a race for which the owner must pay a fee to run his horse. Some stakes races are by invitation and require no payment or fee.

one capable of competing in such events.

entire male horse.

an allowance or handicap race restricted to horses who have started for a specific claiming price or less.

seven-eighths of a mile; 1,540 yards; 4,620 feet.

a mechanical device having partitions (stalls) for horses in which they are confined until the starter releases the doors in front to begin the race.

fillies and mares, according to their age and time of year, are allowed to carry less weight when meeting males.

a horse bred in a particular state and thus eligible to compete in special races restricted to state-breds.

third position at the finish.

a horse being taken in hand by his rider, usually because of being in close quarters.