How to: Talk the talk when you're on course - Part 1

There is heaps of jargon used in racing and it can be intimidating on course as a newbie if you don’t understand much of it – many of us have been there!

Here are a few terms to help you talk the talk and figure out what’s happening when you are at the races.

ACTION: A horse’s manner of moving.

BACKUP: To race a horse soon after its last race.

BARRIER: The positions in the starting stall that the runners start the race from.

BIRDCAGE: The area where the runners gather for viewing before and after the race.

BIT: A stainless steel, rubber or aluminium bar, attached to the bridle, which fits in the horse’s mouth and is one of the means by which a jockey exerts guidance and control.

BLACK TYPE: Thoroughbred sale catalogues use boldface type to highlight horses that have won or placed in a stakes race e.g. Group 1, 2, 3 or Listed

BOXED IN: A horse that is racing on the rails (or fence) and is surrounded by other horses in front, outside and behind it. A horse that is boxed in is held up and unable to gain a clear passage.

BRIDLE: A piece of equipment usually made of leather or nylon, which fits on a horse’s head and is where other equipment, such as a bit and the reins, are attached.