racetrack

Place that is designed for horse races; it is made up of an oval track (flat or with obstacles) and stands.

starting gate

Mobile, compartmentalized barrier behind which the horses line up before the start; at a signal, all the compartment gates open at the same time.

homestretch

Straight line between the far turn and the finish line; it constitutes the last sprint before the end of the race.

grandstand

Space reserved for spectators.

judge’s stand

Space reserved for the track judges who establish the horses’ order of arrival at the finish line, using the videotape if necessary.

finish line

Line that marks the end of a race; a video camera helps identify the winner when the horses are bunched very close together.

paddock

Area where the horses and their jockeys are presented to the public before a race.

tote board

Display board that shows the various data on the race (such as class and betting information); it sometimes has a giant screen.

clubhouse turn

First turn after the start and near the clubhouse; the jockeys try to position their horses on the inside track to reduce the distance to cover.

clubhouse

Building that houses various services such as bar, restaurant, glassed-in stands and betting booths.

stable

Building where the horses are boarded and cared for.

backstretch

Straight part on the side opposite the stands.

length post

Markers that are placed at regular intervals along the track so that jockeys can assess the distance still to cover.

far turn

Last turn; the homestretch begins at the exit from it.