Racecard & Form

Form figures: Numbers and letters showing a horse’s recent finishing positions and race outcomes. For example, 1-3-2 means first, third and second in its last three recorded runs.

F: Fell during a race.

U: Unseated rider.

P: Pulled up by the jockey before finishing.

UR: Unseated rider during a race.

BD: Brought down by another horse’s fall.

PU: Pulled up.

BF: Beaten favourite last time out.

C: Has previously won at the course.

D: Has previously won over the distance.

CD: Has previously won at both the course and distance.

Official Rating (OR): The handicapper’s assessment of a horse’s ability, expressed as a numerical figure. It is used to help determine the weight carried in handicap races.

Course specialist: A horse that has performed particularly well at a particular racecourse.

Stayer: A horse suited to longer distances, where stamina is especially important.

Front-runner: A horse that likes to race near the lead or take the lead early.

Hold-up horse: A horse ridden towards the back of the field early, with the intention of making progress later.

Travelling well: A horse moving comfortably and apparently under control, without its jockey needing to push hard.

Staying on: A horse making progress towards the finish, often indicating stamina.

Keen: A horse that pulls hard against the jockey and uses energy unnecessarily.

Jumping fluently: A horse that negotiates obstacles smoothly and efficiently.

Scope: The potential for a horse to improve physically or develop its ability.