Starter Race
An allowance or handicap race restricted to horses that have started for a specific claiming price or less.  

Starting Gate
Partitioned mechanical device having stalls in which the horses are confined until the starter releases the stalls' confined front doors to begin the race.  

State Bred
A horse bred in a particular state and thus eligible to compete in races restricted to state-breds.  

Stayer
A horse that can race long distances.  

Steadied
A horse being taken in hand by its rider, usually because of being in close quarters.  

Step Up
A horse moving up in class to meet better competition.  

Steward
Officials of the race meeting responsible for enforcing the rules of racing.  

Stirrups
Metal "D"-shaped rings into which a jockey places his/her feet. They can be raised or lowered depending on the jockey's preference. Also known as "irons."  

Stretch
Final straight portion of the racetrack to the finish.  

Stretch Call
Position of horses at the eighth pole.