Learn the Terms to Enjoy the Races More
by deecat
When I first went to the races, I was at a loss. People were speaking in "a foreign tongue" as far as I was concerned. My husband knew what they all meant, and I'm sure that he got tired of all the questions I asked. But, if you don't ask, you'll never know.
So, I thought that I would give you a "crash course" on terms used at the race course. Learn the terms used in and around horse racing, and you will feel more "at home".
Equipment & Medication of Horses:
Bandages are the wrappings used on a horse's legs to protect them from being injured.
Bit is a metal bar in the horse's mouth to which reins are attached so the horse can be guided and controlled.
Blinkers are eye cups attached to a hood to limit a horse's side vision and prevent distraction.
Colors (Silks) is the distinctively patterned and colored jacket and cap that is worn by the jockey to identify the horse's owner.
Lasix is a horse medication that is allowed in racing that is used to control bleeding, a condition that occurs when tiny blood vessels in a horse's respiratory system are damaged by exertion.
Tongue Tie is a strap or cloth bandage used to tie down horse's tongue to prevent him from swallowing it, or to keep the tongue over the bit in a race or workout.
Wagering Terms:
Entry is when 2 or more horses in a race owned by the same person or stable are termed an "entry" and coupled as a single wagering unit.
Handle is the total amount wagered on a race or on a day's races.
Pari-Mutuel is the wagering format which allows each player to compete against other players ("among ourselves") rather than against the track.
Totalisator (Tote) is the system of computers and electronic components tied to the pari-mutuel ticket issuing machines that calculates the odds to $1 and computes the winning payoffs.
These are not all, but the most important terms.
USD -- the currency of the States
by kaloz
O'Hare is an international airport, so you can fly in from anywhere. I imagine there are currency exchanges in the international terminal, but you can change your money in Arlington Heights. American slang terms for money include: greenbacks, dead presidents, bread, moola, or simply "cash".
The Infield
by deecat
Please click in order to see the Infield at Arlington International Race Track
The area in the photograph is called "the infield" and it literally is "off the beaten path" unless the race is a TURF race (the horses run on the grass). Certain horses do very well on the turf; others, hate the turf and only race well on the dirt track.
The Infield at Arlington International Race Course is really beautiful. It is landscaped so well, and the small pond in the middle adds to the beauty. The TOTE board is found in the infield and can be seen from any seat in the clubhouse or grandstands.
In this photo, the starting apparatus is on the Infield because the next race is to be run on the Turf.
Beautiful Arlington Heights
by kaloz
"Fall Colours"
I was lucky enough to visit in the Autumn, a very pretty time of year. This is a park next to the Radisson Hotel where you can relax outdoors.
"Very Clean and Picturesque"
This is what a city should look like, nice parks, good walkways, clean facilities, nice buildings. The whole experience is wonderful. This is the train depot, just in case you want to go to Chicago.
"Dunton Park"
A wonderful place to have lunch, with stone benches, drinking water, and convienent trash can, keep this park clean. This park is for the founder of Arlington Heights, William Dunton. The town was established in 1854, though now it is a suburb of Chicago.
"City of Good Neighbors"
A park dedicated to the good people who live in Arlington Heights features a clock tower, and sculptures of public servants. Nice stone benches invite you to sit and enjoy the views.
"More Fall Colour"
It is really pretty here. I did not get a shot of the wonderful willow trees, they really do deserve a picture, but here are some reds amongst the greens.
"Apartment Living"
If you want to live in an apartment in Arlington Heights, you can live in a building that has character and fits in well in this pretty setting.
"Gardens"
I love the white topped plant here. This is the garden next to the Presbyterian Church.
"Decorated for Autumn"
Another nice building, and note the fall stalks to decorate the streets. This is a very nice community. Don't miss it when you visit Chicago!!
Curry chicken
The gift shop at Arlington
Wagering in the Million Room
Arlington Park Race Course
