Horse race is a term that has been used for centuries in reference to close competition in various forms of racing. From chariot races to modern day thoroughbred contests, horse racing continues to entrance spectators and entice bettors alike with its elegance and spectacle. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned fan, there is a lot to learn about horse races and the equine world.
The most important part of the horse race is not so much the contest itself but rather the rules and customs that accompany it. A good understanding of these terms can help make the betting process easier for bettors and can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
One of the most common terms is ‘point’ and refers to the position in a race where a horse is expected to finish. Points are based on the horse’s record and current standing in a certain group of horses, which can be influenced by a variety of factors. The point system is a very complex and sometimes unforgiving one. It can take years for a horse to gain enough points to qualify for a certain race and even then there are many other things that have to fall into place for the horse to run in its intended spot.
A horse that is ‘pointing’ for a certain spot in a race will have had specific training programs developed to prepare it for this type of competition. Trainers will usually have a number of races lined up for the horse and they will work to get the horse into the best race for its current standing and level of fitness. However, when a race does not fill up or an extra race is added to the card it can throw off the original plans in a heartbeat. This can be a huge frustration for owners who have made travel arrangements and other preparations for their horses to run on a particular date.
The word ‘blinker’ is often used to describe a device placed on a horse’s head that restricts the horses vision. This is commonly used to keep the horse focused on the task at hand and reduce distractions.
The word ‘blunder’ is another very common track term that is used to describe a bad race. It can be caused by anything from a horse having a bad trip to the track being muddy or sloppy.