially combines three separate bets into one.
Added Weight
When a horse exceeds the stated weight limit for a race.
Allowance
A weight allowance is granted to less experienced jockeys to offset their inexperience in racing.
All-Weather
An artificial racing surface.
Amateur Jockey
A jockey who is just starting out.
At The Post
When a horse is at the race’s starting line.
Banker
A guaranteed bet.
Betting Ring
The area on the racecourse where on-course bookmakers gather, typically located near the running rail.
Bit
A bar in the horse’s mouth that is attached to the bridle.
Blinkers
Headgear that restricts a horse’s field of vision on each side to prevent distractions during a race.
Bloodstock
A segment of the racing industry that focuses on racehorse breeding, including sales, stud farms, and related activities.
Brought down
When a horse falls because of another horse.
Cheekpieces
Similar to blinkers, this type of headgear is positioned on either side of the bridle to help the horse concentrate on the race.
Claimer
When a jockey must take the weight off a horse in order to compensate for their inexperience as a rider.
Dam
Mother of a horse.
Dead-heat
This occurs when a race day judge fails to separate two or more horses at the finishing line, resulting in the prize being shared among the winners.
Fences
The obstacles horses must jump during chase races.
Filly
A young female horse aged 4 or lower.
Foal
A horse that is less than a year old.
G – L
Going
The underfoot conditions at the racecourse.
GoingStick
What officials use to measure the underfoot conditions at the racecourse.
Graded race
Races of the highest quality.
Hacked up
When a horse comfortably wins a race.
Handicapper
An official who determines how horses should rank based on their previous performances.
Juvenile
A horse that is two years old.
Listed Race
A race categorized as just below Grade 3.
M – R
Maiden
A horse who has never won a race.
Mare
A female horse that is 5 years old or older.
Neck
The measurements used to describe a winning margin when a close finish occurs.
Non-runner
A horse that is scheduled to compete in a race but does not participate due to various reasons, such as injury, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Noseband
A piece of equestrian equipment that is used on a horse’s bridle. It consists of a strap that goes around the horse’s nose, helping to keep the horse’s mouth closed
Off the bridle
When a horse is not traveling well.
On the bridle
When a horse is traveling well.
Outsider
A horse has a low chance of winning.
Pacemaker
A horse specifically trained to set a fast pace in a race, typically to benefit another horse in the same stable or ownership.
Photo finish
A close race finish.
Pushed out
When a bookmaker or betting exchange adjusts the odds of a horse making them less favorable for the bettor.
S – Y
Schooling
When a horse is being trained and getting practice over obstacles.
Stallion
A male horse is used for breeding.
Tattersalls
The primary auctioneer of racehorses in Britain and Ireland.
Undulating
A track that does not have a flat terrain.
Visor
A type of headgear that limits a horse’s vision to aid concentration.
Whip
An instrument used by jockeys to help keep horses under control and to also encourage them to go faster.
Yard
A term that refers to a trainer and their horses.
