bearing in (or out)
Deviating from a straight course. May be due to weariness, infirmity, inexperience or the rider overusing the whip or reins to make a horse alter its course.
bell
Signal sounded when the starter opens the gates or, at some tracks, to mark the close of betting.
Bill Daly (on the)
Taking a horse to the front at the start and remaining there to the finish. Term stems from “Father Bill” Daly, famous old-time horseman, who developed many great jockeys.
blind switch
A circumstance in which a rider’s actions cause him/her to be impeded during a race.
bobble
A bad step away from the starting gate, usually caused by the track surface breaking away from under a horse’s hooves, causing it to duck its head or nearly go to his knees.
bolt
Sudden veering from a straight course, usually to the outside rail.
bounce
A poor race run directly following a career-best or near-best performance.
boxed (in)
To be trapped between, behind or inside of other horses.
break
To leave from the starting gate.
break maiden
Horse or rider winning the first race of its career. Also known as “earning a diploma.”
breather
Easing off on a horse for a short distance in a race to permit it to conserve or renew its strength.
brush
During a race, two horses who slightly touch each other.
bug boy
An apprentice rider.
