ACEY-DEUCY - Uneven stirrups, popularized by Hall of Fame jockey Eddie Arcaro, who rode with his left (inside) iron lower than his right to achieve better balance on turns.

ACROSS THE BOARD- A bet on a horse to win, place and show. If the horse wins, the player collects three ways; if second, two ways; and if third, one way, losing the win and place bets.

ACTION- A horse's manner of moving.

ADDED MONEY- Money added to the purse of a race by the racing association (or sometimes by a breeding or other fund) to the amount paid by owners in nomination, eligibility, entry and starting fees.

AGE - All Thoroughbreds celebrate their birthday on Jan. 1.

AGENT- A person empowered to transact business of a stable owner or jockey. Also, a person empowered to sell or buy horses for an owner or breeder.

AIRING - Not running at best speed in a race

ALL OUT- When a horse extends himself to the utmost.

ALLOWANCE RACE- A race other than claiming for which the racing secretary drafts certain conditions to determine weights.

ALLOWANCES- Weight permitted to be reduced because of the conditions of the race or because an apprentice is on a horse. Also, a weight females are entitled to when racing against males.

ALSO-ELIGIBLE- A horse officially entered, but not permitted to start unless the field is reduced by scratches below a specified number.

ALSO-RAN- A horse who finishes out of the money.

APPRENTICE- Rider who has not ridden a certain number of winners within a specified period of time. Also known as a bug boy.

APPRENTICE ALLOWANCE- Weight concession to an apprentice rider: usually 10 pounds until the fifth winner, seven pounds until the 35th winner and five pounds for one calendar year from the 35th winner.

AUXILIARY GATE - A second starting gate used when the amount of horses in a race exceeds the capacity of the main starting gate

BABY RACE - A race for two-year-olds.

BACK AT THE KNEE - A leg that looks like it has a backward arc with its center at the knee when viewed from the side.

BACKSIDE - Stable area, dormitories and often times a track kitchen, chapel and recreation area for stable employees. Also known as "backstretch," for its proximity to the stable area.

BACKSTRETCH - 1) Straight portion of the far side of the racing surface between the turns. 2) See backside.

BAD ACTOR- Fractious horse.

BAD DOER - A horse with a poor appetite, a condition that may be due to nervousness or other causes.

BANDAGE - Bandages used on horse's legs are three to six inches wide and are made of a variety of materials. In a race, they are used for support or protection against injury. "Rundown bandages" are used during a race and usually have a pad under the fetlock to avoid injury due to abrasion when the fetlocks sink toward the ground during weight bearing. A horse may also wear "standing bandages," thick cotton wraps used during shipping and while in the stall to prevent swelling and/or injury.

BARREN - Used to describe a filly or mare that was bred and did not conceive during the last breeding season.

BAR SHOE - A horseshoe closed at the back to help support the frog and heel of the hoof. It is often worn by horses with quarter cracks or bruised feet.

BAT - A jockey's whip.

BATTERY  - A term for an illegal electrical device used by a jockey to stimulate a horse during a race. Also known as a "machine" or "joint."

BAY - A horse color that varies from a yellow-tan to a bright auburn. The mane, tail and lower portion of the legs are always black, except where white markings are present.

BEARING IN or OUT - Deviating from a straight course. May be due to weariness, infirmity, inexperience or the rider overusing the whip or reins to make a horse alter its course.

BELL - Signal sounded when the starter opens the gates or, at some tracks, to mark the close of betting.

BEYER FIGURE or NUMBER  - A handicapping tool, popularized by author Andrew Beyer, assigning a numerical value (speed figure) to each race run by a horse based on final time and track condition. This enables different horses running at different racetracks to be objectively compared.

BIG RED - Refers to either of two famous chestnut-colored horses: Man o' War or Secretariat.

BILL DALY (on the) - Taking a horse to the front at the start and remaining there to the finish. Term stems from "Father Bill" Daly, famous old-time horseman, who developed many great jockeys.

BIT - A stainless steel, rubber or aluminum bar, attached to the bridle, which fits in the horse's mouth and is one of the means by which a jockey exerts guidance and control. The most common racing bit is the D-bit, named because the rings extending from the bar are shaped like the letter "D." Most racing bits are "snaffled," (snaffle bit) which means the metal bar is made up of two pieces, connected in the middle, which leaves it free to swivel. Other bits may be used to correct specific problems, such as bearing in or out.

BLACK - A horse color which is black, including the muzzle, flanks, mane, tail and legs unless white markings are present.

BLACK TYPE - Boldface type, used in sales catalogues, to distinguish horses that have won or placed in a stakes race.

BLANKET FINISH- Horses finishing so closely together they could be covered by a blanket

BLAZE - A generic term describing a large, white vertical marking on a horse's face. The Jockey Club doesn't use blaze, preferring more descriptive words. See snip; star; stripe.

