A Blood Horse
A “blood horse” describes a purebred horse, especially a Thoroughbred or Arabian, bred for speed, stamina, and racing ability. The term dates back to 1615 and historically signified a horse of high-quality descent.
Action
A horse’s movement, particularly how it uses its legs. Smooth, efficient, ground-covering action is preferred; excessive knee lift can waste energy. Some breeds (Saddlebreds, Morgans) naturally display higher action.
Also Eligible (AE)
A horse entered in a race but only allowed to run if another horse scratches. AE runners often draw into races on race day.
Backside / Backstretch
Either the far side of the racetrack opposite the grandstand or the secure area where horses are stabled, trained, and cared for. It includes barns, dorms, the kitchen, chapel, and worker facilities.
Barn Sour
A horse who resists leaving the barn or repeatedly tries to return to it. Can lead to spinning, rearing, or refusal to move forward.
Blanket Finish
A very tight finish where several horses hit the wire together—so close “you could throw a blanket over them.”
Bleeder
A horse that experiences exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH)—bleeding in the lungs during intense exertion. Many jurisdictions allow treatment with furosemide (Lasix) in non-black type races.
Blinkers
A piece of equipment placed around the horse’s eyes to limit side vision and help them focus straight ahead. Used to sharpen speed or reduce distraction.
Bounce
A regression in performance after running a big race. A horse might “bounce” due to fatigue or physical stress.
Bug Boy
An apprentice jockey who receives a weight allowance (the “bug”) to help level the playing field against experienced riders.
Chalk
The betting favorite. A “chalky outcome” means the favorites won.
Chute
An extension of the racetrack used for races that require a longer straightaway at the start (e.g., 7F chute or turf chute).
Circle the Field
When a horse rallies wide around the entire pack—often visually impressive but less efficient because of added ground loss.
Clocker
A person who records workout times in the morning. Clockers supply the official workout data you see in programs.
Closer
A horse with a late-running style who finishes strongly from off the pace.
Cold Backed
A horse that dislikes being saddled or mounted until they warm up; may hump their back or feel tight initially.
Cribbing
A stable vice where a horse grabs a surface with its teeth and sucks in air. Not harmful to performance in most cases but undesirable.
Dead Heat
A tie. If two horses hit the wire together and even a photo cannot separate them, it’s a dead heat.
Eased
When a jockey intentionally stops asking a horse to run—often for safety or if the horse is not responding.
Easy Keeper / Good Doer
A horse that maintains weight easily and doesn’t require a lot of feed. (The opposite is a “hard keeper.”)
Form
A horse’s current racing condition or recent performances. “Good form” means the horse is running well.
Frontrunner / Pacesetter
A horse that prefers to run on or very near the lead.
Furlong
One-eighth of a mile (220 yards). Most U.S. races are described in furlongs.
Furosemide / Lasix
A medication used to reduce the risk of EIPH (bleeding). Rules vary, especially for stakes races.
Grinder
A horse with steady, sustained energy rather than a sharp turn of foot. Grinders often excel at longer distances.
Green Horse
Inexperienced, still learning race-day behavior. Green horses may drift, hesitate, or lose focus.
Hand Ride
When a jockey wins or maintains position without using the whip—riding only with hands and seat.
Hit the Board
Finishing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd (sometimes 4th depending on track). These positions appear “on the board” for payouts.
Hot Walker
A stable employee who cools out horses after training by walking them in the shedrow or on a mechanical walker.
In the Bridle
A horse that is engaged, traveling strongly, and taking hold of the bit. Indicates readiness and stamina.
Inquiry
A review by officials of an incident during the race. May result in disqualification or no change.
Irons / Stirrup Irons
The metal stirrups attached to the jockey’s saddle.
Lead Change
When a horse switches its leading foreleg. Horses typically run on one lead on the turn and switch in the stretch.
Length
A measurement (about 8–9 feet) used to describe margins between horses. Smaller margins use nose (ns), head (hd), neck (nk), etc.
Morning Line
The track handicapper’s predicted odds before betting begins. Actual odds shift based on wagering.
MTO (Main Track Only)
Used in turf races. If the race is moved to dirt, MTO horses draw in.
Never Fired
A horse that never showed interest or acceleration in a race.
New Shooter
A horse entering a race from a different circuit or region—often used in major stakes with out-of-town entrants.
Odds-On
A strong favorite whose odds are below even money (e.g., 4-5). Pays less than the amount wagered.
On the Muscle
A horse holding strong energy and wanting to go faster—often indicates sharpness.
Pacemaker / Rabbit
A horse entered to ensure a strong pace, usually to benefit a stablemate with a closing style.
Post
Can refer to the starting gate (“load into the post”), or the scheduled race time (“post time 3:12 p.m.”).
Post Parade
The pre-race walk from the paddock to the starting gate, allowing fans and bettors to see each horse.
Post Position
The stall number in the starting gate. Inside positions are low numbers; outside are high.
Rail Bird
A fan or horseplayer who watches from the rail—often a regular with strong opinions.
Rank
A horse fighting the rider—overly eager, pulling hard, wasting energy early.
Rate
The opposite of rank. A horse who “rates” settles kindly and listens to rider cues.
Ridden Out
A horse that wins or finishes strongly under minimal urging—a comfortable effort.
Sealed Track
A dirt track packed down with machinery to prevent moisture penetration, usually before or after rain.
Spit the Bit
When a horse stops competing and loses interest during a race.
Stalker
A horse that sits just behind the pace—close but not on the lead.
Stayer
A horse that excels at long distances (typically 1¼ miles and beyond).
Washed Out
A horse sweating heavily before a race—can indicate nervousness or overheating.
Wire to Wire
When a horse leads every step of the race, from the starting gate (“the wire”) to the finish.
Important Disclosures:
This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a recommendation, offer, or solicitation to buy or sell any security or interest in a horse. References to trainers, purse programs, or race outcomes are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent or predict future results. Past performance of any trainer, horse, or partnership is not indicative of future outcomes. Any testimonials or statements of opinion reflect the views.
