Preakness Glossary
History - Important Facts - Winners - Glossary
Backside: Area of track grounds containing stables
Backstretch: Straight part of the track opposite the starting line
Bit: Bar that fits into the horse's mouth and helps jockey guide the horse
Blinkers: Device covering the side of horse's eyes, limiting vision and reducing possibility of distraction
Break maiden: First career win for a horse or jockey
Bridle: Equipment that fits on horse's head, to which other tack attaches
Chalk: The favorite in a race
Chute: Extension of track containing starting gates
Dam: Mother of a horse
Dwelt: Late getting out of the gate
Filly: A female horse 4 years old and younger
Flatten out: A horse that slows down due to fatigue
Furlong: One-eighth of a mile
Hand: Unit of measure used to determine the height of a horse (one hand equals four inches)
Length: Measurement used in a race to determine distance between finishing horses
Maiden: Horse that has never won
Paddock: Area of track grounds where horses are saddled
Place: Second horse to finish a race
Poles: Distance markers around the track
Prop: When a horse stops suddenly, digging its feet into the ground
Shedrow: Stables
Show: Third horse to finish a race
Silks: Jockey's cap and jacket in colors of the owner, also known as colors
Sire: Father of a horse
Sophomores: 3-year-old horses
Squirrely: A nervous horse
Stretch turn: Curve of track before the final straightaway
Tack: Saddlery, including saddles, bridles, equipment, etc.
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