BLEEDER  - A horse that bleeds from the lungs when small capillaries that surround the lungs' air sacs rupture. Blood may be seen coming out of the horse's nostrils, although it is typically discovered by a fiber optic endoscopic examination after exercise. The most common preventative treatment currently available is the use of the diuretic furosemide (Lasix).

BLIND SWITCH - A circumstance in which a rider's actions cause him/her to be impeded during a race.

BLINKERS - A cup-shaped device to limit a horse's vision to prevent him from swerving from objects or other horses on either side of it. Blinker cups come in a variety of sizes and shapes to allow as little or as much vision as the trainer feels is necessary.

BLISTER - Counter-irritant causing acute inflammation used to increase blood supply, blood flow and to promote healing in the leg.

BLOOD PACKING - Withdrawing and refrigerating blood from a racehorse several days before a race. Then re-entering the blood back into the horse the day of the race. Based on the belief that the extra blood will carry more oxygen through out the horse's system during the race.

BLOOD-TYPING - A way to verify a horse's parentage. Blood-typing is usually completed within the first year of a horse's life and is necessary before registration papers will be issued by The Jockey Club.

BLOW OUT - A short, timed workout, usually a day or two before a race, designed to sharpen a horse's speed. Usually three-eighths or one-half of a mile in distance.

BOARD - Short for "tote board," on which odds, betting pools and other information are displayed.

BOBBLE  - A bad step away from the starting gate, usually caused by the track surface breaking away from under a horse's hooves, causing it to duck its head or nearly go to his knees.

BOLT  Sudden veering from a straight course, usually to the outside rail.

BOMBER - A winning horse sent off at extremely high odds.

BONE SPAVIN - Arthritis of the hock joint. A bone spavin that has progressed to the point that the arthritis can be seen externally is called a "Jack spavin."

BOOK  - 1) The group of mares being bred to a stallion in a given year. If a stallion attracts the maximum number of mares allowed by the farm manager, he has a full book. 2) A term used to describe a jockey's riding commitments with his agent: An agent handles a jockey's book.

BOTTOM  - 1) Stamina in a horse. 2) Subsurface of a racing strip.

BOTTOM LINE - A Thoroughbred's breeding on the female side. The lower half of an extended pedigree diagram.

BOUNCE - A poor race run directly following a career-best or near-best performance.

BOWED TENDON - A type of tendonitis. The most common injury to the tendon is a strain or "bowed" tendon, so named because of the appearance of a bow shape due to swelling. The most common site of injury is in the superficial flexor tendon between the knee and the ankle. Despite aggressive treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy and rest, horses commonly re-injure the tendon when they go back into competition.

BOX  - A wagering term denoting a combination bet whereby all possible numeric combinations are covered.

BOXED IN - To be trapped between, behind or inside of other horses.

BREAK - 1) To train a young horse to wear a bridle and saddle, carry a rider and respond to a rider's commands. Almost always done when the horse is a yearling. 2) To leave from the starting gate.

BREAKAGE - In pari-mutuel payoffs, which are rounded down to a nickel or dime, the pennies that are left over. Breakage may be used for any of a number of purposes, depending upon a state's rules of racing.

BREAKDOWN  - When a horse suffers a potentially career-ending injury, usually to the leg: The horse suffered a breakdown. The horse broke down.

BREAK MAIDEN - Horse or rider winning the first race of its career. Also known as "earning a diploma."

BREATHER - Easing off on a horse for a short distance in a race to permit it to conserve or renew its strength.

BRED - 1) A horse is considered to have been bred in the state or country of its birth: Secretariat was a Virginia-bred. 2) The past tense of "breed."

BREEDER  - Owner of the dam at time of foaling unless the dam was under a lease or foal-sharing arrangement at the time of foaling. In that case, the person(s) specified by the terms of the agreement is (are) the breeder(s) of the foal.

BREEZE or BREEZING - Working a horse at a moderate speed, less effort than handily.

BRIDGE JUMPER  - A person who wagers large amounts of money, usually on short-priced horses to show, hoping to realize a small, but certain profit. The term comes from the structure these bettors may seek if they lose.

BROKEN WIND - Abnormality of the upper or lower respiratory tract causing loss of normal air exchange, generally resulting in reduced performance.

BROODMARE  - A filly or mare that has been bred and is used to produce foals.

BRUSH - 1) During a race, two horses who slightly touch each other. 2) Injury that occurs when one hoof strikes the inside of the opposite limb.

BUCKED SHINS - Inflammation of the covering of the bone (periosteum) of the front surface of the cannon bone to which young horses are particularly susceptible. This is primarily a condition of the front legs.

BUG  - the symbol in the Daily Racing form that appears next to an apprentice rider's name.

BUG BOY - An apprentice rider.

