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Hastings Racecourse's starting gate, 2009.
Start of the Belmont Stakes 2014
Horses leaving barrier stalls at the start of a Hong Kong Derby.

A starting gate, also called a starting barrier or starting stalls, is a machine used to ensure a fair start to in horse racing and dog racing.

History

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Throughout the history of horse racing, there have been proposals as to how better to start a race. A commonly used starting system for horse races was devised in the mid nineteenth century by Admiral Rous, a steward of the Jockey Club and public handicapper. A starter, standing alongside the jockeys and horses, dropped his flag to signal the start. An assistant some 100 yards down the course raised a second flag to indicate false starts.[1]

An official starter might be well paid, but his duties were very demanding. Early in the twentieth century, he was supported by perhaps a single assistant who primed the spring-barrier, as well as the clerk of the course. In the present day there are many attendants to steady runners from super-structured barrier stalls.[1]

A strand barrier start of a horse race in South Australia in 1952

The first horse racing starting barriers were simple ropes or occasionally wooden barriers behind which the horses stood. The first automated design was pioneered in Australia and was first used at an official race meeting in 1894.[2] Alexander Gray had concluded that the flapping of a starter's flag distracted the horses. An impetus for his invention was a £5 fine received by his son, Reuben, a jockey, for allowing his mount to step over the white chalk line that marked the start. His machine was first tried out at Canterbury Park Racecourse in New South Wales in February 1894. Gray's prototype consisted of a single strand of wire at about the height of the horse's head that was attached to a spring at either end. When the device was activated the barrier sprang up and away from the horses.[1] Gray's single-strand barrier was among those first used. Versions of barriers designed by Alexander and Reuben Gray were installed at race tracks in Australia and overseas between 1894 and about 1932. By the 1920s the single strand barrier had evolved into a spring-powered five-strand device designed by Johnstone and Gleeson, but based on Gray's prototype, that resembled a strongman's chest expander.[1] Barriers assured fair starts to races. Fair race starts encouraged owners to enter horses in races and punters to bet, and they contributed to changing horse racing from a social sporting event into a billion dollar industry.

The inventor of the electric starting gate for horse racing is Clay Puett, who was a rider and starter at various tracks in the American West. Puett's device replaced other starting methods which often failed to produce a fair start, with extra judges employed to catch horses who got a jump on the rest of the field.

Australia began using electronic starting gates in 1948. The first, based on Puett's design, was used at Canterbury Park Racecourse. The various turf clubs across Australia followed suit with electronic gates in the 1950s.[3] Several decades later, in 2020, Australia supplied the United States with a starting gate when Steriline Racing shipped a 20-stall barrier to Churchill Downs to be used in the Kentucky Derby.[4]

In 1965, starting stalls were introduced by the Jockey Club to horseracing in the United Kingdom.[5]

Flat horse racing

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Starting gate detail, looking in from front to back
tractor and starting gate at the Tokyo Racecourse

Many of Puett's actual gates are still in use today at tracks around the world, and all gates are based on his original design. A starting gate is equipped with a number of stalls aligned in a row, usually numbering 12 or 14 for everyday use at tracks. Smaller gates may be used at training facilities for schooling horses, or as an auxiliary gate in addition to the main gate for large-field races such as the Kentucky Derby.

The gates are suspended from an overhead welded steel truss, supported at each end by wheels with pneumatic tires. The entire structure is designed to be towed behind a tractor or truck, so that it can be moved about on the racetrack grounds, or towed over highways from place to place.[6]

Horses normally enter from the rear of the stall, with gates locked behind the horse once it is in place; the front gates of the stall are normally closed as the horse is loaded in, though the starting-gate crew may open it in order to entice a horse who balks at entry. Alternately, a horse may be backed into the stall from the front entry, again done in the case of a skittish horse.

A Woodbine Racetrack starting gate, backside.

The front door of each stall is held closed by an electromagnetic lock. The stall doors are designed to give way in case a horse prematurely attempts to bolt through the front or back, in order to reduce or prevent injury to horse or rider.

When the starter is satisfied that all horses are in place and ready to start the race, he presses a button, cutting the electric current, simultaneously opening the front stall doors, ringing a loud bell, and sending a signal to the totalizator system that the race is begun and no more bets should be accepted.

