daily double
Type of wager calling for the selection of winners of two consecutive races, usually the first and second. See late double.
Daily Racing Form
A daily newspaper containing news, past performance data and handicapping information. Do not use definite article “The” when describing. For example, “According to Daily Racing Form…”
daily triple
A wager where the bettor must select the winner of three consecutive races. Not to be confused with “triple,” meaning trifecta in some regions.
dam
The mother of a horse.
dam’s sire (broodmare sire)
The sire of a broodmare. Used in reference to the maternal grandsire of a foal.
dark bay or brown
A horse color that ranges from brown with areas of tan on the shoulders, head and flanks, to a dark brown, with tan areas seen only in the flanks and/or muzzle. The mane, tail and lower portions of the legs are always black unless white markings are present.
dead heat
Two or more horses finishing a race in a tie.
dead track
Racing surface lacking resiliency.
declared
In the United States, a horse withdrawn from a stakes race in advance of scratch time. In Europe, a horse confirmed to start in a race.
deep stretch
A position very close to the finish line in race.
Derby
A stakes event for three-year-olds.
dh
Abbreviation for dead heat.
disqualification
Harness racing:Disqualified persons may not act as an official or start or drive a horse in a race. Disqualified horses shall not be allowed to start.
Thoroughbred racing: Change in order of finish by officials for an infraction of the rules.
distaff
A female horse.
distaff race
A race for female horses.
distanced
Horse so far behind the rest of the field of runners that it is out of contact and unable to regain a position of contention.
dogs
Rubber traffic cones (or a wooden barrier) placed at certain distances out from the inner rail, when the track is wet, muddy, soft, yielding or heavy, to prevent horses during the workout period from churning the footing along the rail. Used in the phrase, “The dogs are up,” or simply, “dogs up.”
Dosage index (DI)
A mathematical reduction of the Dosage profile to a number reflecting a horse’s potential for speed or stamina. The higher the number, the more likely the horse is suited to be a sprinter. The average Dosage index of all horses is about 4.0.
Dosage profile
A listing of Dosage points by category. Used to develop the Dosage index (DI).
dq
Abbreviation for disqualified.
draw
The process by which horses are selected to start in specific races and post positions for each race.
driver
A licensed person who drives a horse in a race.
driving
A horse that is all out to win and under strong urging from its jockey.
drop(ed) down
A horse meeting a lower class of rival than it had been running against.
drug
Any substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease in humans or other animals.
dwelt
Extremely late in breaking from the gate.
