Glossary of Horse Betting and Horse Racing Terms - C

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CALL (the)
Running position of horses in a race at various points.

CAST
A horse is a cast when he lies down in the stall in such a way that he is too close to the wall, and there is a danger that he may not be able to get up by himself without injury.

CAULK
Projection on the bottom of a shoe to give the horse better traction, especially on a wet track.

CHALK
The wagering favorite in a race. Dates from the days when on-track bookmakers would write current odds on a chalkboard.

CHALK-PLAYER
Bettor who wagers on favorites.

CHART
A statistical "picture" of a race (from which past performances are compiled), which shows the position and margin of each horse at designated points of call (depending on distance of the race), age, weight carried, owner, trainer, purse, conditions, pay-off prices, odds, time, and other data.

CHECKED
A horse pulled up by his jockey for an instant because he is shut off or in tight quarters.

CHESTNUT
Varies from light yellow to dark liver color. A chestnut never has black points, mane or tail.

CHUTE
Extension from the backstretch or homestretch to permit a straightaway run for the start

CLAIMING RACE
Race in which horses are entered and subject to claim (buy) for a specified price.

CLASSIC
Race of traditional importance. In the U.S. specifically the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont stakes, and Coaching Club American Oaks (a.k.a. Kentucky Oaks) for fillies.

CLOCKER
One who times workouts and races.

CLUBHOUSE TURN
Generally, the turn closest to the grandstand.

COLORS
Racing silks - jacket and cap - worn by riders to denote the owner(s) of horse.

COLT
Entire male horse, 4 years old and under.

CONDITION RACE
An event with conditions limiting it to a certain class of horse, such as: fillies, 3-year-olds, non-winners of two races other than maiden or claiming, etc.

CONFORMATION
A horse's build and general physical structure; the way he is put together.

COUPLED
Two or more horses running as an entry in a single betting unit will have the same number (ex. 1 & 1a or 2 & 2a).

CUP
Trophy awarded to owners of winners. Also, a distance race of a mile and a half or more.

CUPPY
A track surface which breaks away under a horse's hoof.