Puett's gate was first used at Exhibition Park in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1939, though the management of Bay Meadows Racetrack in San Mateo, California, say that their track was the first to use Puett's gate.[7] By the end of 1940, virtually all major race tracks in the United States used Puett gates. Clay Puett began another company, True Center Gate, in 1958 based in Phoenix, Arizona.[8] True Center and Puett's original company (first known as Puett Electric Gate company, now as United) currently account for most starting gate installations in North America. True Center also has gates in South America, the Caribbean and Saudi Arabia. Steriline Racing has supplied racetrack equipment to race clubs, trainers and horse owners in over 65 countries for more than 60 years. These prominent racing clubs use Steriline horse race starting gates: Churchill Downs, Royal Ascot, Meydan, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Flemington and many others.

While starting gates are standard for flat racing, steeplechase tracks frequently still use earlier forms of starting barriers except in Australia, New Zealand and Japan.[citation needed]

Harness racing

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A mobile starting barrier used to begin an 8-horse heat. In cases where there are more horses, they will be arranged in a row directly after the first line horses

One of the reasons that harness racing was less popular than horse racing has been the reservations in gamblers’ minds about the various means of starting trotting races, particularly when bets have been lost before contests were properly under way.[1] Before mobile starting gates gained popularity in harness racing, a rolling start was used. The horses were driven in a number of circles, and the manoeuvre, if carried out correctly, arranged the horses in lines. The fairness of the start was judged by stewards at the starting line; if they judged that a racer was not fairly in line with the others, a false start would be called and the race would start again. This process was sometimes repeated several times before a fair start occurred. In the middle 20th Century, the mobile starting gate was developed.

Most harness races now start from behind a motorized starting gate, called a "car start" or "auto start". This device consists of a car or pickup truck equipped with a hinged gate that resembles metal "wings" on each side of the vehicle. As the vehicle is driven down the center of the track, the wings are extended and the horses line up in order behind it. When the gate reaches the starting line, the starter retracts the wings, which fold inward toward the vehicle body. The vehicle then accelerates away from the horses and pulls off to the outside to let the racers proceed; in many cases, it then follows close behind the racers for officials to view the race and any potential infractions of rules. The modern starting gate uses a driver for steering the vehicle while the starter sits in the rear to concentrate on the actual horses positioning during the "score up". The starter will also observe the race and call a false start if required.

The motorized gate drastically reduced the number of false starts, but did not eliminate them. If the starter, who rides in the vehicle facing backward toward the horses, sees that the start is not fair in some way, he may issue a recall and order the race to be started again. Today, the start speed, acceleration, score up distance, and gate closing are controlled via a computer system, which takes control of the vehicle and provides a printout at the end of the score up.

The other kind of start to race is a standing start, where there are tapes across the track and the horses stand stationary behind the tapes before the start. This enables handicaps to be placed on horses according to class. Some European, Australian and New Zealand races start using tapes.

Dog racing

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Greyhound racing uses a device similar in nature and concept to the horse racing starting gate. The machine is usually called a starting box, owing to its use of boxes to hold the greyhounds in place. Dogs are loaded from the rear, with a small window in the front door through which the dog can see the track and the mechanical lure.

Once the lure has come around to a point a few meters behind the box, it passes a sensor which trips a switch to release the gates which swing upward to open, releasing the dogs. The opening gates start the race clock. Unlike horse racing, this action does not signal the totalizator system to end betting; that is done instead by a steward just before the lure is sent on its way.

Starting boxes normally hold eight dogs, with some holding nine.

See also

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References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Starting gate

