Defining Horse Racing Terms
Gambling on horse racing is an activity that stretches across millennia. Our ancestors did it, and it is plain to see why. Horses are majestic beasts, and watching thoroughbreds race each other is a sight one is not likely to forget. It is one of those activities that are exhilarating to behold while also being relatively harmless. This is why horse racing is accepted even in countries that are strict about gambling.
Despite its very strict gambling laws, Sweden enjoys horse racing tournaments. The sport is referred to as harness racing there. However, the country enacted some new laws in 2019 that severely lessened the barriers to gambling, opening up the market for the bästa casino på nätet. With this monopoly ended, Carlos Norberg brings you the important racing jargon you need to know to enjoy the sport! You won’t find a better guide to horse racing, so follow him here. For now, let’s get started!
Handicap
Depending on their overall rating, some races give different weights to different horses. Better horses are given more weight than their less capable competitors in the hope that all competitors have the same chance of winning.
Furlong
In a mile, there are 8 furlongs, which are about 200 metres each. It takes a mile and a half to run 12 furlongs.
Horse Races
All-weather, national hunt, and flat are three different types of horse races. When you race on a flat surface without any jumps, it’s called “all-weather racing.” Only a few races offer this kind of racing surface. People who like to watch horses race over obstacles instead of on the ground call their favoured format “jump racing.”
Apprentice
An apprentice (or “conditional” in jump racing) is a new rider who is still learning the ropes. They will only be able to ride with a weight allowance if they win a certain number of races. (7), (5), or (3) are added to a jockey’s name on a racecard when the jockey is an apprentice.
Rails
The rails are the white constructions that surround the course and prevent riders from veering off track. They’re made of malleable plastic, so they’ll move if hit by a horse. This is to ensure the safety of both the horse and the rider.
Does a Draw Affect a Horse?
When visiting some racetracks, being drawn to a specific spot is crucial. The ground is better in one spot than another in some races.
Bit or Bridle?
These terms indicate that a horse is in good condition and that the jockey is not moving. Horses that are ‘off’ the bit or bridle are being pushed along by the rider and may be struggling; on the other side, horses that are ‘on’ the bit or bridle are having a hard time.
What Is the Meaning of Steward’s Question?
It’s possible that there was interference or something else that gave one horse an unfair edge. The Stewards have decided to investigate the results. This is stated over the tannoy on a racetrack, so spectators are aware.
Walkover
It’s known as a “walkover” when only one horse shows up, and no one bets. To collect its money, the horse, on the other hand, must demonstrate that it is healthy by trotting a furlong.
Black-Type Race
The finest races, as well as any race that reads “Listed” or “Group,” can be found on this list (or Grade for jump racing). Sales catalogues are referred to as “black-type.” In these catalogues, horses that have won or placed in these races are highlighted in bold.
Horse Terminology
- A colt is different from a gelding, a filly, and a mare because they are young. A young male horse is called a colt. It is between the ages of two and four.
- A gelding is a male horse castrated.
- A filly is a young female horse between two and four years of age. A mare is a female horse that is at least five years old.
- A yearling is a young animal that has recently been born, a one-year-old horse that can’t race.
Green
This word refers to a horse that isn’t very experienced and shows it by running across the track and not obeying the jockey.
What Is a Tongue-Tie?
This piece of gear mostly helps the rider keep control of a horse, but it also helps the horse breathe. They can be hard to handle if their tongue gets in the way of the bit.
What Distinguishes Cheekpieces, Blinkers, and Hoods?
All of this equipment helps maintain a horse’s attention.
“Cheekpiece nosebands” are fluffy fabric pieces on either side of a horse’s ears or nose.
Blinkers are devices that cover a horse’s eyesight, directing it forward rather than around.
A hood conceals a horse’s ears and is typically used on horses that dislike crowds or new settings. Some trainers use earplugs for a more practical effect.
Conclusion
Now that you know all the important horse racing lingo, you should have no trouble understanding what’s happening, navigating the gambling aspect, and, most importantly, having a good time!