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PICTION AL W
GLOSSARY OF RACING
Also,a brief description of the Diseases -and Blemishes to which Race- horses are most liable, by
Pe 1.5, Cattanach, vs.
REPRINTED FROM
“KRIK’S GUIDE, TO UME ae
Po Wo 3s ey
f. ~ ee AND/ (PUBL ISHED BY H. G."CRIGKMOR 1s WitH ‘“‘THE WORLD,” 35 PARK Row,
NEW YORK.
™ A Po Z € B
Entered according to Act of Corgress, in the year 1880, by H. G. CRICKMORE, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D.C.
New Yorxk: PRESS OF ROGERS & SHERWOOD, 2I AND 23 BARCLAY ST.
DICTIONARY OR GLOSSARY.
RACING TERMS AND SLANG.
[COMPILED EXPRESSLY FOR ‘“‘ KRIK’S GUIDE TO THE TURF.”’]
*¢ Added to the List.°’—A euphuism used by sporting writers implying that a horse has been gelded. The expression is a contraction of *‘ added to the list of geldings.”’
Aged.—An “aged”’ horse is one over. six years old, though for practical purposes horses ‘‘six and-aged”’ are usually classed together. Ageis almost invariably reckoned from the 1st of January in the year in which the horse is foaled, although some clubs, notably the Savannah and South Carolina Jockey Clubs, yet date from the 1st of May. .
Allowances.—Certain reductions in weight below the fixed standard, as ‘“‘maiden allowances”’ to non-winners, “ sell- ing allowances” to horses entered for selling races to be sold at prices less than the maximum named in the conditions ‘:al- lowanees for sex’’ to mares and geldings, ete There may be special allowances, as for horses not maidens, but not winners of important or valuable races, or for hor-es bred in a certain district, or of inferior breeding, or for gentlemen riders in races open also to jockeys. There are naturally no allowances in a handicap.
** All to pieces.°’—Utterly, excessively, ‘‘he beat him all to pieces ”—surpassed him exceedingly. ‘‘Gone all to pieces ”’ is much in use as expressing want of form, or decadence.
Back.—To support by money a favorable opinion of a horse’s chances for a race or place.
Back-End.—That portion of the year’s racing which takes place during October and November.
Backer.—The supporter by money of the chances of any horse as distinguished from the bookmaker who lays against them.
Balk.—A balky horse is one that through stubbornness re- fuses to go. In hurdle-racing or steeplechasing ‘‘balk”’ is used synonymously with “ refuse, ” though properly a horse is ‘‘palked’’ at a leap by outside interference only.
2 Dictionary or Glossary.
*¢ Bar.’’—“< Except ’’—thus, in the betting-ring the offer “2 +0 1 bar one’’ indicates willingness to lay 2 to 1 against any norse in the field except one.
Barney.—An unfair race of any kind ; a ‘‘sell’’ or “‘ cross.”
Beat.— Dead beat; wholly worn out; “done up.”
Best.—To get the better of a man in any way—not neces- sarily to cheat. ‘‘ Bested.’’—Taken in or defrauded, in reality worsted. (A low betting cheat or a fraudulent bookmaker is sometimes called a bester.)
Betting Round.—Laying fairly and equally against nearly all the horses in a race so that no great risk can be run.
Biennial.—A race run in two successive years, the horses being entered to compete (usually at two and three years) at the same place, but over courses of different lengths.
Bolt.—A horse “bolts ’’ when he swerves out of the regular course or turns away from a leap through temper or fatigue.
Boek.—An arrangement of bets against the horses in any race. The principle of making a book or “betting round,’ is to lay a previously determined sum against every horse in the race, or as many horses as possible; and should the bookmaker “ get round ’’—7. e , succeed in laying against as many horses as will more than balance the odds laid—he is certain to be a winner. The bookmaker is distinguished from the backer by its being his particular business to bet against horses, or to lay, while the backer stands by the chance of a horse, or the chances of a set of horses about which he supposes himself to be possessed of special information. A bookmaker rarely backs horses for his own particular fancy. He my put a trifle on an animal about which he has been told something, but as a rule if a bookmaker takes a special fancy to a certain horse, he lets him ‘“‘run for the book ’’—. e., does not lay against him. When a bockmaker backs a horse in the course of his regular busi- ness, it is because he has laid too much against him and finds it convenient to share the risk with other bookmakers.
Bore.—To swerve in upon acompeting horse so as, by hin- dering his jockey from using his whip, or threatening to crowd him against the rails, to impede him.
Bottom.—Stamina—able to endure a great strain. When a horse is spoken of as having “‘ plenty of bottom,” it means that he can run long and repeating races without being distressed, although he may lack great speed, and fail over short courses.
Break Away-.—A horse breaks away when in a false start
he gets beyond the control of rider and starter. He is also said to break away when he instantly assumes a commanding lead at a great pace, whether intentionally or agaist his rider’s will. Breezing.—A figurative expression for giving a horse fast work without actually extending him as inarace. Some say that “ breezing ’’ is a mispronunciation of breathing. A breath- ing pace is mentioned by Darvill.
Buallfinch.—A large thick hedge, difficult alike to jump o* burst through, They are very rare in the United States,
Racing Terms and Slanq. 3
Bungle.—To take a leap clumsily.
Burster.—To get a fallso severe as to lose all chances in the race.
Carom.—‘‘Cannon.'’ A horse caroms on another when during a race he jostles against him with such force as to knock him out of his stride and interfere with his chance of winning. When such ar accident happens, the rider of the horse to blame is sometimes charged with “ foul riding,” but as often as not no charges are made, especially by jockeys that are at all intimate with each other, unless the accident caused the loss of the race and the winner benefited by it.
Cast Off.—‘‘Cast out’’—a horse of supposed inferior quality sold from a large stud or stable.
Catch-et.—A bet made for the purpose of entrapping the
unwary. Catch-Weight.—A weight left to the option of the owner of a horse, who naturally puts up the lightest weight possible.
Century.—A hundred dollar bill.
Chalienge.—To dispute the lead with determination at a critical stage of a race. Itis nota challenge when the leader resigns without an effort, or when the second horse goes up to the leader to ‘‘ feel’? him and then drops back to second place satisfied of his superiority.
Clerk of the Course.—The official who weighs the jockeys before and after the race, looks after the hoisting of the numbers of the starters, sees that the numbers of the first, second, and third horses are displayed immediately after its conclusion, records the time of the race, collects the entrance money, and in fact does allthe hard work requisite for a suc- cessful race meeting.
Clover.—In happiness, luck, a delightful position. Among betting men, he who arranged his wagers so satisfactorily be- fore an event that he cannot possibly lose and may win a good deal, is said to be ‘-in clover;’’ a phrase which is sometimes varied by the phrase ‘“‘ he stands on velvet.”
Uelila~.—To challenge successfully a leading horse—. ¢., to get on even terms with him.
Colors.—The jacket and cap of a jockey are known as his owner's colors. The rule says: ‘‘ All riders must be dressed in jockey costume—cap and jacket of silk or satin, breeches of
-white cords, fiannel or buckskin, and top-boots.”’
Colt.—A male horse is called a colt until he has passed through his fourth year. Some writers, however, call a four- year-old a “horse.”’
Combinations.—Bets involving the results of two or more races. ;
Tome.—To make a decided effort, displaying marked speed. “To come again *’ is to renew the effort after an apparent fail- ure. To come through—to work a passage through the field in order to challenge the leaders, or to rapidly pass inferior animals
4 Dictionary or Glossary.
hitherto running in front, though in the latter case to “run through his horses” is in better taste. ‘‘To come too soon” or “ To come too late’’ indicates lack of judgment by the rider. If ‘too soon’’ the chance of winning was lost by the horse tiring before reaching the winning post. If ‘too late’’ there was not sufficient distance to be run in which to develop the superior strength or speed of the horse as against some other horse or horses in the race that were ridden with better judg- ment. It is certainly a fine point, and requires that a jockey shall not only be a keen judge of pace, but that he shall know not only what his own, but what every horse in the same race can do.
; Com pound.—To give way when challenged ; to collapse; O fail.
Confederacy.—Several gentlemen associated in the owner- ship of astable are sometimes called a ‘‘ confederacy,’ as in the case of the McDaniel confederacy.
Consolation (or Besten) Race.—A race arranged for non-winners at a meeting, usually the last upon the pro- gramme, and run at handicap weights, or with liberal allow- ances for repeated defeats.
‘Coventry .—“ To send a man to Coventry ’’—not to speak or to notice him. By no means confined to racing, but familiar in all literature.
Crack.—<“‘ Cracks.” A favorite horse, or the supposed cham- pion of astable, or a horse of high quality. ‘‘To crack’’ ina race is for a horse to give way and fall behind when challenged.
Cropper.—A heavy fall. “To come a cropper” is to fall badly.
Crose.—A deception. A cross is an arrangement made be- tween two men that the horse of one shall win or lose without reference to merits. The term “to cross” is also used when one horse crosses in front of another in a race without having gained the sufficient lead prescribedin the rules, socomp-lling the horse crossed to shorten its stride. [See Rule 50 A.J. C. English Racing Rule, No. 33, requires “ two clear lengths.”
°Cross-Country.—Steeplechases are often spoken of as ’ceross-country evenis.