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
A starting gate is a mechanically operated barrier used as a starting device for races, particularly in , where it consists of a series of individual stalls that enclose horses to ensure a and simultaneous start. In and other equine , the gate promotes consistency by replacing earlier manual methods prone to uneven breaks, with horses loaded into padded stalls by assistant starters before the official starter triggers the doors to open simultaneously via an electric button. Its design minimizes injury risks through steel framing, electromagnetic latches, and spring-loaded V-shaped doors, typically accommodating 10 to 20 stalls in a structure weighing up to 15 tons and measuring around 60 feet long. The evolution of the starting gate addressed longstanding issues with pre-20th-century starts, where horses lined up behind ropes or linen webbing that often led to false starts or advantages for quicker breakers, as seen in the 1920 Sanford Stakes upset of . Early mechanical innovations emerged in , including C.M. Waite's front-door gate used at the 1930 and the Bahr barrier at the , but these were inconsistent. The modern standard was established in 1939 when Clay Puett introduced the first successful electric starting gate at Lansdowne Park in , , featuring closed V-shaped doors for precise, automated release that revolutionized fairness in the sport. Puett's design quickly gained adoption, powering every from 1940 to 1977 and forming the basis for gates at over half of the 102 major U.S. tracks by the mid-20th century, with his company, Clay Puett True Center Gate Co., continuing to manufacture durable models used globally, including at tracks in the U.S., , , and . Today, starting gates are essential in , as a horse's performance—such as quick breaks or tendencies to —can significantly influence race outcomes, especially in sprints where even slight delays prove costly. While primarily associated with since its first known use in 1893, the term also applies to barriers in other timed events, like , where knocking aside a activates electronic timing.

Introduction

Definition and Purpose

A starting gate is a mechanical device employed in to align horses in individual stalls and facilitate a simultaneous release at the beginning of a race, thereby ensuring an equitable commencement for all competitors. In , it consists of a with padded compartments where each is positioned by handlers. This apparatus prevents premature breaks and positional advantages, standardizing the initiation process across varying track conditions and participant temperaments. The primary purpose of the starting gate is to promote fairness by eliminating human judgment errors inherent in manual starts, such as flag drops or releases, and minimizing chaos from uneven departures that could favor certain animals. By synchronizing the release through an electric mechanism—typically activated by a starter's button—it reduces anticipation-based advantages and ensures that race outcomes depend more on performance than starting disparities. This is particularly vital in sprint events, where even a fractional-second delay can significantly impact results. Key benefits include enhanced race integrity through consistent and verifiable starts, which bolsters spectator in the sport's outcomes and supports reliable wagering systems. The device plays a foundational role in professionalizing modern formats by shifting from subjective, informal initiations to regulated procedures that prioritize safety and equity. Historically, its widespread adoption in transformed from events prone to disputes into structured, professional spectacles, marking a pivotal advancement in the industry's evolution.

Benefits and Impact on Racing

The introduction of starting gates significantly enhanced the fairness of horse races by ensuring all horses broke from a uniform line simultaneously, reducing advantages or disadvantages based on manual starting methods and thereby boosting confidence in pari-mutuel betting outcomes. This reliability contributed to increased attendance and the growth of as a in the post-1940s era, as predictable starts minimized controversies and elevated the excitement of events. For instance, the adoption of an electric starting gate at the 1940 symbolized this modernization, allowing for larger fields and drawing larger crowds to major competitions. Starting gates standardized race performance by aligning the start precisely with the timing line, enabling accurate measurement of race times from the outset and influencing trainers' strategies to emphasize quick breaks. The mechanical consistency also facilitated international competitions by accommodating diverse field sizes and track conditions, promoting global standardization in the sport. Over the long term, starting gates have reduced disputes over false starts and uneven breaks, leading to fewer race cancellations and greater operational efficiency for tracks. By minimizing chaos at the outset, they have improved safety for horses, jockeys, and crews, while supporting the industry's expansion through dependable event scheduling. This transformative role has solidified starting gates as a of modern , enhancing overall integrity and appeal.