BULLET WORK - The best workout time for a particular distance on a given day at a track. From the printer's "bullet" that precedes the time of the workout in listings. Also known as a "black-letter" work in some parts of the country.

BULLRING - A small racetrack, usually less than one mile.

BUTE - Short for phenylbutazone, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication that is legal in many racing jurisdictions. Often known by the trade names Butazolidin and Butazone.

BUY BACK - A horse put through a public auction that did not reach a minimum (reserve) price set by the consignor and so was retained. The consignor must pay a fee to the auction company based on a percentage of the reserve, to cover the auction company's marketing, advertising and other costs.

CALK- Projection bottom of shoe to give horse greater traction, especially on a wet track.

CALL (the)- Running position of horses in a race at various points.

CALLER- One who calls the running positions of horses in a race.

CAPPED HOCK- Injury to hock caused by kicking or rubbing.

CAST- A horse is a cast when he lies down in the stall in such a way that he is too close to the wall, and there is a danger that he may not be able to get up by himself without injury.

CENTER OF DISTRIBUTION- The balance point of speed and stamina influences in a horse's pedigree.

CHALK - Wagering favorite in a race. Dates from the days when on-track bookmakers would write current odds on a chalkboard.

CHALK PLAYER - Bettor who wagers on favorites

CHART- A statistical "picture" of a race (from which past performances are compiled), which shows the position and margin of each horse at designated points of call (depending on distance of the race), age, weight carried, owner, trainer, purse, conditions, pay-off prices, odds, time and other data.

CHECKED- A horse pulled up by his jockey for an instant because he is cut off or in tight quarters.

CHESTNUT- Varies from light, washy yellow to dark liver color, between which comes red, gold and liver shades. A chestnut never has black points, mane or tail.

CHUTE- Extension of backstretch or homestretch to permit straightaway run from start.

CLAIMING- Buying a horse out of race for entered price.

CLAIMING BOX- Box in which claims are deposited before the race.

CLAIMING RACE- Race in which horses are entered subject to claim for a specified price.

CLASSIC- Race of traditional importance. In the U.S. specifically the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont stakes for colts, and Coaching Club American Oaks for fillies.

CLIMBING- A fault in a horse's stride in which, instead of reaching out, his action is abnormally high.

CLOCKER- One who times workouts and races.

CLOSER- A horse who runs best in the latter part of the race, coming from off the pace.

CLUBHOUSE TURN- Generally, the turn closest to the clubhouse.

COLORS- Racing silks-jacket and cap-worn by riders to denote the owner(s) of horse.

COLT- Male horse under 5 years of age.

COMPANY- Class of horses in a race. Members of the field.

CONDITION BOOK- Book issued by racing secretary which sets forth conditions of races to be run.

CONDITION RACE- An event with conditions limiting it to a certain class of horse. Such as: Fillies, 3-year-olds, non-winners of two races other than maiden or claiming, etc.

CONFORMATION- A horse's build and general physical structure; the way he is put together.

CONTRACT RIDER- Jockey under contract to a stable.

COOLING OUT- Restoring a horse, usually by walking, to normal temperature after becoming overheated in a race or workout.

COUPLED- Two or more horses running as an entry in a single betting unit.

CRIBBER (A WIND SUCKER)- A horse who clings to objects with his teeth and sucks air into his stomach.

CUPPY (TRACK)- A surface which breaks away under a horse's hoof.

CUSHION- Surface of track or a layer of the track.

DAILY DOUBLE- Type of wager calling for the selection of winners of two consecutive races, usually the first and second.

DAM- Mother of a Thoroughbred.

DAMSIRE (BROODMARE SIRE)- The sire of a broodmare.

DEAD-HEAT- Two or more horses finishing in an exact tie at the wire.

DERBY - A race strictly for 3 year olds (usually Stakes Race)

DISQUALIFICATION- Change of order of finish by officials for an infraction of the rules.

DISTAFF (DISTAFF RACE)- Female. A race for fillies, mares, or both.

DISTANCED- Well beaten, finishing a great distance behind the winner.

DOGS- Wooden barrier (or rubber traffic cones) placed a certain distance out from the inner rail, to prevent horses during workout period, when track is wet, muddy, soft yielding or heavy, from churning the footing along the rail.

DOSAGE DIAGRAM- A diagram showing the number and placement of chefs-de-race in a horse's pedigree.

DOSAGE INDEX- Mathematical reduction of the Dosage Diagram to a number reflecting a horse's potential for speed or stamina.

DQ- Disqualified.

DRIVING- Strong urging by rider.

DROPDOWN- A horse meeting a lower class of rival than he had been running against.

DWELT- Tardy in breaking from the gate.

EASED- Chart caller's assessment of a horse that is being deliberately slowed by the jockey to prevent injury or harm to the horse.

EASILY- Running or winning without being pressed by rider or opposition.

