History > How to Bet > FAQ's > Glossary of Terms
MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Welcome
Welcome to Standardbred racing. The object in a horse race is
the same as in any other race – to see who can get to
the finish line first. There is more to know about harness
racing, however, and the following information will help you
appreciate the action on the track.
Questions Frequently Asked
Today’s harness horse is a thoroughly pedigreed animal
originally called a Standardbred because the horse had to race
a certain “standard” of speed. This standard, similar
to “par” in golf, is steadily decreasing time-wise
as improving breeding methods and better tracks are producing
faster horses.
What is meant by Gait?
Gait refers to the methods of locomotion particular to the harness
horse – Trotting or Pacing.
What is a Trotter?
It is a harness horse with diagonally gaited motion, often with
the high front knee action. His left front and right rear legs
move forward almost simultaneously, then the right front and
left rear legs.
What is a Pacer?
It is a harness horse that moves both right legs forward in unison
and then both left legs, piston-like movement, which is often
called a lateral gait. Most pacers wear hopples, leather or
plastic straps, connecting front and rear legs on the same
side to encourage the two legs to move in unison.
What is a Break?
A break occurs when a trotter or pacer goes off its gait and
resorts to galloping. When this happens in a race, the driver
has to attempt to take the horse to the outside clear of other
horses and pull the horse to its proper stride.
Why does a horse break?
Horses sometimes break as they approach the starting gate. They
may approach too quickly and roll into a break as they are
restrained by the driver. They may also approach too slowly
and may make a misstep in an effort to catch up to the accelerating
vehicle. Usually the driver is able to get the horse back on
stride and in position before the starting gate reaches the
Fair Start Pole. A horse may make a tired break when pushed
beyond its ability, often in the last quarter mile. Interference
by another horse or racing bike or hitting a hoof against a
leg may also cause a horse to break. A piece of paper or program
thoughtlessly dropped on the track, or blowing across the path
of a moving animal may also cause it to break stride.
Is a horse breaking stride penalized?
A breaking horse must lose ground. When back into stride he must
try and get back into the race. A break does not disqualify
him if the driver restrains him properly. However, if another
horse is “lapped one” a breaking horse at the finish
line, the breaking horse is automatically set back in official
standing behind the horse or horses which are “lapped
on” provided those horses are on gait.
What does “lapped on” mean?
A horse is said to be “lapped on” another at the
wire when its nose is opposite of at least the hind quarter of
the horses ahead.
What are the two types of carts used in Harness Racing?
One is a long-shafted training cart, called a jog cart, used
in warm-ups, and the other is a lighter racing bike, also known
as a sulky. A sulky or racing bike is a light, well-balanced
rig with bicycle-type tires in the pre-race warm-up mile. Its
weight averages between 35 to 40 pounds and costs about $1000
or more, depending on style and quality.
Why do some horses wear a stick or pole against their heads?
A head pole is used on some horses to keep the head straight,
particularly in turns, during a race. It prevents a horse from
turning its head from the side opposite to that on which the
pole is worn.
Why do horses wear “Straps” around their
legs?
These are called hopples (pronounced hobble) and are used on
pacers and also on trotters to ensure that the right front
and rear legs move forward and backward together, and similarly
that the left front and the rear legs move in unison.
What are the pads on the legs of some horses?
These are called “boots” and are worn in different
areas such as the quarter, the skin, the knee or the elbow. They
are worn to protect the legs from injury if struck by the steel
or aluminum shoes worn by the race horse.
Do Trotters and Pacers wear the same type of shoes?
No. The Trotter usually wears a heavier shoe that weights from
8 to 10 ounces. The pacer’s shoe averages about 5 ounces.
How often does a horse race?
Usually once a week is considered ideal and most trainers try
to give a minimum of four days between races.
How is Post Position determined?
By luck of computerized draw.
What is the Starting Gate and why is it used?
The starting gate is required at all racetracks where pari-mutuel
racing is conducted and the mobile starting gate has revolutionized
the sport of harness racing. The aim of the starter is to have
all horses get away from the starting line in position and
on gait.
What is a “Recall” or “Re-Start”?
The starter sounds a recall only if a horse scores (starts) ahead
of the gate, or if there is interference, broken equipment,
or a horse falls.