History

Pre-Gate Starting Methods

Before the widespread adoption of mechanical starting gates in the early , horse races, particularly in , relied on manual methods to initiate competitions, often resulting in uneven and contentious beginnings. The most traditional approach involved a , where horses were manually positioned in a rough line by handlers or jockeys, and the race commenced upon a verbal command from the starter, such as shouting "Go," accompanied by a hand wave or . This method, dating back to the origins of organized in the 18th and early 19th centuries, depended heavily on the starter's judgment to align the field and signal fairly, but it frequently led to disputes over positioning. In , pre-gate starts typically employed a walking or rolling method, where s and sulkies were paraded or circled behind to achieve alignment before breaking into a or pace on command, often using a or verbal cue. This technique, common from the mid- onward, aimed to prevent early breaks but was prone to interference and uneven acceleration, especially in larger fields. For , which emerged later in the late , early straight-track events around used simple manual releases or slips for the dogs after a lure was set, with handlers positioning the animals manually before a or shout signaled the start. By the late , some flat races transitioned to rudimentary tape or barrier starts, involving a cloth tape or stretched across the track and lifted or dropped by assistants, as seen in trials from the . However, these barriers were fragile and often broke unevenly if animals surged forward prematurely. These pre-gate methods carried significant limitations that undermined race integrity and safety. False starts were rampant due to eager or dogs breaking before the signal, with showing only three such incidents before 1817 in British racing, but escalating dramatically thereafter—exemplified by 14 false starts in the 1830 alone, causing delays and frustrating spectators. Positional advantages favored inner-track runners, who could edge ahead during alignment, while crowding at the start heightened risks of collisions, falls, and injuries to both animals and riders, as handlers struggled to control large fields manually. Such chaos was particularly evident in major events like 19th-century Derbies, where interference and disputed alignments led to frequent protests and fines introduced by reformers like Lord George Bentinck in the 1840s. These persistent issues ultimately drove the innovation of mechanical starting solutions to ensure fairer and safer departures.

Invention and Global Adoption

The first practical enclosed electric starting gate for flat was invented by Clay Puett, a Texan electrical engineer and innovator, in 1939 after nearly a decade of experimentation beginning in the early . Puett's design addressed longstanding issues with uneven starts by featuring individual stalls with V-shaped rear doors that closed behind each horse and opened simultaneously via an electric mechanism, ensuring a fair and synchronized release. The gate made its public debut on July 1, 1939, at Lansdowne Park in , , where it successfully started a field of 12 horses. Adoption in the United States accelerated rapidly, with Puett's gates installed at numerous major tracks by 1940, transforming the sport from reliance on manual barriers or standing starts. A pivotal milestone occurred at the 1940 , the first running to use an electric starting gate at , where Gallahadion emerged victorious from the innovative stalls. Initial resistance arose from traditionalists who favored manual methods and expressed concerns over the high installation costs—often exceeding $10,000 per gate in the era—as well as potential stress on horses unaccustomed to enclosure; early prototypes using chains also proved hazardous, occasionally injuring jockeys. However, demonstrations of the gate's reliability quickly dispelled doubts, leading to its standardization across American by the mid-1940s. Global dissemination followed in the postwar period, becoming standard in major leagues by the 1950s. introduced its first electronic starting stalls at Racecourse on July 10, 1948, modeled after Puett's design, while Europe lagged, with the employing them for the first time in 1967 to replace tape starts and improve equity. For , a variant emerged with Stephen G. Phillips's mobile starting gate, patented in 1950 after initial development in the 1940s; it debuted successfully in 1946 at New York tracks, using a vehicle-mounted barrier for rolling starts that minimized false breaks. In , mechanical starting boxes—individual enclosures releasing dogs toward a lure—were adopted in the 1920s amid the sport's rise, with electric mechanization enhancements post-World War II boosting precision and reducing mishaps at tracks like Derby Lane, which opened in 1925.

Types and Designs

Stall Gates for Flat Racing

Stall gates for flat racing consist of individual metal enclosures designed to hold in a position, typically accommodating 8 to 14 per unit, with capacities ranging up to 20 stalls in connectable configurations for larger fields. Each stall features front barriers that prevent forward movement until release, padded interiors to minimize injury risk during loading and starting, and adjustable dividers that accommodate varying sizes and ensure separation between animals. The overall emphasizes and reliability, with overhead that eliminate internal bars above the jockey's head to reduce collision hazards. These gates are constructed primarily from high-grade frames, often galvanized or powder-coated for resistance and durability, combined with components for mechanical systems and gates. Interiors incorporate rubber or high-density foam padding on dividers, entries, and gates, which has been shown to be up to three times more effective at impact absorption than traditional materials, according to independent laboratory testing. The base includes a wheeled pontoon system, typically with dual wheels and hydraulic steering options, allowing precise positioning on tracks while minimizing surface damage. Adaptations focus on facilitating smooth horse handling, such as tapered entry designs that create a funnel effect to guide animals into stalls more readily, reducing stress and loading time. Front doors are spring-loaded and operate via electro-mechanical or pneumatic triggers, ensuring simultaneous opening for a fair start, while rear gates use progressive hydraulic closure to secure horses of different temperaments. Additional features include emergency hand-release mechanisms and to eliminate operational noise. In usage, stall gates are the standard for flat races on turf or dirt surfaces, including distances up to 2 miles, providing consistent starts that enhance race integrity. Models from manufacturers like and Steriline support high-speed releases, with electro-mechanical systems enabling push-button activation and assembly times of 2-3 days for track deployment. They are widely employed in major events, such as the and races at Chantilly, where position assignments are determined prior to loading.