Yup Horse.—A horse of sufficient speed and stoutness to compete for cups or important prizes run at weight for age over long courses. There are handicap ‘‘cups’”’ but, properly, winning acup implies championship obtained on merit, not through accommodation of weights, so as to favor the chances of inferior animals. Nearly all the ‘‘ cup ” races in tie United States are weight-for-age events, ¢ e., without penalties, or allowances, or both, such as the Louisville Cup, or Westchester Cup. In England it is nearly the reverse; for instance, starters for the Goodwood, Brighton, and Doncaster Cups have, if win- ners of great races, to carry penalties, while non-winners take the benefit of certain allowances, the mos! important weight- for-age Cup being the Gold Cup, at Ascct.
Racing Terms and Slang. 3)
Cut Down.—To strike into the lezs of a competing horse so as toinjure him. Also to take the lead decisively from an inferior animal that has previously been indulged with it.
Cut Loose or *“* Come away From.’’—To leave be- hind a defeated horse, or a field of inferior horses.
Daisy Cutter.—A horse that trots or gallops without lift- ing its feet much from the ground.
Davk.—A “ dark horse’”’ isahorse of whom nothing positive is known, but who is generally supposed to have claims to the consideration cf all interested, whether bookmakers or backers.
Dash.—A race decided at the first essay, and not run in heats. -
Dead Amiss.—A horse is said to be “dead amiss” that from illness is utterly unable to run.
Dead Beat.—tUtterly exhausted.
Dead Heat.—When two horses reach the winning post so exactly equal that the judge cannot place one before another, itis called a dead heat, because itis a heat which counts for nothing so far as the even runners are concerned, as it has to be run over again. When a race between the dead heaters has been unusually severe, or when the stake is a large one, the owners sometimes agree to divide the money. In such cases all bets and pools are divided in the same proportion as the stakes are divided. When the dead heat is run off, the second essay is called the deciding heat, though on some occasions even the decider has resulted in a dead heat.
Dead °Un —A horse which wili not run, or is not meant, or has no chance for the race, and against which money may be betted with safety.
Deelared Off.—When bets are declared void by the judges by reason of iraudulent practices, or otherwise, they are said to have been “ declared off.’’
Declare Out OFf.—To withdraw from a race at an early date, thus securing the advantage of immunity from forfeit, or a minimum forfeit.
Declare to Win.—To publicly announce the intention of winning with a particular horse of several engaged in the same race. Through preference for the horse, or to avoid incurring a penalty for its stable companion, or because it suits his book, an owner may elect to win with an inferior animal. Where the bettine is on or against the entries of any owner and not on or against the individual horses a declaration is not necessary, and even in England it is commonly regarded as an annoyin2 super- fluity, for (asin the Duke of Hamilton’s case at Goodwood in 1878) a much inferior and unnoticed horse may just before the start be ‘‘declared’’ and his better and freely backed stable companion be pulled up to let him in, or an unscrupulous owner, to deceive the simple. may declare to win with one horse while ‘“‘meaning ”’ another.
Oe Dictionary or Glossary.
Distance.—in heat races a point which defeated horse must have passed at the moment the winner of the heat reache§ the winning post in order to qualify themselves for starting in the succeeding heat. The object is to compel all the horses to do their best. Were it not for such a rule some one or more of the contestants would “lay up the heat’? and then in the second heat be comparatively fresh and better able to beat the horse who had run its best in the first heat. Even asit is, itis not uncommon for a horse to be kept so wellin hani that “it just saves its distance ’”’ and is thus in a better condition to run in the second or subsequent heats, although it is not customary to distance a horse in a deciding heat, after two heats shall have been run, in a race best two heats in three or best three heats in five. The distance in races of mile heats is usually 40 yards; for two-mile heats, 50 yards; for three-mile heats, 60 yards, and four-mile heats, 80 yards. Some clubs, however, make the distance some ten or more yards longer. In England a distance is 240 yards, but the term, owing to the fact that heat races are no longer run, is nearly obsolete. In France, where the rules still recognize them, although they are rarely run, a distance is 100 metres (108% yds.), whatever may be the length of the race.
Distance Judges.—In races of heats one or more judges occupy a stand at the distance post. When the first horse reaches the winning post one of the judges there drops a flag, which action is immediately followed by the distance judge, who notes what horses have not reached that point. If any have so failed they are reported as “ distanced ’’ and cannot again start in the race. It is sometimes said that such and such a horse was “shut out,” or was ‘“‘ outside the flag,,”’ or “‘caught the flag,” or ‘‘ failed to save its distance,” or “had the flag fall in its face,” all of which mean that it was distanced.
Distance, Out of His.—A horse lying out of his distance during the running of a race is one that—commonly through his rider’s fault—is so far behind that he cannot hope to close the gap at the finish. é
Dollars to Cents.—Long odds in favor of or against any- thing under notice. ‘A guinea to a goose,” or ‘All Lombard street to a China orange,’’ are often usedin England to express the same meaning.
Double Cross.—A cross in which a man who has engaged to lose breaks his engagement and ‘‘gocs straight” at the last moment. This proceeding is called ‘‘ doubling”’ or “ putting ’’ the double on. (See Cross.]
Double Event.—To bet on a double event is to wager about two different races which must both be won by the horse (or horses) indicated for the wagerer to win his stake. Under betting rules, both in the United States and England all such bets are “play or pay.” *“‘But if the first event terminates in a dead heat, and the stakes or purse are equally divided, orif a match be off on equal terms, the bet is off, and the contract is at an end, without reference to the future events, which were contingent.’”’—Admiral Rous on the Laws and Practice of Horse- Racing.
Racing Terms and Slang. 7
Draft.—A lot of—usually—inferior animals selected from a stud or stable for sale.
Drawn _,—in training parlance a horse is said to have been “drawn” that has emptied itself after feeding the night before the race. Buta limited amount of food being allowed on the morning of a race.
Drop.—To “drop’”’ money on 4 race is to lose on it.
Daffer.—A term applied both to men and horses that are not at all reliable.
Kat His Head Off.—A horse that is kept idle in the stable is said to ‘‘ eat his head off.’’
End to End.—A race run from end to end is one resol- utely contested from start to finish—to force the running from start to finish.
Kugagements.—A horse entered for anumber of stake races is said to be well ‘‘ engaged.’ When a horse is sold ** with his engagements’ the buyer takes the responsibility of keep- ing them, or paying the forfeits incurred. When a good horse is well engaged his value is materially increased, the supposi- tion being that he can win some of his “‘ engagements,” as in the case of the three-year-old Ferncliffe, sold for $4,800.
Entrance Money.—The amount paid by owners of horses to run in purse races, which at Jerome Park and elsewhere in the Hast is 5 per cent. of the value of the purse, the total amount of which goes to the owner of the se ond horse.
False Start.—An attempt to begin arace considered by the starter unfair to some of the horses.
Havorite.—The horse that has the lowest odds laid against it in the betting-list or that sells for the highest choice in the pools. When the favorite wins, the public or backers of horses are generally the gainers. When an outsider wins, the book- makers are the gainers.
Featherweight.—The lightest fixed weight known in the regular schedule of weights is 75 pounds. In old handicaps and some modern matches the note ‘‘a feather,” will be found against a horse meaning that he was thought so inferior that the owner might place on him the lightest jockey he could find, like Red Deer’s 56-pound jockey at Chester in 1844. A race where all could carry ‘feathers’? would be a race at “ catch- weights.”
EField.—The whole of the starters in arace. In betting, the mass of the horses as opposed to the favorites. ‘The field for a pony ’’ means that the offerer will lay $25 against the favor- ite, preferring the chances of a winner turning up among the others. ‘‘Ten to oneon the field’’ means that the price named can be obtained about any horse in the race, that being the low- est figure on the favorite’s price. Laying against favorites is called ‘fielding,’ and bookmakers are often known as fielders. In the United States the ground enclosed by the track is called the field.
Filly.—A horse of the female sex is known as a filly until
8 Dictionary or Glossary.
she has passed through her fourth year, though some writers use mare for a female four year-old.
Finish.—The conclusion of a race—in reality that part where two or more horses make their final struggle for victory,
First or Second.—The winner of a race and the horse de- clared to be immediately behind the winner. Much of the ‘place betting ’’ in the United States is that a horse will be first or second. :
Wixed.—A horse is said to have been fixed when he has by any means been put in such a condition that he cannot win— being poisoned, or lamed, or given a pail of water befere running.
Fluke.—A race is said to have been ‘‘ won bya fluke’ when the result is purely accidental.
‘Following.—Wagering upon the representatives of a fan- cied stable or the mounts of a favorite jockey without partic- ular regard to the betting market.
Forestalled.—An owner whose horse has been backed - by the public before the owner has bet his moneyis said to be *+ forestalled.”’
Forfeit.—A portion of a horse’s entrance stake in a match - or race, by paying which, possibly under certain conditions as to time, his owner, not desiring to start him,is released from responsibility for the larger sum. The iorfeit is generally about one half of the stake. In great handicaps it is customary to have two forfeits, a small one for horses ‘‘declared out ’’ soon after the publieation of the weights, and a larger one for horses left in but not brought to the post. A race where no forfeit is provided for is called a play or pay race—abbreviated p. p.
