Fun Facts

The Morning Line Favorite is the horse with the lowest odds in the program, as selected by the morning line odds maker.

The Post Time Favorite is the horse with the lowest odds determined by the betting public.

The Favorite wins 41% of the time at Lone Star Park (34% Nationally)

The Favorite places (finishing 1st or 2nd) 63% of the time at Lone Star Park (54% Nationally)

The Favorite shows (finishing 1st, 2nd or 3rd) 75% of the time at Lone Star Park (67% Nationally)

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Glossary of Terms

Blinkers – A hood with eye cups worn by a horse and designed to limit a horse’s vision, thus preventing distractions

Call to the Post – A special call played by the Bugler used to signal the horses to the track for the start of the race

Derby – A stakes race for 3-year-olds only

Dam – The mother of a horse

Furlong – One-eighth of a mile

Futurity – A stakes race for 2-year-olds only ( the richest race in Texas is the $1-Million Texas Classic Futurity, run each November at Lone Star Park)

Inquiry – Official investigation of a possible rule infraction.  The inquiry sign will light up and you will be asked to “hold all tickets” until the race becomes official

Objection – A Jockey, Owner or Trainer may file an Objection immediately following the race.  The Objection sign will light up and you will be asked to “hold all tickets” until the race becomes official

Paddock – The area where horses are saddled before the race and also a great place to get an up-close look at the horses and jockeys before they head out to the track

Photo Finish – A result too close to call by the naked eye and requires the use of a special finish-line camera to determine the exact order of finish

Scratch – A horse that has been withdrawn from a race for any number of reasons

Sire – The father of a horse

Speed Index – Used in Quarter Horse racing, this figure is a special calculation that can be an excellent indicator of performance for a Quarter Horse

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What is the difference between a Thoroughbred and a Quarter Horse?

A Thoroughbred, those racing annually from April to July, is a tall, thinner horse that specializes in running long distances and can reach speeds up to 37 mph.  An American Quarter Horse, those running annually from September to November, is a short, stocky horse that is a specialized sprinter that can reach speeds up to 55 mph.  Quarter Horse race distances are measured in yards, with 440 yards being the classic distance.