Mobile Gates for Harness Racing

Mobile gates for harness racing consist of a vehicle-mounted barrier system designed to facilitate fair and even starts for horses pulling sulkies in trotting or pacing events. The core design features a , typically a modified or automobile, equipped with extendable wings that form an accordion-style or folding to contain and guide the field of horses. This setup allows the vehicle to lead the horses at a controlled speed toward the starting line, gradually accelerating to approximately 25-30 miles per hour, ensuring all competitors reach full stride simultaneously upon gate retraction. Key components include a rear-facing cab for the starter, who monitors the horses' positioning and controls the gate's operation while communicating with the forward-facing driver via intercom. The flexible wings, often constructed from lightweight aluminum or composite materials with padding for horse safety, extend 10-15 feet on each side to accommodate fields of 8-12 horses, creating individual slots for sulkies. Safety elements such as breakaway sections in the wings allow them to yield upon impact, minimizing injury risk during potential collisions, while hydraulic or pneumatic systems enable smooth extension and retraction. Electric winches or similar mechanisms assist in folding the wings post-release, allowing the vehicle to accelerate rapidly—up to 50 miles per hour or more—to clear the track. The evolution of mobile gates began in the late 1930s when , a veteran starter, invented the concept in 1937, drawing inspiration from film equipment trucks to replace inconsistent walking starts. It gained prominence in the , with the first public use occurring on May 24, 1946, at in New York, marking a shift toward more reliable rolling starts that reduced delays and improved equity. By the , adoption spread globally, evolving from manual steel arms to hydraulic-powered versions; modern iterations incorporate computerized controls, lighter materials, and high-precision timing systems, though alignment remains primarily visual with emerging GPS enhancements for recording start positions to millisecond accuracy. These gates are tailored for sulky-pulled , with designs ensuring proper spacing—typically 6-8 feet per slot—to prevent interference during the paced approach. Standard configurations support 8 to 12 , adjustable for varying field sizes, and feature prominent and reflective markings for in low-light conditions. The system's retraction via winches occurs instantaneously at the starter's command, typically after passing a designated pole, allowing seamless race commencement.

Starting Boxes for Greyhound Racing

Starting boxes for are compact, mechanized enclosures designed exclusively for canine sprint races, typically consisting of 8 individual units arranged in a row to accommodate the competing dogs and ensure a fair start. Each box provides a secure, contained space with a clear front panel for visibility during loading and release, and or grated sides to prevent interference between adjacent greyhounds while allowing handlers to monitor the animals. These stationary boxes are positioned at the starting line of oval tracks, promoting an even launch synchronized with the mechanical lure that triggers the chase. Key features include pneumatic or mechanical door systems that enable rapid, simultaneous opening of all fronts upon , delivering a quiet and reliable release to minimize stress and support the fair start principle. Anti-jam mechanisms, such as adjustable barriers and smooth-loading guides, help reduce the risk of paw or limb injuries during placement into the boxes. The design integrates directly with automated lure systems through proximity switches, ensuring the doors open precisely as the lure passes, which incentivizes immediate pursuit and maintains race integrity. Backup manual controls are incorporated for operational redundancy in case of pneumatic failure. In terms of materials, modern starting boxes often employ lightweight aluminum frames for durability and ease of , paired with rubberized or matting to provide traction and cushioning for the greyhounds' paws. Ventilation is achieved through the , aiding air circulation during the brief pre-race wait. These boxes are standard equipment for track distances of 400 to 500 meters, with leading manufacturers like Steriline emphasizing low-noise to calm anxious dogs and comply with international safety standards. Globally adopted in regions including , , and , they enhance overall race safety by isolating each until the synchronized release.