Form.—‘‘In good form” or ‘‘in bad form” refers toa horse’s condition of health and fitness for a race or series of races in which he may be about to take part.
Foul Riding.— Riding contrary to the rules of fair play. such as refusing to let a competitor pass, boring him against the rails, crossing him without having gained a sufficient lead, etc. Some jockeys are great adepts at this work and are invaiuable to a confederacy as a means not so much of attaining vic- tory themselves as of preventing its attainment by others. When ptoof is given that such riding was accidental, it is not allowable to punish the jockey, unless manifestly care- less, though if the race was won by such means it is obli- gatory to disqualify the horse and declare the second the winner. But if the foul was intentional, judges usually suspend or rule the jockey off the course for a certain period. ‘Pulling a horse’’ so as to prevent his wirning is also called foul riding, and is an offence punishable on investigation and proof by expulsion of the guilty persons from the track for life (or until the association on whose track the foul took place sees fit to reinstate them); and which punishment is invariably sustained by all other regularly organized associations.
Free Handicap.—A free handicap is a handicap race in which an owner may enter his horses without being bound to
Racing Terms and Slang. 9
pay any forfeit if he does not like the weight assigned by the handicapper. If he accepts, or does not declare out, he then pays the amount of the fixed entrance or the usual percentage upon the purse, there being no other expense attached,
Full Against.—The term originated with the book- makers, who, when they have laid all the money they wish to against a certain horse, put a mark against his name and reply to all inquiries, “Full against ’’ him.
Gate Race.—A race where the horses simply contend for a share of the money taken at the gate.
Gelding.—A horse of any age that has been castrated, Gentleman Rider.—(As opposed to “jockey.’’) A rider
who gives his services without pecuniary reward, riding for sport and not for pay.
‘Go for the Gloves.’’—To lay against a horse on the chances of its losing without having the wherewithal to pay if it wins. Probably from the custom of ladies who bet gloves and expect “to stand them to nothing ’—i. e., to be paid if they win, and not pay if they lose.
Gone Off.—Mares and fillies are said to have « gone off ’’ when certain sexual conditions prevent them from running up to the form they otherwise could.
Got At.—See “ fixed,’”’
Hack.—Properly a horse full-blooded or half-bred that is kept and used for a gentleman’s riding horse, and not specially intended and prepared for racing.
Half-Bred.—No term in use on the turf has, prob- ably, such an elastic construction as half-bred. The prog- eny of a thoroughbred sire out of a common mare, or by a cold-blooded stallion out of a thoroughbred mare, are, strictly speaking, half-bred. But the term is also applied to the progeny of horses having the slightest blemish in the pedigrees of their ancestors, under which ruling two-thirds of American so-called thoroughbreds should have the contemptuous “(h. b )” attached to their names. (See 8. D. Bruce’s ruling in the “ American Stud Book,” under head- ing ‘‘thoroughbred.’’) Stonehenge says: “The halt-bred steeplechaser (so-called) is sometimes, to all intents and pur- poses, thoroughbred; that is, as far as regards the work he will do, and the general treatment he requires. Many horses and mares which are not in the Stud Book, from some slight defect in their pedigrees extending back several generations, are really capable of doing as much as a thoroughbred. Thus, for in- stance, supposing a mare, seven-eighths bred, in the year 1835 were put to a thoroughbred horse, and her daughter, grand- daughter, and great granddaughter were successively bred from thoroughbred horses as has often happened, the resulting pro- duce would be still half-bred, in the language of the turf, al- though in reality he would only be stained in the proportion of 1 to 128. Itis said that these half-breds are inferior, because no animal so bred has ever won a great race over the flat; but it must be remembered that these mares are very seldom put to
10 Dictionary or Glossary.
first-class stallions in succession, although now and then one may be indulged with an expensiveieap. Nowif thoroughbred mares are treated in the same way, they will very seldom breed a first-class racehorse, and consequently the argument is at once upset from a want of parallel datain thetwo cases.’’ The nearest recorded success on the flat of such a halt-bred was the running of Mr. Godwin’s Hotspur, by Sir Hercules out of Dex- terous’ dam (h. b.), second to the Flying Dutchman for the Derby, in 1849; while in steeplechases both The Lamb and The Colonel were winners of the Liverpool Grand National in 1868, 1869, 1870, and 1871, their dams both being half-bred. In France the rule on the subject is just as explicit, but as the breeding of half-breds is encouraged, it is protective in character. The rules of the Steeplechase Society, and of the Society for the En- couragement of the Half Blooded-Horse, say: ‘‘In order that a horse may be qualified as half-blood, he must not only not be of pure blood, but must even prove that one of his sires, male or female, was really half-blood.”’
Handicapper.—aAn official whose duties are to assign the » weights for all horses entered in handicaps. It is customary in the United States to keep the name of the handicapper or the names of the handicapping committee a secret. Thus at Sara- . atoga the handicapper is said to be ‘‘a man from Ballston,’ a term used by the late John Morrissey, when asked who made the handicaps at Saratoga. In England the reverse is the rule, the name of the handicapper being advertised in the Racing Calendar with other officials.
Handicap Race.— A race in which the weights are arranged according to the merits and performances of the horses entered, instead of according to their ages, the object ‘being to giveall the animals an equal chance. It might be added, that authorities vary as to the effect of weight. There - is an English tradition that Admiral Rous considered 7 Ibs. equal to a distance—certainly not 240 yards. Not even when 168 lbs. was carried in races of four-mile heats would an addition of 7lbs. make that difference. In England it is customary to limit handicaps by prescribing top and bottom weights—the top weight not being less than 124 lbs., and if the highest weight accepting be less than 124 lbs., it is raised to that weight, ail others accepting being increased in proportion. The term “‘handicap,’’ “hand i’ the cap,” comes from an old game, ‘challenging each other’s effects,” at one time much in vogue in Ireland, but now nearly obsolete, an illustration of which will be found in the fourth chapter of Lever's ‘‘ Charles O’Malley.’’
Hand.—A hand is four inches, so that a horse standing 16 hands is 5 feet 4 inches high. :
Hands Down.—To win “hands down” is to win without any assistance from rider or jockey.
Hang.—See “‘bore.”’
Heat Race.—A race (as opposed to ‘“dash’’) where the prize is not awarded till the winner has conclusively established his superiority by defeating the other competitors twice in
Racing Terms and Slang. 11
races best two out of three, or thrice in races best three in five, or by distancing them, an interval of prescribed duration being allowed between the several “heats.” Should the winner in any heat distance allthe competitors the race is at an end. Some years ago it was the custom to “rule out’’ of the race at the conclusion of the third or fifth heat (according as the race was best two heats in three, or best three heats in five) all horses that had not won or made a dead heat for a heat, but of late years the custom has been to ‘rule out”’ or ‘send to the stable’? non-winners at the end of the second or third heats, as the case may be. A heat race where the winner of the first heat is unable to start for the second heat, or is distanced for that heat, goes to the winner of the second heat. The interval between the heats is generally twenty minutes in mile heats, twenty-five in two-mile heats, thirty-five in three-mile heats and forty in four-mile heats. It is not considered irregular for arider, having won one heat and being doubtful of his ability to win the second, to ‘lay up’’ for the deciding struggle, saving his distance and keeping his horse as fresh as possible to meet the more recently exhausted rival. No owner is allowed to start more than one horse for a heat race.
Hedge.—To secure one’s self from loss over one bet by making others; to minimize the chances of loss where odds have been laid against a horse that proves more formidable than he was first thought to be. In other words, many persons con- sider that a bet is not good until it is safely hedged.
Homestretch.—That part of 2 course lying between the end of the last curve and the winning post.
- Hippodrome.—aA race the result of which has been pre viously arranged. When horses are traveling from place to place and running against each other accordins to such ar- rangement, it is said that their managers are “ hippodroming.”’
Hull Down.—lLeft so far behind as to be without a chance of winning.
Hurdle.—An artificial fence or barrier to be leapt over in a hurdle-race or steeplechase. In hurdle-races there are usually four hurdles in each mile, the height being from three and a half to four feet.
In-and-Out Ruanning.—Runuing displaying widely varying form, or indicating dishonest manipulation; or where a number of horses are concerned leaving it impossible to decide which is the best.
In-and-out Running.—Running displaying widely varying form, or indicating dishonest manipulation; or where a number of horses are concerned, leaving it impossible to de- cide which is the best.
Indulge with the Lead .—To allow a horse, inferior in speed, to retain the lead on sufferance. ; Inside Stake.—A practically obsolete arrangement, un- der which, in a sweepstakes or purse race, such of the sub- scribers as choose to do so make up a second sweepstakes, to be decided by the running for the main event. Thus,in a race for
12 Dictionary or Glossary.
which A, B, C, D, E,and F ran, if A, B, C, and D entered for the ‘inside stake,’ and E won the race, with A second, A would take the inside stake.
Impost.—The weight placed on a horse. Used especially when speaking of handicaps.
Jockey.—-A professional rider of race-horses. It is a hard and laborious life, especially for those who have reached that age, when, to keep themselves light enough to ride, they have to deny themselves food, or, at the best, exist for days on a few ounces of bread; while to get in a fair riding condition, they have to “sweat” and do nearly as much work as the average pedestrian. The remuneration is usually very good, especially for riders of ability like Hughes, Donohue, or McLaughlin, or for steeplechase riders like Meany or Henry, who are specially engaged to ride for certain stables. The usual terms, however, for mounts, independent of regular engagements, are $25 for a winning mount, and $10 for a non-winning mount.
