pace
A gait in which the legs of a horse move in lateral pairs.
pacesetter
The horse that is running in front (on the lead).
paddock
Area where horses are saddled and paraded before being taken onto the track.
paddock judge
Official in charge of paddock and saddling routine.
paddock/receiving barn
Areas enclosed by a fence or other means, at which all entrances are secured, and entrance to such structure is limited.
pari-mutuel wagering
A form of betting and of handling the betting on horse races at racetracks, in which those holding winning tickets divide the total amount bet in proportion to their wagers, less a percentage for the management, taxes, etc.
parimutuel(s)
A form of wagering originated in 1865 by Frenchman Pierre Oller in which all money bet is divided up among those who have winning tickets, after taxes, takeout and other deductions are made. Oller called his system “parier mutuel” meaning “mutual stake” or “betting among ourselves.” As this wagering method was adopted in England it became known as “Paris mutuals,” and soon after “parimutuels.”
parlay
A multi-race bet in which all winnings are subsequently wagered on each succeeding race.
part wheel
Using a key horse or horses in different, but not all possible, exotic wagering combinations. See wheel.
past performances
A horse’s racing record, earnings, bloodlines and other data, presented in composite form.
pasteboard track
A lightning fast racing surface.
patrol judge(s)
Official(s) who observe the progress of a race from various vantage points around the track.
photo finish
A result so close it is necessary to use the finish-line camera to determine the order of finish.
photo finish
A result so close it is necessary to use the finish-line camera to determine the order of finish.
pick (number)
A type of multi-race wager in which the winners of all the included races must be selected. Pick Three (sometimes called the “Daily Triple”), Pick Six and Pick Nine are common.
pill
Small numbered ball used in a blind draw to decide post positions.
pinched back
A horse forced back due to racing in close quarters.
pinhooker
A person who buys a racehorse with the specific intention of re-selling it at a profit.
place
Second position at finish.
place bet
Wager on a horse to finish first or second.
placing judge
Official who posts the order of finish in a race.
plate(s)
1) A prize for a winner. Usually less valuable than a cup. 2) Generic term for lightweight (usually) aluminum horseshoes used during a race.
plater
1) Claiming horse. 2) A farrier.
A position in a race with horses in front and alongside.
point(s) of call
A horse’s position at various locations on the racetrack where its running position is noted on a chart. The locations vary with the distance of the race.
pole(s)
Markers at measured distances around the track designating the distance from the finish. The quarter pole, for instance, is a quarter of a mile from the finish, not from the start.
pony
Any horse or pony that leads the parade of the field from paddock to starting gate. Also, a horse or pony which accompanies a starter to the starting gate. Also can be used as a verb He was ponied to the gate. Also known as a “lead [LEED] pony.”
positive test
Finding by an approved laboratory that a blood or urine sample indicates the presence of a drug, medication or other prohibited substance.
post
1) Starting point for a race. 2) An abbreviated version of post position. For example, “He drew post four.” 3) As a verb, to record a win. For example, “He’s posted 10 wins in 14 starts.”
post parade
Horses going from paddock to starting gate past the stands.
post position
The position assigned or drawn for a horse from which it will start the race.
post position
Position of stall in starting gate from which a horse starts.
post race test
A blood or urine sample, taken after the completion of a heat or dash, that indicates the presence of a drug, medication or other prohibited substance.
post time
The time set for the start of a race.
pre-race test
A blood or urine sample, taken prior to the completion of a heat or dash, that indicates the presence of a drug, medication or other prohibited substance.
preferred list
Horses with prior rights to starting, usually because they have previously been entered in races that have not filled with the minimum number of starters.
prop
When a horse suddenly stops moving by digging its front feet into the ground.
PRUEBA PREVIA A LA CARRERA
Una muestra de sangre u orina, tomada antes de la finalización de una carrera preliminar, que indica la presencia de una droga, medicamento u otra sustancia prohibida.
pull up
To stop or slow a horse during or after a race or workout.
PUNTO(S) DE LLAMADA
La posición de un caballo en varios lugares de la pista donde su posición de carrera se anota en una tabla. Las ubicaciones varían según la distancia de la carrera.
purse
The monetary amount that is distributed to the finishers of a race.