Operation and Mechanics

Loading and Positioning Procedures

The loading and positioning procedures for starting vary by type but follow a structured sequence to ensure , even alignment, and race readiness. Animals are typically escorted from the paddock or post parade to the starting apparatus by handlers or outriders, who maintain control and prevent disturbances. Once at the gate or boxes, specialized crew members position into designated spots, adjusting for a calm, square stance with all feet grounded and heads forward. This process emphasizes safety, with handlers monitoring for signs of agitation and using approved aids to minimize stress. In flat horse racing using stall gates, jockeys mount their horses in the paddock prior to escorting them to the starting gate via outriders, who guide the field in single file to the backside of the apparatus. Assistant starters, positioned on narrow ledges, cue the jockeys to back the horses into individual padded stalls—typically 2.5 feet wide by 8 feet long—ensuring even spacing and perpendicular alignment to the track. Gate crew applies calming aids such as blinders to focus the horse, earplugs or hoods to reduce noise, and barrier blankets to prevent kicking; blindfolds may also be used during entry and removed once positioned. Doors at the rear and front are then secured with electromagnets, and the starter verifies all horses are settled before signaling readiness. The entire loading typically takes 1-2 minutes, often in post-position order or inside-out to accommodate temperament. For harness racing with mobile gates, horses pulling sulkies are paraded to the starting point on the backstretch, where drivers maneuver them into position behind the vehicle's extended wings as it accelerates slowly. The starter, seated in the rear of the gate vehicle, directs adjustments to align each horse in its assigned post position, maintaining equal gaps and a straight line perpendicular to the track without physical stalls. Outriders assist in corralling any stragglers or loose horses during approach, but primary positioning relies on driver control to achieve a trotting or pacing gait. No specific aids like blinders are mandated during this phase, though handlers ensure calm through verbal cues and steady pace. In , handlers lead muzzled dogs from the post parade directly to the starting boxes, walking them close to familiarize and reduce last-second stress. Loading occurs sequentially from the rear: odd-numbered boxes (1, 3, 5, 7) first, followed by evens (2, 4, 6, 8), with each handler straddling the dog for control—one hand on the chest, the other under the —before lifting it forward into the box and securing the door behind the tail and legs. A mechanical lure is visible through a small front to encourage entry and focus, while handlers monitor for resistance, using approved nose straps if needed and avoiding rough handling to prevent aversion. The process lasts about 1 minute after a 5-minute wait, with the starter verifying positions and safety before activation. If a occurs due to barrier failure or animal breakout, protocols require immediate recall and reloading of all animals into their positions, potentially withdrawing unruly individuals to ensure fairness and safety; this restarts the preparation sequence without penalty to the field.

Activation and Release Mechanisms

The activation of a starting gate in flat begins with the official starter, who monitors the horses' positioning either in person or via video feeds from multiple angles to ensure all are settled and ready. Once satisfied, the starter activates an or horn to signal readiness to the field, followed by pressing a manual release button that simultaneously disengages the locking mechanisms across all stalls. In Puett-style electric starting gates, widely used since their in , the front and rear doors of each are held closed by electromagnets powered by an . Upon button activation, the current is cut, releasing the electromagnets and allowing pre-tensioned springs to simultaneously open the front doors, while the rear doors remain closed to contain the horses. This spring-based propulsion ensures a rapid and uniform release, minimizing any disparity in start times among horses. Synchronization of the door openings is achieved through a centralized electrical circuit that powers all electromagnets in unison, resulting in near-simultaneous release across the entire gate structure to promote fairness. Some designs incorporate mechanical linkages or self-aligning catches to further reduce variances, though the starter retains authority to declare and false starts based on visual observation if any breaks prematurely. Emergency manual overrides, such as independent hand releases for individual stalls, allow for immediate intervention in case of electrical failure. For mobile starting gates in , the process involves a motorized extensible wings that form a rolling barrier, with the driver accelerating to a predetermined pace of approximately 28-30 mph (45-48 km/h) to align the s behind the wings. At the designated start line, the starter signals the driver to retract the wings via a hydraulic or mechanical system, releasing the s into a ; manual backup controls enable the starter to override and abort if a breaks or alignment falters. In , the official starter verifies all dogs are positioned and settled through direct observation or handler signals. Upon confirmation, the starter presses a to simultaneously release the front doors of the starting boxes via a mechanical or pneumatic mechanism. Concurrently, the mechanical lure accelerates along the rail to draw the greyhounds forward and initiate the chase.