Judge—Judges.—In England the official who decides | and declares the winner of a race, the general duties of super- vision, management, and adjudication upon disputes being dis- charged by the stewards. In America, however, the judges are a certain number of designated members of the association who
- unite in themselves the functions of judge and stewards. :
Kilter.—A horse is said to be “ out of kilter,’’ when not in condition. Sometimes spelt ‘‘ kelter.’’ i
Knock Out.—In racing parlance, to drive out of the quo- tations.
- Lay.—In wagering, to bet against aman oranimal. Bet- tors are divided, in racing slang, into layers and takers; they are otherwise known as bookmakers and backers (which see).
Lead-Pad.—It is customary when a jockey is lighter than the weight his horse has to carry, for him to make up that weight with a pad, made so that the weight shall be evenly divided on both sides of the horse, over which the saddle can be placed with safety and convenience to horse and rider.
Leg or Blackleg.—A disreputable sporting character and race-course habitué.
Levant—Levanted .—An expression used when a bettor, who has been unable tc meet his obligations, suddenly changes his re idence. Heis then said to have “levanted,’’ or to bea ‘‘levanter.’? The term is decidedly English, and arose from the fact that some years ago very many of those who were in difficulties left that country for the Levant.
Loose=Box.—A stall in which a horse is not tied up, but remains loose. What is generally called in this country a box stall.
Lose.—To leave far behind in a race.
Maiden.—A horse that has never won arace. ‘‘A beaten maiden ’’ is a horse that has never won after one or more
starts. ‘“‘Maidens,’? in many races, receive allowances of weig ht according to age.
Racing Terms and Slang. 13
Make Sure.—To take precautions against the possibility of a horse winning, by disabling him or arranging with those controlling him.
Marketeer.—In England a betting man who devotes him- self, by means of special information, to the study of favorites. The ‘‘ Marketeer’’ is often the principal agent in all “ milk- ing’ and “knocking out’’ arrangements.
Market Horse.—A horse kept in the betting list, simply for the purpose of being betted against.
Meant.—A horse is said to be ‘‘ meant’’ when it is intended by those controlling him that he shall win the race if possible. When “not meant’ he is started without any intention of winning or striving to win, but merely to secure the money that may have been betted on him by the simple, or to make a bad record and to obtain a light impost in handicaps, or to give his party a chance to back him on advantageous terms for another race.
Metallician.—In England, a racing bookmaker. A term coined when metallic books and,pencils were much used.
MWilk.—When a horse is entered in a race for which his owner does not intend him to run, or, at all events, in which he does not intend him to win, and bets against him, the ani- mal is said to be “‘milked.’’ ‘:Milking’’ is keeping a horse a favorite, at short odds, for a race in which he has no chance whatever, or in which he will not be allowed to try, for the purpose of laying against him.
Missed.—A mare that, having been served by a stallion fails to prove with foal.
Monkey .—A menkey is £500 in England and $500 in the United States.
Mount.—When a jockey has been engaged to ride in a cer- tain race he is said “to have a mount’’—e. g., Evans has a “mount” in the Belmont, or Barbee wants a ‘““mount”’ for the Cup. According to the quality of the horse, the <‘ mount’? may be a good one or a bad one.
Moral.—A forthcoming result which appears certain — originally, ‘‘moral certainty.”” These ‘‘morals’’ are often, however, anything but moral certainties.
Mutuals.—The name applied to the machines which were brought into use in the United States some years ago, and were called ‘‘Paris Mutuals,’’ from the erroneous supposition that they came from Paris, whereas, in point of fact, their French nameis Paris mutuels (Paris—a bet or wager). They are so arranged as to register the number of tickets sold on each horse in a race, with a centre dial showing the total number of tick- ets sold on the race, from which the name “‘totalizators’’ is given to the same machines in Australia,where the use of them was recently made legal by an act of the South Australian Parliament.
Neck and Nerk.—Horses are said to be running neck and neck when they are so perfectly equal in a race that one cannot be said to be before the other.
14 Dictionary or Glossary.
Negotiate.—To take a leap successfully.
Nobble.—To “nobble” a horse is to “ get at’ and lame or poison him.
Nowhere.—Horses not placed in a race, or badly beaten, are said to be “nowhere.”’
Nambers.—tThe figures opposite the horses’ names on the race-cards issued for a day’s racing, which are prominently displayed before each race for the information of all concerned as to what horses are about to run. After the race the num- bers of the first three horses are shown, in the order in which they finished. At Saratoga, and on some other courses, the number of the horse first past the post is shown, but it does not announce that he is the winner, as that cannot be an- nounced till he has returned to the judges’ stand, or saddling paddock, and the rider’s weight has been found to be correct.
Odds.—The proportions or differences of a bet. One book- maker will lay odds of 6 to 1 against a horse winning, - while another, more speculative, or in receipt cf a first-rate *‘ tip,’’ will lay 8 or even 10 to 1.
_ QOffice.—To give the “ office’ is to secretly inform any one where a certain event will take place, or when a certain trial will be run.
On.—“ To get on” a horse, is to back it. ‘I’m on,”’ also exe presses a person’s acceptance of an offered bet.
On the Post,—To win “on the post,’’ is to win on the last strice or so.
On the Flat.—Al1! races in which no jumping is done, are said to be *‘ on the flat,”’ or “ flat races.”’
Out for an Airing.—A horse not “‘meant’’ (see Meant).
Outsider.—A person who does not habitually bet, or is not admitted to the “ring.’’ Also a horse whose name does not appear among the *‘favorites.”’
Pace.—The rate at which a race is run, and which it is a jockey’s object to set so that the other competitors shall be ex- hausted more than his own horse. The two eminent qualities in a jockey are “fineness of hands,” and “knowledge of pace ; ”’ the former being the delicacy of manipulation which acquaints him constantly with the condition of his horse, and enables him to repress, encourage, and direct the animal, and the lat- ter the instinct, quickened by experience, which acquaints him with the probable effect upon every horse in the race of the rate of speed at which it is being run.
On Velvet.—See Clover.
Patrol Judges.—Officials usually assigned to positions on the course where the horses are out of the ken of the judges of the race. The infrequency of the appointment of patrol judges is owing to the difficulty of getting competent men to serve.
Racing Terms and Slang. 15
Place.—A horse is said to get a place when it is either first, second, or third—z. e., placed first, second, or third by the judges. For betting purposes, a ‘‘place’’ means being first, second, or third. In England and France the judges sometimes place four, and in some instances the whole field. Under the rules of the American Jockey Club, the judges place as many horses as they think proper, except in heat races, when, to secure the proper starting positions in the next heat, all are placed. In dashes the custom is to place three. lt has been Suggested that in dashes, when the second and third are not within the distance prescribed for arace of heats of the same length, they shall not be placed—e g.,in a dash of a mile, if the second and third are not within forty yards no places shall be giventhem. A horse placed fourth would not win his backer’s bets for a place without previous stipulations. In the United States bets are sometimes made about horses finishing in a race regardless of a place, which are called “buck
_bets,”’ the decision of them being left to a third person. When a wagerer agrees to ‘‘place’’ the horses in a race he must place them exactly; for instance, if in a race of heats for which six run he places A1, B 2, C 3, D4, E 5, and F 6, and they come in in that order, but Fis distanced, he loses. (O’Kelly’s famous bet to place a large field, it will be remembered, was “‘ Eclipse first—the rest nowhere.’’)
Plates.—A plate in England is analogous to a purse in the United States. But in the United States, as well asin England, the shoes (very light), worn by horses in races are called ‘‘plates,”’ and a blacksmith, an adept in the business, a “ plater.”’
Quitter.—A horse that lacks courage, and gives up the race when challenged. (See Duffer.)
Patched Up.—A horse that has partially broken down, but is nursed carefully, and given a preparation for a single race, or a limited number of races, ere it tails again, and irreparably. :
Penalty.—An increase of weight prescribed for a horse that has won a certain race, or has been bred in a certain local- ity or country.
Peacocky.—An objectionably high and jerky action in, or carriage of, a race-horse.
Persuaders.—Spurs.
Plater.—An animal of inferior quality, not good enough to win a great race, but able to pick up small purses, or plates, at minor meetings, :
Play or Pay (abbreviated P. P.).—A play-or-pay race is one where the subscriber whose horse does not appear to compete at the time prescribed, forfeits all his stake. Asa rule all bets on horse-racing are considered play or pay, unless otherwise arranged. In all matches a run is given for the money in ordinary betting transactions.
Pocket.—A horse is pocketed when, through a combina- tion of the riders of other animals, he is placed in a race be-
x
16 Dictionary or Glossary.
hind one horse and between two others, or one other and the fence, so that he cannot reach the front.
