Horse racing is one of the oldest and most popular sports in the world. Every year, millions of people flock to the tracks to watch the races, place their bets, and cheer on their favorite horses and jockeys. But what happens at the beginning of a horse race? Let’s take a look at what is said and done before the race begins.
Starting Gates
The first thing that happens at the beginning of a race is the opening of the starting gates. The gates are opened to allow the horses to enter the track, and are typically opened by an official starter. The starter will give the command “they’re off!” when the gates open, and the horses will begin to race.
Instructions to Jockeys
Once the horses are in the starting gates, the jockeys will be given instructions on how to conduct the race. The starter will usually tell the jockeys to “settle down” and “hold your positions.” This is done to ensure that the race is fair and that all horses have an equal chance of winning.
Call to Post
The next step is the “call to post,” which is the official announcement that the race is about to start. The call to post is usually made by an announcer or a bugler. The call to post will usually include the name of the race, the number of horses in the race, and the distance of the race.
Starting Signal
Once the call to post has been made, the starter will give the starting signal. This is usually done by waving a flag or by blowing a whistle. Once the starting signal has been given, the horses will take off and the race will begin.
Conclusion
So, what do they say at the beginning of a horse race? The starting gates are opened, the jockeys are given instructions, the call to post is made, and the starting signal is given. All of these steps are necessary to ensure that the race is conducted fairly and that all horses have an equal chance of winning.