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Backside
Slang for the stable area, typically located on the ‘back’ portion of the track.
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Backstretch
The straight part of the track opposite of the finish line.
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Field
Term for all the horses in the race.
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Inquiry
An official review by the racing stewards to determine if there was a foul in the race.
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Length
A term used to describe the distance between horses in a race. One length is about 8’ feet (or the length of a horse from nose to tail).
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MTP / Minutes to Post
Minutes to Post is simply the number of minutes until the next race. You can find this on the toteboard or bigscreen list as MTP.
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Morning Line
Odds set before wagering opens as an approximation of where the odds will ultimately end up.
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Mutuel Teller
Racing term for a bet taker.
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Objection
A claim of foul lodged by a jockey, trainer or owner alleging another horse of wrong-doing in the race.
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Paddock
Location where the horses get saddled and ready for the race.
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Pool
The total money bet into a single wagering opportunity, i.e. the Win Pool
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Post Position
The position of the stall in the starting gate from which a horse starts.
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Post Parade
The term used to describe the horses walking from the paddock to the track and in front of the grandstand crowd.
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Photo Finish
A result that is close enough to require a review using a finish line camera.
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Purse
The prize money the horses, owners, trainers and jockeys are racing for.
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Saddle Towel
The cloth under the saddle that indicates the number of the horse.
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Sam Machine
A Self Service wagering machine.
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Scratch
A horse eliminated from a race prior to the race being run.
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Silks
The jacket and cap worn by jockeys which designate the owner of the horse.
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Stretch / Stretch Run
The final straight away on the racetrack.
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Tote Board
The toteboard is the infield digital board where the odds are displayed for the next race along with payouts from the previous race.
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Turf Course
A grass covered course.
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Wire
Slang for the Finish Line.