Harness Racing 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 desexed 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Scratch - A horse who is withdrawn before the race starts.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.
Place a bet on your favorite horse now!
Related Articles
SPORTS BETTING TIPS
Sports betting is a game of skill. Find out how to gather and analyze data, weigh probabilities, and compare your opinion with the oddsmaker... read more »
RACEBOOK TIPS
Professional bookmaking for horseracing emerged in England during the 1800's. During this period, bookmaking was conducted by various individuals. Regulation as we know it did not exist... read more »