handicap
Betting: 1) Race for which the track handicapper assigns the weights to be carried. 2) To make selections on the basis of past performances.
Harness racing: A race in which performance, sex or distance allowance is made. Post positions for a handicap may be assigned by the racing secretary. Post positions in a handicap claiming race may be determined by claiming price.
handily
A horse racing well within itself, with little exertion from the jockey.
handle
Amount of money wagered in the parimutuels on a race, a program, during a meeting or for a year.
hard
A condition of a turf course where there is no resiliency to the surface.
hard boot
Denotes a well-traveled breeder whose boots are caked with mud and therefore hard. By extension, a breeder or trainer whose methods are characterized as old-fashioned. Generally used in the phrase, “Kentucky hard-boot.”
head
A margin between horses. One horse leading another by the length of its head.