ECLIPSE AWARD - Thoroughbred racing's year-end awards, honoring the top horses in 11 separate categories; the leading owner, trainer, jockey, apprentice jockey and breeder; as well as members of the media who have demonstrated excellence in their coverage of the sport. Their namesake is Eclipse, the great 18th-century racehorse and sire who was undefeated in 18 career starts and sired the winners of 344 races. Any Eclipse Award winner is referred to as a "champion."

EIGHTH- A furlong; 220 yards; 660 feet.

ELIGIBLE- Qualified to start in a race, according to conditions.

ENGAGEMENT- Stake nomination. Riding commitment.

ENTRY- Two or more horses owned by the same stable or (in some cases) trained by the same trainer and thus running as a single betting unit..

EQUIPMENT- Whip, blinkers, etc. Gear carried by a horse in a race.

EVENLY- Neither gaining nor losing position or distance during a race.

EXACTA (or PERFECTA)- A wager in which the first two finishers in a race, in exact order of finish, must be picked.

EXCUSED- Withdrawal from a race (sometimes on a veterinarian's recommendation) with consent of stewards.

EXERCISE RIDER- Male or female rider who is aboard a horse in the mornings.

EXTENDED- Forced to run at top speed.

FALTERED- Used for a horse that was in contention early and drops back in the late stages. It is more drastic than weakened but less drastic than stopped.

FARRIER- Blacksmith.

FAST TRACK- Footing at best, dry, fast and even.

FEES- Amount paid to rider or the cost of nominating, entering or starting a horse in a stakes race.

FENCE- Sometimes called "outside rail." More properly the barrier between the front of the stands and the racing strip.

FIELD- The horses in a race.

FIELD HORSE (or MUTUEL FIELD)- Two or more starters running as a single betting unit, when there are more entrants than positions on the totalisator board can accommodate.

FILLY- Female horse up to and including the age of 4.

FIRING- Applying a searing instrument, hot iron or electric needle to an injured portion of the leg to promote healing of injury or infirmity.

FIRM- A condition of a turf course corresponding to fast on a dirt track.

FIRST TURN- Bend in the track beyond the starting point.

FLAT RACE- Contested on level ground as opposed to hurdle race or steeplechase.

FLATTEN OUT- When a horse drops his head almost on straight line with body. May indicate exhaustion.

FLOAT- Piece of track equipment dragged over racing strip to squeeze off surface water.

FOAL- Newly born Thoroughbred, or until weaned. Male or female.

FOUNDER- See Laminitis.

FOUR FURLONGS- Half a mile; 880 yards; 2,640 feet.

FRACTIONAL TIME- Intermediate time recorded in a race, as at the quarter, half, three-quarters, etc.

FRESH (FRESHENED)- A rested horse.

FRONT-RUNNER- A horse who usually leads (or tries to lead) the field for as far as he can.

FURLONG- One-eighth of a mile; 220 yards; 660 feet.

GAIT- The ways in which a horse can move-walk, trot, canter, gallop, run, etc.

GALLOP- A type of gait, a fast canter. Also, to ride a horse at that gait.

GATE- Starting mechanism.

GELDING- Castrated male horse.

GET- Progeny of sire.

GOOD BOTTOM- Track that is firm under the surface, which may be sloppy or wet.

GOOD TRACK- Condition between fast and slow.

GRAB A QUARTER- To strike the side of a front foot with a hind foot. This is racetrack jargon that would be expressed more clearly by saying that the horse overstepped or overreached and cut himself.

GRADED RACE - Established in 1973 to classify select stakes races in North America, at the request of European racing authorities, who had set up group races two years earlier. Always denoted with Roman numerals I, II, or III. Capitalized when used in race title (the Grade I Kentucky Derby).

GRADUATE- Winning first time, horse or rider. Also, graduate of the claiming ranks-a horse, that has moved up to allowance, stakes or handicap racing.

GRANDDAM (SECOND DAM)- Grandmother of a horse.

GRANDSIRE- Grandfather of a horse, sire of the horse's dam.

GRAY- A mixture of white and black hairs.

GROOM- A person who cares for a horse in a stable.

GROUP RACE- European equivalent to North American graded races

HALF- Half a mile, four furlongs; 880 yards; 2,640 feet.

HALF-BROTHER, HALF-SISTER- Horses out of the same dam but by different sires.

HALTER- Like a bridle, but lacing a bit. Used in handling horses around the stable and when not being ridden.

HALTER (TO)- To claim a horse.

HAND- Four inches. Unit used in measuring height of horses from withers to ground.

HANDICAP- Race for which a handicapper assigns weights to be carried. Also, to handicap a race, to make selections on the basis of the past performances.

HANDICAPPER- One who assigns weights for handicap race. Also one who makes selections based on past performances.

HANDICAPPING- One who assigns weights for a handica