Glossary Terms
WAGERING TERMS
The name of the game is wagering. Here are some of the wagering terms you might hear at Sam Houston Race Park:
ACROSS THE BOARD
Three equal wagers placed on one horse to win, place and to show.
CLOSING ODDS
The odds displayed on the tote board after wagering closes.
COUPLED
Two or more horses running as an entry in a single betting unit. Example "1 and 1A", "2 and 2B" and so forth.
DAILY DOUBLE
A type of wager calling for the selection of winners of two consecutive races, usually the first and second races, prior to the first race.
HANDICAPPING
The art of evaluating horses' past performances to determine the outcome of a race for selecting the best wagering options.
HANDLE
The total amount of money wagered in the pari-mutuel on a race, a program, a meeting, or a year.
MORNING LINE
The track handicappers' estimate of the probable payoffs for each horse at post time.
ODDS-ON
Odds that are less than even money ($1 to $1)
PARI-MUTUEL
The wagering format which allows players to compete against each other ("among ourselves") rather than against the track.
PARLAY
A wagering technique whereby the bettor reinvests the proceeds from a wager in one race into another race or races.
PAST PERFORMACES
A compilation in Daily Racing Form of a horse's record, including all pertinent data, as a basis for handicapping.
POOL
The total amount of money wagered on any one type of wager (win, show, exacta pools, etc.)
TOTALISATOR (TOTE)
The system of computers and electronic components tied to the pari-mutuel ticket issuing machines that calculates the odds to $1 and computes the various winning payoffs.
TOTE BOARD
An electronic board displaying approximate odds, amount wagered, track condition, post time, time of day, results of race, running time and payoff prices.
WHEEL
The betting term in which one horse is selected to finish in a certain position with several other horses in the remaining positions. To make an exotic wager (e.g. exacta or daily double) using a single "key" horse with the balance of the field (in the case of an exacta) or all the horses in the other race (in the case of a daily double).
HORSE RACING TERMS
ALLOWANCE RACE
A race other than claiming for which the racing secretary drafts certain conditions to determine weights.
APPRENTICE
Rookie jockey who is allowed a reduced weight as they gain experience. Often referred to as a "bug boy".
CLAIMING RACE
Race in which horses are entered subject to claim for a specified price.
GRADED RACE
Races designated as the most prestigious in the United Stated and Canada (Grade I, Grade II, Grade III).
INQUIRY
Reviewing the race to check into a possible infraction of the rules.
MAIDEN RACE
A race for non winners.
OBJECTION
Claim of foul lodged by rider, patrol judge or other official.
POST PARADE
Horses going from paddock to starting gate past the stands.
PURSE
The total prize money awarded in a race, usually among the top five finishers.
STAKES RACE
Highest class of race, reserved for the best horses. Owners have to pay an entry fee or "stake" for these races.
DIRT TRACK CONDITIONS
FAST
A track that is completely dry and at optimal efficiency.
SLOPPY
A track that continues to accumulate moisture during or immediately after a heavy rain, which begins to seep into the base. The base is still solid, but the surface water is evident.
MUDDY
A track whose base has been permeated by moisture. Times are somewhat slower, and running tires the horses more.
SLOW
A track surface that has begun to dry out. The base is still soft, but surface drying is evident. Times are generally slower than normal.
GOOD
The track's drying out process continues, and some flying dust is evident. Times improve and the track is approaching a Fast condition.
TURF TRACK CONDITIONS
FIRM
A turf course that is completely dry and at optimal efficiency (equivalent to Fast on a dirt track.)
YIELDING
A track surface with some moisture that creates a softer surface on which the horses run. Many European imports prefer a softer track like this for their optimal performance.
SOFT
A turf course becomes boggy (spongy) after prolonged rain. Horses' hooves sink in and dig up the course, and times are considerably slower.
EQUIPMENT & MEDICATION
BANDAGES
Wrappings used on a horse's legs to protect them from injury.
BIT
Metal bar in horse's mouth to which reins are attached by which the horse is guided and controlled.
BLINKERS
Eye cups attached to a hood to limit a horse's side vision and prevent distraction.
BRIDLE
Piece of equipment placed on the horse's head used by the jockey to steer and control the horse. The bit is part of this equipment.
BUTE
A horse medication allowed in many race jurisdictions that is used to control inflammation.
COLORS (SILKS)
Distinctively patterned and colored jacket and cap worn by the jockey to identify the horse's owner.
HALTER
A piece of equipment placed on a horse's head, similar to a bridle but lacking a bit and reins, used in handling horses around the stable and when not being ridden. A long leather shank is attached to the halter for walking the horse.
IRONS
A term commonly used for the rider's stirrups.
LASIX
A horse medication allowed in many race jurisdictions that is used to control bleeding, a condition which occurs when tiny blood vessels in a horse's respiratory system are damaged by exertion.
TACK
Equipment used for riding a horse, i.e. saddle, bridle, blinkers, whip, irons, etc.
TONGUE STRAP
Strap or cloth bandage used to tie down a horse's tongue to prevent him from swallowing it, or to place the tongue over the bit in a race or workout.
