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 three wagers.
action
1) A horse’s manner of moving. 2) A term meaning wagering, for example, “The horse took a lot of action.”
added money
Money added to the purse of a race by the racing association or a breeding 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.
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 out
When a horse extends itself to the utmost.
all-age race
A race for two-year-olds and up.
allowance race
A race for which the racing secretary drafts certain conditions to determine weights to be carried based on the horse’s age, sex and/or past performance.
allowances
Reductions in weights to be carried, allowed because of the conditions of the race or because an apprentice jockey is on a horse. Also, a weight reduction female horses are entitled to when racing against males, or that three-year-olds receive against older horses.
also-eligible
A horse officially entered for a race, but not permitted to start unless the field is reduced by scratches below a specified number.
apprentice
Rider 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. This rule varies from state to state. Apprentices do not receive an allowance when riding in a stakes race. All jockeys going from track to track must have a receipt from the clerk of scales from their track verifying the jockeys’ most recent total number of wins. Also known as a “bug,” from the asterisk used to denote the weight allowance.
apron
The (usually) paved area between the grandstand and the racing surface.
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 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.