Safety and Training

Safety Features and Risk Mitigation

Starting gates incorporate several design elements to minimize the risk of injury to horses, jockeys, and gate crew during loading and release. Padded interiors, typically made of high-density foam or closed-cell rubber protected by vinyl coverings, line the stall walls, doors, and dividers to cushion impacts if a horse rears, kicks, or shifts unexpectedly. These materials absorb shock and prevent abrasions, with rubber-coated or padded doors specifically designed to protect a horse's hindquarters during positioning. Quick-release mechanisms, such as easy-to-use handles on front and rear gates, allow for rapid manual opening in emergencies, enabling swift extraction if a horse becomes distressed or entangled. For mobile starting used in , additional safeguards include fail-safe hydraulic systems and quiet internal buffers to reduce noise and sudden movements that could startle . Anti-slip flooring and elements on bases provide traction, particularly in wet or muddy conditions, helping to prevent slips during loading on variable track surfaces. Pre-race inspections are a critical protocol, involving checks of all , hinges, latches, and points to ensure operational integrity and detect wear that could lead to malfunctions. Risk mitigation extends to operational protocols, including the presence of assistant starters and backup gate crew who monitor horses for signs of and assist in positioning or removal if needed. Veterinary examinations occur at the gate post-loading, with officials observing for lameness, respiratory issues, or other indicators of unsoundness that might warrant the horse before the start. The adoption of starting gates since their in the late has dramatically enhanced safety by standardizing starts and reducing the disorder of manual methods, with studies indicating that gate-related incidents, while still accounting for about 35% of injuries, are mitigated through these features compared to pre-gate eras.

Training Protocols and Common Incidents

Training protocols for starting gates emphasize gradual desensitization to minimize stress and ensure reliable performance during races. For horses in flat racing, young prospects typically begin gate education around age two, after initial breaking and track familiarization. The process starts with walking through open stalls as part of daily routines, progressing to standing quietly with barriers closed, and eventually simulating breaks at racing speed with an exercise rider. Multiple sessions, often paired with an experienced for efficiency, incorporate positive such as calm handling and verbal encouragement to build , typically spanning several weeks to prevent responses. In , horses are conditioned to mobile starting gates through similar progressive exposure, focusing on loading behind the moving apparatus and maintaining alignment without breaking stride prematurely. Protocols require horses to demonstrate composure during approach and positioning, often using smaller versions of mobile gates to simulate the before full race qualification. Age-specific aligns with development, commencing in early career stages to earn clearance for competitive entries. Greyhound training for starting boxes prioritizes desensitization to the confined space and trap mechanism, beginning with voluntary entry using lures to associate the box with the chase reward. Greyhounds typically begin racing-specific training, including starting box exposure, around 12-15 months of age, advancing to repeated rehearsals of box loading and door release to improve reaction times and reduce hesitation. Handlers employ gentle handling to foster tolerance, as many greyhounds initially resist confinement, with protocols ensuring comfort before racing eligibility. Common incidents at starting gates often stem from behavioral resistance or mechanical mishaps, though most are minor and resolved without long-term harm. In , rearing or flipping in stalls remains a frequent issue, as seen in a 2024 Aqueduct incident where a horse reared during a , fell backward, and thrashed violently before extraction, highlighting risks of panic in inexperienced runners. Tail injuries can occur from improper door closure or handling, exemplified by a 2023 incident at Grants Pass Downs leading to a 2025 lawsuit, where a mare's was degloved—severing skin and hair—prompting legal action against track operators for alleged by gate staff. For greyhounds, box refusals, where dogs at entering or facing forward, commonly lead to scratches from races under regulatory rules, disrupting schedules and underscoring the need for thorough preconditioning. Responses to such incidents prioritize , with immediate veterinary intervention standard to assess and treat injuries on-site. Gate-related problems contribute to 35-41% of injuries in flat racing, though race disruptions from these events affect only a small fraction of starts overall, typically under 3% involving failures to finish due to start issues. In , mobile gate malfunctions, such as premature wing deployment, have led to occasional collisions, but protocols mandate swift resets and veterinary checks to resume safely.

