Racing Terms
Age
All Thoroughbreds celebrate their birthday on Jan. 1.
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Call to the post
A special call played on a bugle used to signal the horses to the starting gate.
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Chestnut
A color ranging from light gold to deep red. Also, a small, horny growth on the inside of a horse's front legs.
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Chrome
Large amounts of white areas on horse's face and legs.
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Chute
Extension of backstretch or homestretch to permit a straight running start in a race as opposed to starting on or near a turn.
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Claiming
Process by which a licensed person may purchase a horse entered in a designated race for a predetermined price. When a horse has been claimed, its new owner assumes title after the starting gate opens although the former owner is entitled to all purse money earned in that race.
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Claiming Handicap (CLH)
A race for horses entered to be claimed, with weight assignments similar to those of a handicap race (see Handicap listed above).
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Claiming Race
A race in which each horse entered is eligible to be purchased at a set price. Claims must be made before the race and only by licensed owners or their agents who have a horse registered to race at that meeting or who have received a claim certificate from the stewards.
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Claiming Stakes (CST)
A race for horses entered to be claimed. Nomination and possibly entry and starters fees are added to the base purse.
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Clerk of Scales
An official whose chief duty is to weigh the riders before and after a race to ensure proper weight is (was) carried.
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Clocker
A person in charge of recording the time it takes for a horse to travel specific distances both during training and racing.
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Clubhouse Turn
Generally, the turn on a racing oval that is closest to the clubhouse facility; usually the first turn after the finish line.
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Colt
An ungelded male horse 4 years old or younger.
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Condition Book(s)
A series of booklets issued by a racing secretary which set forth conditions of races to be run at a particular racetrack.
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Conditions
The requirements of a particular race. This may include age, sex, money or races won, weight carried and the distance of the race.
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Conformation
The physical makeup of and bodily proportions of a horse how it is put together.
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Connections
Persons identified with a horse, such as owner, trainer, jockey and stable employees.