Pools.—Betting in pools is a system thoroughly American, which was begun in New Orleansjust before the war, and is said to have been originated by Mr. H. P. M’Grath. Of late, especially in New York, owing to adverse legislation, bookmaking in the English style has taken its place. The modus operandi is this: The names of the horses entered for a race are displayed. An auctioneer proceeds to sell to the highest bidder the choice of selecting one of the horses so named in the same manner as if he were selling a piece of real estate. When the bidding ceases he knocks the choice down, and one of the horsesis at once named by the bidder. The second, third, and other choices are dis- posed of in the same way, their value naturally becoming less in each instance. The pool is then added up, and tickets show- ing the total amcunt of the pool the name of the buyer, the name ofthe horse selected, and the amount paid for it, are given to each buyer. After the race is run the purchaser or holder of the ticket representing the winning hor-e takes the whole pool, less a certain percentage. For instance, suppose a race with six entries. A sells for $200, B for $180, C for $100, D for $80, and E and F as the field for $25, making in all a pool of $580 ; the race is run andis won by D; the holder of the ticket representing D takes the pool, less the percentage.
-Pony.—A pony is £25 in England, and $25 in the United States.
Post.—The starting and finishing points are usually spoken of as the ‘starting ’’ and “‘ winning’ posts. In nearly all the race-tracks in the United States there are also the quarter, half-mile, and three-quarter-mile posts, while on many of them there are the three-furlong, five-furlong, and seven-furlong posts.
Post-Stake. or Watch.—One where the age only of the horse is indicated by the subscriber, who is at liberty to bring to the post any horse of that age, as his representative; or one where each subscriber nameg two or more horses of the same age only one of which is to be started. Custom, however, has changed this rule, somewhat, so that owners now name the day before, but in no case is this compulsory.
Pot.—A favorite in the betting for a race. Probably so-called because it is usual to say that a heavily-backed carries a ‘‘ pot of money.’? When the favorite is beaten, the “pot” is said to be upset.
Prodace Stake.—A race for which the unborn progeny of mares in foal to certain named stallions run, only those so nominated being allowed to start.
Pull.—To prevent a horse from winning, by holding him back.
Punt.—To “punt,” is to back horses for small stakes. Purler.—A heavy fall from a horse in a steeplechase.
Racing Terms and Slang. Ni;
Parse.—The consideration, or money, offered by racing as- sociations for races, other than sweepstakes, is invariably called a purse, and is analogous with the term ‘“ plate’? in England. The term, purse, no doubt, originated from the habit of associa- tions, some years ago, hanging up in front of the judges’ stand gaudy-colored purses containing the money for which the horses were running. The money given by associations for sweepstakes, is called “‘added money.”’
Put on.—To promise money or valuables in the event of an anticipated success. ‘‘You are on for ten if Falsetto wins,”’ for example, was frequently heard at Saratoga, in 1879. Many hangers-on of the turf live almost entirely by what they are “put on”? by bookmakers and backers, for whom they do odd jobs.
Quarter-stretch.—That portion of the course or track in the immediate vicinity of the judges’ stand, which, owing to the advantage it affords those interested to inspect the horses about to run, or immediately after a race, is made the most exclusive and to which the highest price is paid for admission.
Quit.—To shrink from and abandon the struggle when resolutely challenged.
Racing.—Racing as sport is divided into flat racing, hur- dle-racing and steepl>-chasing. The first division of these is now practised in nearly all the civilized countries of the world. The second is also common enough, and is often mixed up with fiat racing, but it belongs more to the division of steeple- chasing than to flat racing, as it requires the horse to be able and willing to jump over the obstacles placed in his way.
Racing Qualities.—A breeder not wishing to sell a finely-bred mare out and out, will often dispose of her “ racing qualities’ for a fixed period, sometimes until she is five years old, or until she breaks down, when she must be re- turned. The “‘ racing qualities’’ of horses are sometimes dis- posed of in the same way.
Rails.—The inner boundary of a course.
Raker.—To “ go a raker” is to put more money than usual on a certain horse. 2
Real Jam.—Anything exceptionally good. It is said to be “real jam ’’ for those who back a horse at along price, when the animal wins or comes to a short figure.
- Refuse.—To decline to take a leap.
Ring .—The space on a race-course which is used for betting purposes. Be‘ting men are sometimes called ‘‘gentlemen of the ring,” especially if they are in the habit of attending race- meetings regularly.
Roarer.—A broken-winded horse. ‘“ Roaring,’ as applied to horses, is often termed “ talking ” or “ whistling’’ by turf- men, while sporting writers frequently, when writing of a broken-winded race horse, say, ‘“‘he makes a noise,”’ or ‘“‘isa musician.” :
Roping.—The pulling or restraining a horse by its rider to prevent its winning a race.
18 Dictionary or Glossaru.
Ruck,—The body or main division of runners in a race, as distinguished from the leaders and ‘‘ whippers in.”
Ruled Out.—A horse is ‘ruled out” in a heat race that does not win a heat, orrun a “ dead heat’’ in the first two heats of a race that is best two out of three, or in the first three heats of a race that is best three in five. A horseis also “ruled out’’ whose rider is short of weight, or who is disqualified from winning by the violation of any rule that affected the re- sult of the race, as by foul riding, &c.
Run for the Money.—An expression used when a start is given with a bet ; as, 20 to 1 against Bramble, with a ‘“‘ run ”’ given. ‘‘To havea run for one’s money’”’ is also to have a good determined struggle for anything.
Running—Making the.—Leading the field in a race rapidly in order to exhaust some of the horses so that they may be more easily overcome by the stable companion of the horse ‘making the running,” the rider of the stable companion be- ing aware of the manceuvre,and saving his mount for the finish of the race.
Run Through.—“ To run through his horses ”’ is to pass rapidly a number of competitors.
Saddling Paddock.—An inclosure, generally contiguous to the scales, where all horses to run are saddled, and to which they must return after the race, and unsaddle to ‘“‘weigh out.”
Safe One.—A horse which there is reason to believe will not start for, or will not be allowed to win, a race, and whicn, therefore, may be laid against with safety.
Sales—(with or without engagements.)—When a horse is sold with hisengagements, or any part of them, the seller has not the power of striking the horse out of the en- gagements with which he is sold, but as the original subscrib - er remains liable to the respective winners for the amount of the forfeits in each of these engagements, he may, if compelled to pay them by the purchaser’s default, place the forfeit on the forfeit list by a written declaration, in the usual manner, as due from the purchaser to himself, and until this forfeit is re- paid both the purchaser and the horse remain under the same disability as if the former had been the original subscriber. Tn all cases of sale by private treaty, the written acknowledge- ment of both parties that the horse was sold with his .engage- ments is necessary to entitle either buyer or seller to the ben- efit of this rule ; but when the horse is sold by public auction the advertised conditions of sale are sufficient evidence; and if he has been claimed as the winner of aracein which it was a | condition that the winner was to sold with his engagements, this also is sufficient. When a horse is sold without his en- gagements, the seller may g:ant or refuse to the purchaser the privilege of starting for any of them, but if the purchaser should wish to start for any one stake, and does so, he general- ly has to assume the responsibility for all the future engage- ments which the horse may have. It is also held that a horse sold with his engagements is responsible for the stakes due for all other horses made by the original nominator in a race, and
Racing Terms and Slang. 19
that the same must be paid before the horse can start. In England the subject has received considerable attention, and the late Lord Exeter framed special conditions which are still popular, many sales being advertised as ‘‘ under Lord Exeter’s conditions.’’ In William Day’s ‘*‘ The Race-Horsein Training,’ recently published in London, the subject is thus commented upon:
«When sold as yearlings, the rule is clearly defined and well understood, both by vendors and purchasers. A list of engage- ments is given in the printed catalogue of the day, and these are taken over by the purchaser. If no engagements are speci- fied, it would be taken for granted the animals had none; and if it should turn out otherwise, the seller would not be able to compell the purchaser to take them over afterwards,if herefused todoso. But older horses are often sold with or without their engagements, and sometimes under what are termed Lord Ex- eter’s conditions, which are not always well understood, though really so simple as to need little explanation; the fact being that horses bought under such conditions, are virtually bought without their engagements—for the purchaser need neither run them, nor pay their forfeits. On the other hand, should the buyer prefer running, no one can prevent him doing so, so long as the nominator is alive, and the new owner pays one- half the stake and gives the original vendor one-third of the results if the horse wius. These very excellent conditions were made by the late Lord Exeter, and no purchaser can wish to buy under better. Butin selling horses in the ordinary way, with their engagements, one objectionable result is thatit passes the right to scratch from his own to other hands. It may hap- pen that the minor forfeits, a mere bagatelle when duly de- clared, are neglected, and swell to a serious item, which it is compulsory on the vendor to pay in default of the purchaser doing so; the remedy of the former being to place the latter’s name on the forfeit list until he refunds the amount.”’
Save.—To give part of one bet for part of another. A and Bhave backed different horses, and they agree that in the event of either winning he shall give the other, say $10. This is called ‘‘savying a tenner,” and.generally is done when scratch- ings and knockings out have left the field, so that one of the two speculators must be a winner. Saving is, therefore, a form of hedging.
Save a Horse.—In a heat race, having won one heat, to forego winning the next, if the issue is doubtful, soags to have a better chance of securing the race. In any race, to avoid un- necessary exertion at a not critical stage, so as to be better pre- pared for the final struggle. In managing a stable, to save a horse for any particular race, is to abandon preyious minor engagements, or to allow him to be defeated unnecessarily, so as to deceive the handicapper and obtain a very favorable weight.
Scales.—The point on a race-course where the clerk of the course can be found, and where all jockeys must be weighed before and after a race.
