gait
Harness racing: Either a trotting or pacing gait.
Thoroughbred racing: The characteristic footfall pattern of a horse in motion. Thoroughbreds have four natural gaits-walk, trot, canter and gallop. Thoroughbreds compete at a gallop.
gap
An opening in the rail where horses enter and leave the course.
garrison finish
A close victory, usually from off the pace. Derived from “Snapper” Garrison, old-time rider given to that practice.
gate card
A card, issued by the starter, stating that a horse is properly schooled in starting gate procedures.
gelding
A neutered (castrated) male horse of any age.
get
Progeny of sire.
good
A dirt track that is almost fast or a turf course slightly softer than firm.
good bottom
Track that is firm under the surface, which may be dry or wet.
graduate
1) Winning for the first time, horse or rider. 2) A horse that has moved up to allowance, stakes or handicap racing.
granddam
See second dam.
grandsire
The grandfather of a horse; father (“sire”) of the horse’s dam or sire.
gray
A horse color where the majority of the coat is a mixture of black and white hairs. The mane, tail and legs may be either black or gray unless white markings are present. Starting with foals of 1993, the color classifications gray and roan were combined as “roan or gray.”
