Harness Racing Terms
Below are some harness racing terms. Also see out general
horse betting terms.
Age - Every horse shares a "birthday" of January
first. A horse becomes one year old on the first of January
after he or she is born, and turns two one year later --
regardless the actual date of his or her birth.
Break - When a horse gallops, instead of trotting or
pacing, it's on a break. The driver must get the horse out of
the way of the others, must not improve their position, and must
attempt to get the horse back on its proper gait. A horse is not
automatically disqualified by making a break.
Colt - A male horse, age three or under.
Filly - A female horse, age three or under.
First-Over - A horse racing on the outside without
another horse directly in front of him or her. A foreshortening
of of the phrase "first overland."
Foal - A newly-born horse. (verb) The act of giving
birth.
Gelding - A de-sexed horse of any age.
Green Horse - A horse that has not raced, or has raced
only a few times.
Horse - A male horse, age four and up.
Maiden - A horse (male or female) who has never won a
racing purse.
Mare - A female horse, age four and up.
Parked-out - A horse racing on the outside with at
least one horse between him and the inside rail or barrier.
Purse - The cash prize won by the owner. The purse is
usually paid to the first five finishers; 50% is paid to the
winner, 25% for place, 12% for third, 8% for fourth, and 5% for
fifth.
Purse - Prize money earned for winning a race.
Qualifying Race - A race without a purse or betting used to
determine a horse's ability and manners. Horses who have made
repeated breaks in stride or have been away from the races for a
long period of time must race in a qualifying race before being
allowed to race in a betting race.
Scratch - A horse who is withdrawn before the race
starts.
Sire - The male parent of a horse.
Trainer - The person responsible for keeping a horse
in top racing condition. In harness racing the trainer is often
the driver.
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