Scratch.—To remove a horse’s name from a list of sub- scriptions, or entries for a race.
20 Dictionaay or Glossary.
Scurry.—A short and lively race, properly one for half-bred or inferior horses, as for non-winners, that will make an amus- ing contest of brief duration for a small stake.
Second String.—A horse or horses regarded by owners or trainers as inferior to certain stable companions entered for the same race, but which will be depended upon to win should the supposed more able horse or horses go amiss, or prove less speedy than they were thought to be.
Selling Race.—One {for which the horses are entered with a price indicated at which the owners will dispose of them, the weights being reduced if the price indicated is low. In other words, it is a species of handicap made by owners of horses themselv_s. The conditions of the race are usually announced as follows: ‘‘ Horses entered to be sold for $1,500, to carry weight for age; ifto be sold for $1,000, allowed 5 Ibs.; if for $750, allowed 10 1bs.; if for $500, allowed 17 1bs., and if for $300, allowed 221bs.” Thus, supposing that a four-year old colt had been entered to be sold for $300, he would only have to carry 96 lbs. (22 lbs less than the full weight for age—118 Ibs ); pre- suming, further, that he won, and in the auction that followed the race was sold for $1,000 —- $300 of that sum would go to the owner, and the remainder, if the race were run at Jerome Park, be divided between the owner of the second horse 2nd the asso- ciation. Of course there is nothing to prevent an owner buying his own horse, as is frequently done. When the winner is sold at auction, and the surplus is so divided, it is usual to insert among the conditions of the race, ‘‘ Beaten horses not liable to be claimed. This is done to obviate the possible injustice to the owner of the second, who may lose his own horse by a claim (see Rule 65, A. J.C.), and at the same time be unable to secure the winner, as the owner of the winner, having backed his horse, can well afford to bid much more than the real value of the animal. It is perhaps not generally understood that when this condition is not inserted, any horse running in a selling race is liable to be claimed by tne owner of any other horse in the race for the price for which it is entered to be sold and the amount of the stake or purse, deducting therefrom (i. e., from the amount of stake or purse) any sum he may receive by the conditions of the race, such as money given for running second or third, or received from any overplus resulting from the sale of the winner. The owner of the second horse to be first entitled to claim, and the others in the crder in which their horses are placed—owners of unplaced horses to draw lots for priority of claim, and the win- ner to have the last claim. But either through ignorance of the right to claim, or for other reasons, no horse in a selling race has been claimed in the United States, although it is com- mon enough in England.
Originally, and by the rule of the American Jockey Club as it now reads, the whole of the surplus went to the second horse. Its owner could then purchase the winning horse. at the entered selling price, for any surplus came back to him, and owners were chary of entering superior horses at inferior prices, with the expectation of winning by bets enough to buy back their horses:at their true value, ifthey won. Nor could
Racing Terms and Slang. 21
there be collusion between two owners of superior horses, to evade the sale or claim of their horses by running first and second, for the surplus coming to the owner of the second horse, from the sale of the first. would probably equal the amount of the purse, and although he could buy in the win- ner, his own horse might be sacrificed at its entered price. But as the ri ht to claim has nt proved to be a safeguard, and in order that the racing fund may profit by the entry of horses at inadequate prices, it is now customary to advertise, ‘Any sur- _ plus on the sale of the winner to be divided between the owner of the second horse and the racing fund Beaten horses not liable to be claimed.”? The consequence is that betting on selling races is generally heavy, and that frequently the share of the surplus going to the second horse, added to the second money, equals the prize to the winner. In France a different system prevails: every horse entered in a se ling race can be claimed by the owners of the other horses, before the race, at _the entered price, and the value of the prize, Horses so claimed do not run. After the race the horses can be claimed by any person. Sealed proposals are opened fifteen minutes after the race, and the horses awarded to the highest bidders, of not less than the entered price for the winner, and the value of the prize added to the entered price for beaten horses. Sometimes, by the conditions of the race, the sale after the race is limited to the winner, but before the race there is no restriction of the right to claim. In France, the whole of the surplus goes to the racing fund. In England, one-half of the surplus goes to the second, and the other half to the racing fund, which ofsen realizes a large sum, 1,620 guineas being thus obtained at te Newmarket second October meeting in 1879, for instance.
It is not unfrequent in conditions to provide that a horse may enter ‘not to be sold,” in which case a penalty of 7 to 10 Ibs. is imposed, but a horse entered not to be sold is not relieved from penalty for winning when tke winners of selling races are exempted in the conditions of a race.
Shut Out.—To distance, to be distanced. Shut Up.—To collapse when challerged.
Skin the Lamb.—When an outsider, that has not been backed, wins a race bookmakers are said to skin the lamb. Spread-Eagle.—To show great superiori:y, leaving the other horses strung out at considerable intervais. Stable.—In racing parlance, not alone the establishment to aie a horse belongs, but the intimates of the proprietor or rainer. :
Stall Off.—To shake off a challenge in a race and retain the advantage it was sought to nullify.
Starter.—The official appointed to ‘‘start’ the horses for a race on equitable terms. 1n the South and West the signal is nearly always given by tapping a drum, in the East by crop- ping a flag. The starter posts himself at from ten to forty yards from the starting post, while his assistant takes his position some fifty or more yar_s beyond it. Presuming the horses to
22 Dictionary-or Glossary.
be all in their proper positions and facing the right way and in gentle motion, the starter taps his drum or drops his flag. The assistant drops his flag at the same instant, and as the jockeys can see him batter than the starter, they know that the start is official. Should the assistant not drop his flag they know that the start is false and they must go back. The rule of the American Jockey Club on the subject of starting says: ‘‘ The starter is prohibited from making arunning start; the horses must walk up and be started from a walk. He has authority to order the jockeys to draw up in aline as far behind the starting post as he may think proper, and any jockey disobey- ing the order of the starter, or taking any unfair advantage, shall be punished by fine or suspension, at the discretion of the starter, but the suspension of a jockey shall in no case tak2 effect until after the last race of the day of his suspension.’’ The law requiring the start from a walk is practically a dead letter. To train horses and jockeys to start from a walk is an art yet to be acquired, or, at least, practised.
Stayer.—A horse likely to persevere in a long or Severe raca. For some years past it has been said that our thor- oughbreds were losing their staying qualities. Whether such is the case or not, the race for the Bowie Stakes, in Baltimore, in 1879, proved that Glenmore and Willie D.were ‘‘ stayers.”’
Steeplechase.—Originally a race run straight across the fizlds from one church to another, the horses jumping all ob- stacles en route. A ste>plechase in modern days is still a jump- ing race, wit natural and artificial o»stacles, such as hedges, hurdle;, walls, and one or more water-jumovs; nearly all the regular race-courses have a steeplechase course laid out in their inner fields, the distance varying. A hurdle-race, as dis- tinguished from a steeplechase, is that the former is run over uniform artificial barriers on a race-cours2, while the latter should b2 run upon ground preserving its natural inequali- ties of surface and possessing the varieties of ploughed field, meadow, ete. :
Stewards.—'See judge.) :
Stretch —The straight or nearly straight sides of a course, as distinguished from the curves or bends. The “‘backstretch”’ on oval courses is that portion lying between the quarter and half-mile poles. The ‘“homstretch’’ that portion between the thre>3-qyuarter pole and the judges’ stand.
Stoutness.—Endurance.
Sulk.—To run unkindly, or for a horse to refuse to do as well as it can,
Sunday Horse.—A horse generally untrus:worthy, but capable of running a good race now and then,is called a“Sunday horse,’’ vide Spirit of the Times: ‘‘ We have always regarded him as a Sunday horse, capable of doing a brilliant thing occasion- ally, but a most irregular and unreliable performer.”’
Sweepstake.—A sweepstake, or stake-race, as distin- guished from a purse or plate, is one where each of three or more subscribers puts in, or engages to pay, a certain sum for
Racing Terms and Slany. 23
each horse that he enters, the winner taking all the money— sweeping the stakes. Itis customary for the association over whose course the race is run to addasum of money to the amount obtained by the individual subscriptions, and for a small portion of the total to be given to the second horse, or second and third horses. Nearly all the associations run im- portant stake-races, such as the Kentucky Derby, at Louisville, the Jersey St. Leger at Monmouth Park, or the Saratoga Cup at Saratoga.
Swerve.—A horse is said to ‘‘swerve’’ when it ceases to run perfectly straight. Some‘imes horses will ‘‘swerve’”’ in their efforts to escape punishment; oftentimes from fatigue at the finish of a hard raze, especia ly if another horse is run- ning close alongside. Swerving is often looked upon as a sign of weakness.
Tailed, or Tailed Off.—A horse left so far behind that his rider stops him, or, continuinzs, makes no effort for the race.
WTake,.—To “take” the field, is to bet one’s money on all the other starters against the favorite or any selected horse.
