09/07/2026
π Term of the Week: THE DOGS π΄
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No, not actual dogs. Though we love those too.
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'The dogs' are the rubber cones placed along
the inside rail of a racetrack during training hours.
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When the dogs are out, horses must work outside
of them β protecting the inside of the track
from excessive wear.
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Here's why it matters:
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π΄ TRACK MAINTENANCE β rotating where horses
train preserves the surface between harrowing
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π΄ SAFETY β fresh ground on the inside rail
is safer for horses and riders
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π΄ TIMING β working outside the dogs adds slight
distance that experienced clockers factor into
their time assessments
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You'll hear 'outside the dogs' often when you're watching morning training at the track.
Now you know what they're talking about. π΄
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