Preakness 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.