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I wonder whether people are missing the point. To me, it is not a question of whether we should get rid of the shibboleths of racing – I would rather keep the majority of them – but whether we should make it easier in the first place for newcomers to the sport to appreciate them.
Attempting to simplify things like the way betting odds are expressed, the way jockeys/trainers are referred to, and the way racecourse announcements are made, need not equal a dumbing down of the entire language of racing. It strikes me as somewhat reactionary to suggest that it does.
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Pinza: Does the term ‘Roper’ have any link with a ‘Ringer’ please?
KWell, it does relate to cheating.
Roper: “a jockey who prevents a horse from winning by holding it in”. One jockey (Roper Headstall) was so notorious for the tactic, that he took his nickname from the practice. “To rope in” is to hold a horse in check so it cannot win.On velvet: “to be on velvet means ‘certain to win’: not nearly or morally certain, but absolutely… if in a two horse race a backer gets 6/4 about one horse, and, later, he is able to back the other for the same amount at 5/4, which ever wins he does too. He is on velvet.”
Metallician: “19th c. slang for bookmaker… so named after their practice of using metal pencils and books.”
“On Velvet” might be a harmonious name to give a horse.
- Total Posts 17716
I wonder whether people are missing the point… [i:1nh3o9fg][snip][/i:1nh3o9fg]
Attempting to simplify things like the way betting odds are expressed, the way jockeys/trainers are referred to, and the way racecourse announcements are made, need not equal a dumbing down of the entire language of racing. It strikes me as somewhat reactionary to suggest that it does.
“Reactionary” is defined in one online dictionary as “Characterized by reaction, especially opposition to progress or liberalism; extremely conservative.” Don’t you think that it is therefore, with respect to Horse Racing, a perfectly respectable position to take? As a put down (if that’s how you intended the phrase) I don’t think it will do.
However, the objection from most people on this thread, is not to change per se. It is rather to question the strategy of throwing away the sport’s USPs in the name of trying to make it practically the same as everything else; and to question the premises under which this particular set of changes is proposed. That is not reactionary, but progressive, analytical and forward thinking.
After all, Racing is such a very complex sport to define compared with most….
Pinza’s Dummies Guide is as follows:
Some horses start running from point A, and the first horse to get to point B (called in our jargon “the winning post”) is called “the winner” (more jargon, I’m afraid, boys and girls.)What is Rocket Science to that? No wonder Brian and Ben are confused, poor dears.
It is rather to question the strategy of throwing away the sport’s USPs in the name of trying to make it practically the same as everything else.
I think it would be perfectly understandable to question such a strategy, but there is little or no evidence that that is what Racing For Change proposes.
The mystery of the sport is one of the things that attracted me, and it seems plenty of others, to it, and it continues to intrigue me now. But I also know of lots of like-minded people who could not be bothered with the lengthy initiation process.
All that I would ask is that there is some effort to make that initiation process slightly less off-putting. That, from where I am sitting, is all that Racing For Change has suggested. So far.
- Total Posts 17716
In case any one is interested to buy a copy of the Gerald Hammond book, there are several listed second-hand at prices ranging from 0.25p upwards here:
The ‘Language of Racing’ is a wonderful thing and something that should certainly remain. I can’t personaly see why it would put any newcomer off, it certainly didn’t with me, it is more intriguing than anything else if you ask me..
One possible idea is to maybe compile a glossary of say the most popular 250 sayings on their new website, maybe run some kind of competition to help compile the list or something along those lines….it could make for interesting reading anyway!
The ‘Language of Racing’ is a wonderful thing and something that should certainly remain. I can’t personaly see why it would put any newcomer off, it certainly didn’t with me, it is more intriguing than anything else if you ask me..
One possible idea is to maybe compile a glossary of say the most popular 250 sayings on their new website, maybe run some kind of competition to help compile the list or something along those lines….it could make for interesting reading anyway!
Shouldnt need a glossary IMHO……….you wanna get into a sport you learn about it and pick up whats there already
Goes well fresh
Needed the race
One to avoid
Dropped in trip
Yard in form
Isn’t of much interest
Must be followed
Well in at the weights
One to treat with caution
Out of the handicap
He’s a fair maiden
Goes well for a girl
Parlay
Shut out
Straightaway
Nickel claimer-$5,000 claimer, lowest level at most tracks
Backstretch
Backside
Clubhouse turn
Wire-to-wire
Jugheads-term of endearment for Standardbreds
Longears-term of endearment for mules (yes, mules have recognized races in California)
Tip sheet
Indiana pants-pacing hopplesAnyone aware of the origin of the phrase "rod in a pickle"? Used to denote a dark horse set up for a punt.
In fact "dark horse" is another lovely concept crossing over from the turf to real life.
Anyone aware of the origin of the phrase “rod in a pickle”?
Is he? What he’s written in the Spectator this time?
gc
Jeremy Grayson. Son of immigrant. Adoptive father of two. Metadata librarian. Freelance point-to-point / horse racing writer, analyst and commentator wonk. Loves music, buses, cats, the BBC Micro, ale. Advocate of CBT, PACE and therapeutic parenting. Aspergers.
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