Across the board: A bet on a horse to win, place and show. If the horse wins, the player collects three ways; if second, two ways; and if third, one way, losing the win and place bets. Actually, it's three wagers.
Action: A horse's manner of moving or a term meaning wagering. For example, "The horse took a lot of action."
Acupressure: Utilizing stimulation on acupuncture points to treat an animal.
Acupuncture: A centuries-old means of treating an animal or human through the use of needles, electrical current or moxibustion (heat and herbs) to stimulate or realign the body's electrical fields.
Added money: Money added to the purse of a race by the racing association or other fund to the amount paid by owners in nomination, eligibility, entry and starting fees. For example, "The $1 million-added Kentucky Derby."
Added weight: A horse carrying more weight than the conditions of the race require, usually because the jockey exceeds the stated limit.
Adequan: Brand name for polysulfated glycosaminoglycan, used in the treatment of certain arthritic conditions.
Age: All thoroughbreds celebrate their birthday on Jan. 1.
Agent: A person empowered to transact business for a stable owner or jockey, or empowered to sell or buy horses for an owner or breeder.
Airing: Not running at best speed in a race.
All-age race: A contest for 2-year-olds and up.
All out: When a horse extends itself to the utmost.
Allowance race: A contest for which the racing secretary drafts certain conditions to determine what weights will be carried based on the horse's age, sex and/or past performances.
Allowances: Reductions in weights allowed because of race conditions or an apprentice rider. It's also a weight reduction female horses are entitled to when going against males or that 3-year-olds receive against older horses.
Allowed to settle: When a horse is unhurried during early stages of a race and allowed to gain his best stride.
Also eligible: A horse officially entered in a race, but not permitted to start unless the field is reduced by scratches below a specified number.
Altered course: Used during running of a race when a horse changes paths, generally in the stretch run.
Angled in (out): When the rider on an unimpeded horse elects to alter his mount's running path inside to avoid potential congestion, generally a gradual move when the animal enters stretch; when jockey alters his mount's running path outside to avoid potential congestion, generally when horse enters stretch.
Angular limb deformity: A limb not conformed correctly because of developmental problems in angles of the joints.
Anhydrosis: Inability to sweat in response to work output or increases in body temperature. Also known as a "non-sweater." Most are athletic horses though frequently the condition appears in those sent out to pasture. Most commonly occurs when both the temperature and humidity are high.
Anterior: Toward the front.
Anterior enteritis: Acute inflammation of the small intestine producing signs of abdominal distress such as colic and diarrhea.
Apprentice: Jockey who has not ridden a certain number of winners within a specified period of time. Also known as a "bug," from the asterisk used to denote the weight allowance such riders receive.
Apprentice allowance: Weight concession given to an apprentice rider: usually 10 pounds until the fifth winner, seven pounds until the 35th winner and five pounds for one calendar year from the 35th winner. More rarely, a three-pound allowance is allowed to a rider under contract to a specific stable/owner for two years from his/her first win.
Apron: Usually paved area between the grandstand and racing surface.
Arthritis: Inflammation of a joint. An increase in the amount of synovial fluid in the joint is a result of this inflammation. Accumulation of synovial fluid in the fetlock joint is called a "wind puff" or "wind gall." In young horses, a swelling in the fetlock joint, particularly on the front of the joint where the cannon and long pastern bones meet, is called a "green osselet."
Arthroscope: A tiny tube of lenses used to view areas inside a joint; it's usually attached to a small video camera.
Arthroscopic surgery: Utilizing an arthroscope to perform surgery, eliminating the need to open the joint with a large incision to view damaged area.
Articular cartilage: It covers the ends of bones where they meet in a joint.
Artificial breeding: Includes artificial insemination or embryo transfer (transplants).
Arytenoid cartilages: Triangular cartilages in the upper part of the entrance to the larynx. Movements of the arytenoid cartilages control diameter of the laryngeal opening.
As rider pleased: When a horse clinches the win and the margin of victory is determined by the amount of pressure exerted by the rider.
Assumed command: When a horse gains the lead at any point during the race.
Ataxia: Loss or failure of muscular coordination.
Atrophy: To waste away, usually describing muscles.
Attempted to wheel: When a horse ducks either in or out sharply and crosses over at least three stall lengths in front of the starting gate, then is straightened away, usually behind rest of field.
Auxiliary starting gate: A second starting gate used when the amount of horses in a race exceeds the capacity of the main starting gate.
Average-Earnings Index (AEI): A breeding statistic that compares racing earnings of a stallion or a mare's foals to those of all other foals racing at that time. An AEI of 1.00 is considered average, 2.00 is twice the average, 0.50 half the average, etc.
Away alertly: When a horse breaks much quicker than the rest of the field; term interchangeable with broke alertly.
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Here are some other handy links to the major races that you may fine valuable through out the year. We also have updated event pages for all major races. Check out our home page on the left navigation bar under the handicapping resources section during all major horse racing events. (Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes and Breeders Cup)
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