Modern Developments

Technological Innovations

Since the early 2000s, starting gate technology has incorporated digital enhancements to improve precision and operator safety, such as remote control systems for gate release and steering in training and mobile configurations. For instance, Simtrack's hydraulic starting gates feature wireless remote controls that enable operators to manage steering, initiate flashing indicator lights (blue for loading and red for "get set"), and execute remote recalls with alarms to prevent false starts. Similarly, VSVN's movable horse starting gates include a wireless remote gate release system, allowing control from a distance to minimize handler exposure to fractious animals. These systems reduce human error and enhance response times during loading and activation. Material advancements have focused on durability and reduced weight for faster setup and transport, particularly in mobile gates for . Modern designs utilize high-tensile rectangular hollow section steel combined with components and UV-stable plastics, providing corrosion resistance while maintaining structural integrity under high stress. In applications, wing sections of mobile starting gates have shifted to advanced composites, which are lighter and stronger than traditional aluminum, facilitating quicker deployment and minimizing track damage. These upgrades support efficient operations in diverse environments, including international tracks like those managed by the Korea Racing Authority. Safety technologies have evolved to prioritize through quieter mechanisms and adaptive protections. Hydraulic systems in contemporary , such as those from Simtrack, incorporate internal buffers that slow the final 5 cm of front gate opening for near-silent deployment, reducing startle responses in and improving compliance during loading. Progressive closure mechanisms lock rear at variable positions to prevent backward escapes, while extensive —using high-density , ultra-durable carpets, and flexible side walls—covers impact zones, division panels, and platforms. Steriline's high-performance , independently tested by , absorbs impact three times more effectively than standard materials, significantly lowering injury risks to and handlers. For the Korea Racing Authority, Simtrack engineered rear that open 25 degrees beyond standard positions, easing entry for larger breeds and reducing stress. Post-2020 developments emphasize seamless integration with broader track infrastructure and enhanced diagnostics for reliability. Electrically activated systems, now standard in over 50 Steriline gates, including in the UK, allow instantaneous activation while incorporating emergency hand releases on front and back gates for rapid intervention. "Power ON" protocols, coupled with LED diagnostic indicators, alert operators to power issues or mechanical faults in real time, preventing operational failures. These features align starting gates with track timing software by synchronizing release signals, ensuring accurate race commencement data. Additionally, noise-minimizing designs like spring-loaded back gates and hydraulic buffers promote by creating calmer loading environments, as evidenced in Steriline's funnel-effect stalls that guide horses smoothly without agitation.

Regulations and International Standards

In the United States, starting gates for are regulated by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), which mandates that all gates and associated vehicles undergo pre-race meet inspections to verify proper working order and safety compliance. State racing commissions enforce these standards through ongoing oversight, including requirements for operable, padded gates approved by the relevant authority, with bans on unapproved modifications that could compromise functionality or safety. For , similar federal and state rules apply, emphasizing certified equipment to prevent malfunctions during mobile starts. Internationally, the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) provides guidelines for flat racing that prioritize horse welfare in starting procedures, requiring barriers and gates to be appropriately designed and safe, with education for horses on loading to minimize stress. In the , regulatory frameworks under bodies like the British Horseracing Authority incorporate padding requirements in starting stalls as part of broader standards to reduce injury risks during races. For in , the Australian Harness Racing Rules stipulate that mobile starting gates must have approved starting points marked prominently, with stewards overseeing compliance to ensure fair and safe race initiation. Greyhound racing regulations have shifted significantly toward welfare priorities, particularly in the United States, where commercial operations have been phased out in 44 states by the mid-2020s through bans enacted to address animal cruelty concerns, leaving only limited tracks in states like . As of 2025, a federal bill, the Greyhound Protection Act, has been introduced to ban commercial nationwide, potentially eliminating the remaining tracks. In jurisdictions where persists, such as the and , rules under the Greyhound Board of (GBGB) and Greyhound Racing Ireland emphasize safe starting boxes compliant with track safety standards, including mechanical reliability to protect during races. Enforcement of starting gate regulations across jurisdictions includes penalties for malfunctions, such as fines for starters or officials and declarations of races as no contests or voids if a mechanical failure compromises fairness or safety, as outlined in rules from bodies like the Indiana Horse Racing Commission. These measures ensure accountability, with stewards empowered to halt racing until equipment is rectified.

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