Backstretch

Backstretch

The Backstretch is the area in a horse racetrack where horses are stabled and the training and daily work of maintaining the horses occurs. In many race tracks it will be found directly across the track from the grandstands and may also be called "the other side of the track."

Description

A backstretch is divided into several areas. One, known as "shed row", is a line of stables, each stable home to many of the horses at the track. There are also dormitories, where workers (many migrant) live; offices for the trainers to register horses for upcoming races; a cafeteria; a recreation hall; and offices for the Chaplain. People working in this area are sometimes described as "the backstretch family", consisting of trainers, exercise riders, jockeys, grooms, farriers, veterinarians, muckers, jockey agents, and others in various positions.

References

In photo-essay [http://www.backstretchjourney.com "A Backstretch Journey"] , photographer Harris J. Sklar gives a vivid account of the daily life and activity occurring in the backstretch, with both photographs and quotations.


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Look at other dictionaries:

  • backstretch — ☆ backstretch [bak′strech΄ ] n. 1. the part of a racetrack farthest from the grandstand and opposite and parallel to the homestretch 2. the barn area adjacent to a racetrack where horses are stabled and grooms and other horse attendants have… …   English World dictionary

  • backstretch — noun Date: 1839 the side opposite the homestretch on a racecourse …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • backstretch — /bak strech /, n. the straight part of a race track opposite the part leading to the finish line. Cf. homestretch. [1830 40; BACK1 + STRETCH] * * * …   Universalium

  • backstretch — noun a) the part of a racecourse that is farthest from the grandstand and parallel to the homestretch. b) the area adjacent to a racetrack where the horses are stabled and stable employees have temporary living accommodations. See Also:… …   Wiktionary

  • backstretch — The straight way on the far side of the track …   Equestrian sports dictionary

  • backstretch — n. back segment of a racetrack …   English contemporary dictionary

  • backstretch — back•stretch [[t]ˈbækˈstrɛtʃ[/t]] n. spo the straight part of a racetrack opposite the part leading to the finish line • Etymology: 1830–40 …   From formal English to slang

  • backstretch — ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ noun : the far straightaway opposite the homestretch on an oval racecourse …   Useful english dictionary

  • Memorable races at Talladega — This is a partial list of memorable races at Talladega Superspeedway, as almost every race there is memorable.Early years*1969: After a strike by the Professional Drivers Association, Richard Brickhouse, taking over the #99 Nichels Engineering… …   Wikipedia

  • Chute (racecourse) — In horse racing, the term chute refers to an extended path increasing the length of a straight portion of a racecourse, particularly an oval shaped one, allowing races of a specified distance to start at a location other than on one of the turns …   Wikipedia

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