scale of weights
Fixed weights to be carried by horses according to their age, sex, race distance and time of year.
scratch
To be taken out of a race before it starts. Trainers usually scratch horses due to adverse track conditions or a horse’s adverse health. A veterinarian can scratch a horse at any time.
second call
A secondary mount of a jockey in a race in the event his primary mount is scratched.
set down
1) A suspension. For example, “The jockey was set down five days for careless riding.” 2) When a jockey assumes a lower crouch in the saddle while urging the horse to pick up speed. For example, “The horse was set down for the drive to the wire.”
show
Third position at the finish.
shut off
Unable to improve position due to being surrounded by other horses.
solid horse
Contender.
spit the bit
A term referring to a tired horse that begins to run less aggressively, backing off on the “pull” a rider normally feels on the reins from an eager horse. Also used as a generic term for an exhausted horse.
stakes horse
A horse whose level of competition includes mostly stakes races.
stakes-placed
Finished second or third in a stakes race.
starter
1) An official responsible for ensuring a fair start to the race, the starter supervises the loading of horses into the starting gate through a gate crew. He/she also has control of the opening the gate. 2) A horse that is in the starting gate when the race begins, whether he runs or not.
stayer
A horse that can race long distances.
steadied
A horse being taken in hand by its rider, usually because of being in close quarters.
step up
A horse moving up in class to meet better competition.
stewards
Officials of the race meeting responsible for enforcing the rules of racing.
stretch call
Position of horses at the eighth pole.
stretch runner
Horse that runs its fastest nearing the finish of a race.
stretch turn
Bend of track into the final straightaway.
stride
Manner of going. Also, distance covered between successive imprints of the same hoof.
subscription
Fee paid by owner to nominate a horse for a stakes race or to maintain eligibility for a stakes race.
sulk
When a horse refuses to extend itself.