Thoroughbred.—tThe definition of the thoroughbred, ac- cording to Stonehenge, is not quite so simple as is generally sup- posed, for though the thoroughbred horse issaid to be of pure Eastern blood, this is not really the case when traced back to the earliest times of which we have any account. In the pedi- gree of Eclipse the breed of nearly a dozen mares is unknown, and the sam2 amount of impure blood, or nearly so, will be found in every horse of his date (1764), that is to say if they are as far removed from the primary roots of all our best stock. Hence, this definition will not suffice, since it is clearly not ap- plicabl: to a horse whose blood runs in almost every breed of the present day, and not only to him, but to others as well. The only criterion, therefore, which will hold good as a defini- tion, is avpearance in the ‘Stud Book,’’ where every horse or mare considered thoroughbred is registered, and by com- mon consent this is accepted as the test of pure breeding. All horses, therefore, which are the produce of mares therein de- scribed and by horses also to be found in its pages are called thoroughbred, and all others are commonly designated as haif- bred, whether composed of half pure blood or three-quarters or seven-eighths, or any other proportion. Many of our half-bred’ stallions are very nearly pure, but nothing can now wash out the stain which formerly was considered easily eradicated by a few crosses of Eastern blood.
S.D. Bruce, in his eas Us the “American Stud Book,” says: «Without wishing to take the responsib lity of fixing a stand- ard for the blood stock of the United States, the general custom. has been followed of calling those thoroughbreds that have an uncontaminated pedigree for five generations. Some of our most distinguished families on the American turf cannot be traced thus far and they have been embodied in this work,
_ their claims being recognized by every one familiar with the subject, and their exclusion would have wrought manifest in- Justice.”’
24 Dictionary or Glossary.
Throw .—To forego winning a race that might be won. (See pull, &c.)
Tie.—A dead-heat. -
Timing.—The timing of races is so prominently an Ameri- ean institution that the value of many horses is based on that test. Consequently every effort is taken to getit correct. The “timing” stand is directly opposite the winning-post, and generally occupied by two or more ‘‘ timers,” gentlemen es- pecially selected for their skill in handling watches made for the purpose of timing races, with second and fractional second hands that can be started and stopped instantly. In fractional races and races for which the start is made away from the ‘timing ’’ stands flags are used to show the instant the horse or horses pass the post, being dropped by assistants skilled in the business.
TWip.—Advice or information (respecting anything of course, but mostly used in reference to horse-racing), by which the per- son “ tipped ” is supposed to receive information how to bet to the best advantage. The “straight tip ’’ is information which comes direct from the owner or trainer of a horse.
To Rule.—Everything done on a race-track during the progress of a race meeting is said to be done “to rule,” but few points being left which cannot be reached by some rule, so effectually are the interests of all concerned taken care of.
Touts.—Agents who collect early and generally special in- formation of the condition and racing capabilities of horses in training, and mail or telegraph the same to subscribers and speculators to guide their betting. The occupation is looked upon with considerable disfavor both in the United States and England, but, notwithstanding, such persons are generally well paid for their services.
Trial.—A critical test of a horse’s chance for any race by pitting him, not long before the race under similar conditions as to weight and distance against a horse or horses whose pow- er is known, or ‘‘against time.”’
Triennial.—A race or series of races on the same system as the “ biennial ’’ (which see), for which the same horses are entered to compete, as two-year-olds, three-year-olds, and four- year-olds. :
Wurf.—Horse-racing. “On the turf’’?: occupying one’s self with race-horse business.
Turned Loose.—A horse whose merits have been over- looked by the handicapper, and which thus receives so light an impost thatits success to all appearance is almost certainly secured.
Untried.—Stallions and mares are said to be “‘ untried ’” until one of their progeny has won a race.
Waiting in Front.—A ruse by which clever jockeys rushing their horses to the front and then steadying them, in, duce less skillful competitors to believe they are making the running. 5
Racing Terms and Slang. 25
W alk-Over.—A horse is said to “ walk over” tor a purse or stake when it has no competitor. It is customary in such a case to send the horse to the post, whence he is started by the starter asin a regular race, the horse slowly galloping over the distance fixed in the conditions of the race. In cases of “‘walk-overs’’ some of the associations only give half the amount of the purse offered, while in stakes the added money is also halved. In some stables, when a favorite horse gets a ‘“‘ walk-over’’ itis customary to let the boy who has the per- sonal care of the horse, if possessing any ability as a rider, ride the horse, a8 Mr. Lorillard allowed Jones to do when Parole walked over for the two mile and a half purse at Sara- toga, in 1877.
Wear Silk.—After a jockey has put on the complete colors of the stable for which he is about to ride, it is sometimes said that he is ‘“‘ wearing silk.”’
Weigh out.—Not less then ten minutes before a race, all jockeys must present themselves to the Clerk of the course for the purpose of showing that they are of the exact weight de- manded in the race, of which fact the Clerk keeps a record, noting with what the weight was made. For instance, the horse has to carry 118 lbs., and his rider, with saddle, bridle, martingale, saddlecloth, surcingle and very often a heavy lead. pad, steps on the scales, and, to a hair, weighs 118 lbs. After the race each jockey must return to the scales and show the same weight with which he started. Should it be more than 1 Ib. less than he “‘ weighed out”’ with, the horse, if a winner, is disqualified, and the purse or stakes must be awarded to the horse that was second, if its weight is right. Should the jockey show overweight, the clerk of the scales would have to report it to the judges, unless such overweight was caused by mud thrown on him in the race. If the excess was more than 2 lbs., and had been added after the jockey had been ‘“‘ weighed out,” the chances are that the horse, if a win- ner, would be disqualified. The term applied to weighing after the race is ‘‘ weighing in.””’ Some clubs make an allow- ance of 1 Ib. for a curb or double brible, but no weight is allowed for a snaffle bridle unless it is put in the scale before the horse isled away. In cases where a jockey is overweight, if the overplus amounts tof2 lbs., public notice must be given of the same, but in no case is a horse allowed to start carrying more than 5 Ibs. of overweight. Under no consideration is a jockey allowed to weigh with his whip, as its loss during a race is frequently unavoidable, and would cause a discrepancy on weighing in.
Weight for Age.—A system of weights based upon the age of horses, and not upon merit and other considerations, as is the case with handicap weights, weights in selling races, etc. Allowances for sex are nearly always made, and there may be penalties for winners, allowances to maidens, or to horses of inferior breeding.
W elcher.—A person who makes a bet without the remotest chance of being able to pay if he loses, and, losing it, absconds.
26 Dictionary or Glossary.
The word is of English origin, as nearly all turf phrases are. One writer says the term ‘‘ arose from a fellow who took de- posits on account of Welsh ponies, which he said he was importing, and never delivered them.’’ Others say that the title was suggested by the repeated refusals of George IV. when Prince of Wales to settle his bets, while others derive it from the nursery rhyme— “‘ Taffy was a Welshman, Taffy was a thief.’’
Welter Weights.—The weights carried in a majority of steeplechases and hurdle races, and for some races on the flat are known as “‘ Welter weights ’’—e. g., Heavy Welter weight at Jerome Park and elsewhere in the Hast is 40 lbs. overweight for age; Light Welter in the West is 28 lbs. overweight for age.
Went Wrong.—A horsein a stzeplechase is said to “‘go wrong’’ when its jockey takes the wrong course—i. e., goes outside the flags.
Yoked.—See Neck and Neck.
Whippers in.—The last straggling horses during the running of a race.
Won by.—A race is generally said to be won by a head, a neck, half a length, three parts of a length, or so many lengths. The length is estimated at about nine feet. An‘‘openlength’’ means a length of daylight, or a two-lensths’ defeat. Refine- ments in judging, when a race is very close, are ‘‘ half a head,’’ or a ‘‘nose.’’ An easy victory is described as *‘ hollow,” as be ing won ‘‘with hands down,”’ or ‘‘sitting still,” or with ‘‘ many pounds in hand,” or “in a walk,” ‘‘in a canter,” ‘‘in a gal- lop,” or ‘‘in a hand-gallop.’’ A horse that wins a hard-fought race by a trifle is ‘“‘ squeezed in ”’ or ‘‘lifted in,” if the result is due to his rider, or “lasts the longer.’’ A horse ignominiously defeated is ‘“‘ beaten off.” Such a horse frequently ‘‘ walks in.”
VETERINARY TERMS,
By J. S. CaTranacg, V. S.
Beefy .—A horse is said to be “‘beefy ’’ when he is unduly thick or fat.
Bog or Blood Spavin is a sac-like enlargement on the inside of the hock.
Bone Spavin.—A bony growth occurring on the inside of the hock.
Bowed Tendon.—A thickening of the sheath of the flexor or back tendon.
Buck Shims.—Bony enlargement occurring on the inside and front of the shin-bone.
Broke Down.—To “ break down ”’ is the tearing or giving way of the tendons or suspensory ligament near the fetlock, and frequently occurs in a race or during training, the sup-
Racing Terms and Slang. 27
position usually being that the horse will never be able to run again. For instance, Baden-Baden broke down in the race for the Kenner in 1877.
Capped Elbow.—An enlargement on the point of the elbow, caused by lying on the shoe.
Capped Hock.—An enlargement on the point of the hock.
Corn.—A bruise on the sole of the foot, mostly on the inside quarter.
Cow Hocked.—Horses with their hocks closer than usual to each other, their legs taking a divergent direction outward, are said to be “‘cow’”’ or ‘“‘ cat-hocked.”’
Cramps.—Spasmodic contractions of muscles, and most frequently in the muscular coat of the intestines.
Cuarb.—An enlargement of the back part of the hock, hard and callous, about four or five inches from the point.
Fistulous Withers.—A running sore occurring on the withers.
