How to Learn Horseracing Terms

Horseracing is a fantastic spectator sport, but learning what all of the terms mean can take a little time. Most people know the "jockey" is the rider; but knowing other terms make it easier to understand horseracing and make a day at the track more enjoyable. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Use the "daily racing form" to help you pick the winning horses. It provides information about the horses' performance at previous races.
2. Learn racing terms related to the horses. The "favorite" is the most likely to win and has the lowest odds. An "outsider" is a horse that is not expected to win the race. "Out of the money" refers to a horse that finished in fourth or worse. A horse that withdraws from the race is called a "scratch."
3. Review the different types of bets before deciding to "back" a horse. Quinella, exacta, trifecta and supertrifecta are all types of bets. Have your bet placed well before scheduled starting time, or "post time," for a race. If you are still standing in line when the ticket window closes before a race begins, you are "shut out" of betting.
4. Listen to the "race caller" who describes the race as it unfolds. The "starting gate" is the metal stalls that the horses stand in at the starting line. The "backstretch" is the far side of the track. The "home stretch" is the final section of the track before the finish line.
5. Understand terms that relate to the outcome of the race. "Place" means a horse finished in second. "Show means a horse finished in third place. "On the board" refers to first three horses to finish a race. A "dead heat" is a race that ended in a tie. The "stake" is the prize money paid to the owner of the winning horse.