Horse Racing Terms
Drifter
A horse whose odds get bigger just before the race due to a lack of support in the market. Often referred to as being "on the drift".
Nap
The best bet of the day from a particular tipster.
Hacked up
Describes a horse winning easily.
Straight forecast
A bet where the aim is to select both the winner and runner-up in a race in the correct order.
Accumulator Bet
A bet involving more than one horse/race. Each winning selection then goes on to the next horse (bet). All selections must be successful to win any money back.
Layer
An alternative term for a bookmaker, someone who lays or accepts a bet.
Parade
Before major races, the horses are often lined up in racecard order (numerical order) and led in front of the grandstands to allow racegoers to see them. At the end of the parade the horses are released to canter down to the start.
Backward
A horse that is slow to develop physically.
Course specialist
A horse that is proven at a track in previous races.
Trip
Another term for the distance of a race. When a horse has the stamina for a certain distance, it is said to ‘stay/get the trip'.
At the post
When all the horses have arrived at the start before a race, they are said to be ‘at the post’.
Going
The condition of the racing surface. Ranges from heavy to firm.
Stayer
A horse that specialises in racing over long distances (two miles and above) on the Flat.
Racecard
Programme for the day's racing, showing the times, runners and riders for each race.
Quarters
The hind parts of a horse, specifically between flank and tail.
Banker
The horse expected to win – usually a short priced favourite. The strongest selection in a multiple selection.
Green
Used to describe an immature or inexperienced horse.
Dual forecast
A bet where the aim is to select both the winner and runner-up in a race in either order.
Tic-Tac
Hand gestures and phrases used by bookmakers to display odds.
Burlington Bertie
The tic-tac bookmaking term for 100-30.
Boxed in
A horse that cannot overtake another horse because it is blocked by other horses.
Return
Total amount received for a winning bet (winnings plus stake) OR the result/final odds for a race e.g. the winner was returned at 4-1.
Carpet
The tic-tac bookmaking term for 3-1. Double carpet is 33-1.
Source: mirror.co.uk