Navicular Disease is an inflammatory process affecting the navicular bone and perforans tendon.
Poll Evil.—A running sore on the back part of the head.
Quarter Crack.—A crack or fissurein the hoof occurring on the inside or outside quarter.
Quittor.—A fis ulous crrunning sore occurring between the hair and hoof.
Ring-SBone.—A bony growth occurring above the coronet.
Sand or Toe Crack is a crack or fissure on the front of the hoof.
Side Bones.—A hardening of the cartilages of the foot, and situated above the quarters.
Splint.—A bony growth occurring on the inside of the shin-bone, between the knee and fetlock joint.
Slip of Hip is the breaking of the point of the hip, caus- ing the muscles to fall down.
Slip of Thigh is a displacement of the patella or bone in that part.
Spring-Halt.—A jerky or spasmodic action of one or both hind legs.
Thorough Pin.—A sac-like enlargement above the hock, and running under the tendon from one side to the other.
Thrush.—A diseased condition of the frog, recognized by its offensive odor.
Windgall.—A sac-like or puffy enlargement occurring generally around or near the fetlock.
28
“AMERICAN Horse RACING.’
REVIEW OF ““KRIK’S.GUIDE TO THE DURE.
[From the Pall Mall Gazette, London, England, April 6, 1880.]
A dauntless chronicler might well shrink from the task of compiling a ‘‘ Record of Races Run in the United States and Dominion of Canada, and by American-bred horses in England and British Guiana ;’ but the appalling work has nevertheless been accomplished. That it is perfect isnot to be supposed ; indeed the compiler himself, in his record for 1879-80, remarks that ‘‘but very few races were reported by the Canadian press after August 1;’’ and the remark is enough to show that the compilation is here and there based upon information which, not being official, cannot be regarded as either complete or un- questionably trustworthy. Still, it is with horses that have run or that have been bred in the United States that circum- stances have lately led us to concern ourselves, and as regards the races run in the States or elsewhere by horses owned by the most prominent patrons of the turf in the States, the com- pilation is likely to be derived from sources of the highest authority. And those races, of course, outnumber all the rest so far as to render the latter of very small account. The com- piler’s calculations, then, may be accepted as sufficiently near the mark. He calculates that in 1879 the number of races, in- clusive of those run in England and British Guiana, in which horses “bred north of the Rio Grande’’ ran, as far as can be aseertained from re orts, was 1,330, including two which were afterwards declared void. It is calculated that of this number 1,280 were won by American-bred horses, the ‘“‘ balance ’”’ repre- senting the number of races lost ‘‘abroad ;” and that of the 1,280 wins 1,183 were accomplished by horses with known ped- igrees, and 147 by horses whose “breeding is reported un- known.’ Of these races, however, only 1,160 are placed in the category of flat racing ; and of them 1,024 are put down to the credit ofhorses with pedigrees. The total amount ofmoney won, both by “‘flat-racers” and ‘‘jumpers,’’ with and without known pedigrees, is estimated at $646,318.60, of which $31,063.13 may be ascribed to the performances of Parole and other American horses in this country. Of the flat races one was run over a
‘*American Horse Raciny.” 29
distance of 200 yards only, and two were run at four-mile heats. There were, whether in heats or “dashes” (as races not run in heats appear to be called), 169 at half a mile and under, 563 at five furlongs toa mile, 386 at more than a mile to two miles, and 42 at more than two miles to four miles. The list of “winning sires’? shows the imported English horses in great force. Imported Leamington stands first, with 56 “‘firsts’’ and upwards of $70,000; imported Glenelg second, with 71 “firsts’? and upwards of $68,000; imported Bonnie Scotland third, with 79 ‘firsts’? and upwards of $47,000; native En- quirer fourth, with 51 ‘firsts’ and upwards of $43,000; im- ported Australian fifth, with 22 “firsts” and upwards of $35,000; native War Dance sixth, witb 56 < firsts’ and upwards of $23,000 ; native Lexingion seventh, with 19 < firsts’? and upwards of $17,000; and imported Glen Athol eighth, with 45 ‘firsts ’ and just over $17,000. Imported Saxon, who, as the sire of Mr. Lorillard’s Geraldine, Nereid and Cherokee, deserves notice, stands no higher than nineteenth with three “firsts ’’ including our Lavant Stakes, and less than $8,000. It should be remem- bered, however, that Lexington, sire of Bay Final, Brown Prince, and Uncas, died in 1875. Leamington, sire of Parole, Panpoose, and Love Chase (a winner in British Guiana), cied in 1878. Glenelg is the sire of Mirth, Susquehanna, Saratoga, Ultra, Jolly Sir John, and Loch Tanna, all well known in Eng- land, and “is now owned by Mr. M. H. Sanford, at the North Elkhorn Farm, Kentucky.” This is as good an opportunity as any for noticing a story told the other day in an American paper about a conversation in which the Prince of Wales was ‘represented to have reduced an American gentleman to blushes and silence by asking for the pedigree of Duke of Magenta, a horse which the American was extolling above Parole but could not give any genealogical account of. The fact is that, accord- ing to Bruce’s American Stud Book, there is a hitch in the Duke of Magenta’s pedigree in this way: first dam Magenta, by imported Yorkshire ; second dam Miriam, by imported Glencoe; third dam Minerva Anderson, by imported Luzboroueh; fourth dam by Sir Charles; fifth dam by Director; sixth dam said to be by Duroc, but ‘‘the Duroccross is not right.” The pedigree “should end in a quarter-horse cross by Brimmer.’”’ There *was no occasion, therefore, for the American gentleman to “plush” when he said that he “didn’t know.” Of the Ameri- can-bred horses that distinguished themselves by their win- nings last year on their own ground the most prominent were Sensation, by imported Leamington, 2 years old. with more than $20,000; Ferida, by imported Glenelg 3 years, with more than $17,000; Monitor, by imported Glenelg, 3 years, with more than $16,000; Bramble, by imported Bonnie Scotland, 4 years, with more than $14,000; Falsetto, by Enquirer, 3 years, with about $18,000 ; Spendthrifi, by imported Australian, 3 years, with more than $23,000; and Lord Murphy. by Pat Malloy, 3 years, with about $11,000. Spendthrift, belonging to Mr. J. R. Keene, won the Belmont Stakes and the Lorillard Stakes at Jerome Park Spring Meeting, the Jersey Derby at Monmouth Park (New Jersey) July Meeting, and the Champi n Stakes at the same place, August Meeting, the distances being.
30 “American Horse Racing.”
respectively a mile and a half, a mile and three furlongs, a mile and a half, and a mile and a half. Sensation, belonging to Mr. G. L. Lorillard, won all the eight races for which he started, the distance graduating from half a mile toa mile. Falsetto, belonging to Mr. J. W. Hunt Reynolds, won four races out of five, beating Spendthrift on two occasions ; Ferida and Mo i- tor, both belonging to Mr. G. L. Lorillard, had to run fourteen or fifteen races for their money; Bramble, belonging to Dwyer “Brothers” (for American horses race under the style an title adopte : by 1 rms and companies), had to run twenty for his ; and Lord Murphy, belonging to Darden & Co., only eight for his, winning five of them, including the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Leger, at Louisville. As some of the races were run in heats, the actual running was of course considerably more than appears upon the face of it. As regards races at a mile and a half, the distance of our Derby, it is worthy of remark that Lord Murphy’s time for the Kentucky Derby, 2 mile and a half, is given as 2:37,and in other cases the time for that distance is represented as quicker on the other side of the Atlantic than on this—at any rate so far as our Derby is con- cerned; which, with our experience of American horses, may be taken as another proof, if any were needed, that time-tests are fallacious. That the name of Lorillard, which is already familiar among us, should be a foremost one among owners of race horses in the United States is no wonder; for, according to the evidence of the compilation here made use of, out of forty-five sons and daughters of Leamington alone as many as nine, including the chief winners, are assigned to the ownership of either Mr. G. L. Lorillard or Mr. P. Lorillard, and it seems not unusual for a Lorillard, as in the Maryland Stakes at Jerome Park Spring Meeting, to run first, sezond, and third, or to be so well represented that, in the queer American parlance, there are ‘‘no pools sold, it being dollars to cents, on the Lorillard pair,” where we should say “no betting.’’ Moreover, the munificent sum of $2,500 added by Mr. P. Lorillard to at any rate one stake would :uffice to make the name conspicious. Mr. P. Lorillard is described as of the Rancocas Stud, New Jersey, where many mares imported from this country have been for many years trying to produce the colts and fillies which are to ‘whip the Britisher” on his own ‘“‘tracks” at weight for age, as well asin handicaps. Among the noticeable features of American horse-racing is the discrepancy in the method of calculating the ages of racehorses; *'the rules of the South Caro- lina Jockey Club and of the Savannah Jockey Club fix all horses’ ages from May 1 instead of January 1.’ There are probably excellent reasons—considerations of climate and customs—for this course; but the consequence is that ‘“‘all the horses named as running” at certain meetings will have run ‘‘a year younger than they really were’’ according to the ordinary rule of age, and will have carred corresponding weights. Anybody who would like to examine the compilation upon which the pre- ceding remarks have been based may be referred to KRIK’s GUIDE TO THE TURF, published in New York. which can be obtained in London at the office of the Sportsman.
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