Glossary of Horse Betting and Horse Racing Terms - F
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZFALTERED
Used for a horse that was in contention early and drops back in the late stages. It is more drastic than weakened, but less drastic than stopped.
FALSE FAVORITE
Horse who is bet down to favorite when others would appear to outclass him on form.
FARRIER
Blacksmith.
FAST TRACK
Footing at its best, dry, fast and even.
FAVORITE
The horse bet to the lowest odds because it is deemed to have the best chance of winning the race.
FENCE
Sometimes called "outside rail"; more properly, the barrier between the front of the stands and the racetrack.
FIELD
The horses in a race; all the horses not listed who are also running.
FILLY
Female horse 4 years old and younger.
FIRM
A condition of a turf course corresponding to fast on a dirt track.
FIXED ODDS
Your wager is fixed at the odds when you placed your bet.
FLAG
Signal held by a person stationed a short distance in front of the gate at exact starting point of race. Official timing starts when flag is dropped to denote proper start.
FLAK JACKET
A vest worn by jockeys during a race to help protect the ribs and spine in the event of a fall.
FLATTEN OUT
When a horse drops its head almost in a straight line with body. May indicate exhaustion.
FOAL
Newly born male or female horse until weaned.
FOUR FURLONGS
Half a mile; 880 yards; 2,640 feet.
FRACTIONAL TIME
Intermediate time recorded in a race, as at the quarter, half, three-quarters, etc.
FRESH (FRESHENED)
A rested horse.
FRONT-RUNNER
A horse that usually leads (or tries to lead) the field for as far as it can.
FURLONG
One eigth of a mile.
FUROSEMIDE
Otherwise known as Lasix, the medication used to treat respiratory bleeders.
FUTURES
(see ANTE POST) Bets placed in advance, predicting the outcome of a future event.