rabbit
A speed horse running as an entry with another, usually come-from-behind horse. The rabbit is expected to set a fast pace to help the chances of its stablemate.
racing secretary
Official who drafts conditions of races and assigns weights for handicap events.
rail runner
Horse that prefers to run next to the inside rail.
rank
A horse that refuses to settle under a jockey’s handling in a race, running in a headstrong manner without respect to pace.
rattle
Used in the expression, “He likes to hear his feet rattle,” a horse that likes a firm turf course.
re-entered
The reason that the horse was scratched out of the race was that he was either a) entered in another race on that day, either at the same track or another track and opted to race in the other race OR b) was scratched out of this race to run in another race in the next few days.
refuse
1) When a horse will not break from the gate. 2) In jumping races, balking at a jump.
ridden out
A horse that finishes a race under mild urging, not as severe as driving.
ride short
Using short stirrups.
route
Broadly, a race distance of longer than 1-1/8 miles.
router
Horse that performs well at longer distances.
