The Home Stretch

The home stretch begins at the end of the far turn and comprises the last eighth to quarter mile of the race. It is important that the jockey has his horse in position for this final leg of the race. The inside of the track will save ground and cut out a fraction of the distance but it is often the slower part of the track. Many jockeys prefer to swing to the outside after the turn and head down the middle of the track.

The perception is that some horses are picking up speed toward the finish line. The reality is that some horses are slowing down and running out of energy which makes the others look like they are going faster.

This is also the time that the jockey will use the whip to urge the horse. Sometimes the jockey will just show the horse the whip and it will react but most cases a few taps on the horse’s hind quarters will let the animal know that the finish line is near. Some jockeys also use the whip to deter other horses who are coming up from behind. As they approach, a few waves of the whip in the face of the oncoming horse tends to startle and confuse the animal. Rules state that the whip should be used on the opposite side of an oncoming horse, but when that jockey switches hands is a judgment call.

The home stretch is the most exciting part of a horse race. The horses are in full stride, the jockeys are guiding them through the traffic, trainer’s and owner’s hearts are on overload and the fans are going crazy. One of the most famous sentences in horse racing was originated by the late Dave Johnson, announcer for the New York Racing Association, and used by many track announcers today. “And DOWN the stretch they come!!”, will always remain a part of horse racing.