Races are classified as two types, sprints and routes. Sprints are usually any distance under a mile and routes are any distances a mile or more. Fifty years ago or so the distinction was more obvious since sprints were 6 furlongs and routes were one mile, a mile and 70 yds., a mile and a sixteenth, a mile and an eighth, quarter or three eighths and so on. There were many route races but basically one sprint.
Today the difference is somewhat blurred with the introduction years ago of the five furlong, five and a half furlong, the six and a half, seven and seven and a half furlong races. It’s now a matter of opinion whether a seven or seven and a half furlong is a sprint or route.
Since most tracks are a mile, horses pass by the grandstand twice in races of more than a mile. The first turn in such a race is called the clubhouse turn. With sprint races the starting gate is located across the track, or even down a short runway, so the horses only have one turn to maneuver.
Races also have several mediums or types of racing surfaces. Dirt is the most popular, the newest and safest surface, polytrack and the turf track like the above photo. The clubhouse turn shown above, by the way, is located at the beautiful Del Mar Race Track in California.
