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The History Of Starting Stalls In Horse Racing: From Chaos to Control


The use of starting stalls in horse racing wasn't a sudden invention. It evolved over time, driven by the need for fairer starts specifically for flat races. Stalls are not used for national hunt races. A human starter controls the starting tape over the jumps and lets the horses go when it is deemed to be the fairest moment to do so.

Early Days Of The Starting Stalls (Before 19th Century)

No Stalls: Horses lined up at the starting line, flag starts with the starter shouting "go" often ended up in a chaotic scramble. This led to uneven starts, dangerous situations and sometimes, disqualifications due to false starts. There were fourteen false starts in the 1830 Derby for example. Livid punters and wound up horses was commonplace.

Barrier Systems: Rudimentary barriers and flag starts were used in some races, but these were basic structures that didn't effectively contain the horses.
The Rise Of The Starting Stalls (19th Century)

1825 to 1897: The first recognizable starting stalls were introduced in England in 1897. The grey starting gate as it was called, were brought over to the UK from India and Australia, consisting of upright posts, were the pre-cursors to the starting gate as we know it today. These basic wooden structures with a gate for each horse that could be opened simultaneously actually worked.

1897 to 1965: Soon after the grey gate introduction and successful trial, the development of mechanical starting gates revolutionized horse racing. The newer gates were made of steel and could be opened with greater precision and speed.

Modern Day: Stalls have continued to evolve with the addition of safety features, such as padded gates and spring loaded mechanisms to prevent injury. Professional stall handlers are employed to get the runners into the correct numbered stall. Mistakes mean void races. Void races cost money to bookmakers and therefore the racing industry.
Starting Stalls In The USA

While the exact date of the first use of starting stalls in the USA is difficult to pinpoint, they were introduced in the late 19th century. Americans call them starting gates.

1890s: Mechanical starting gates, developed in England, began to be adopted in the US.

Early 1900s: Stalls became more common and were widely used by major racetracks.

It's important to note that the adoption of starting gates wasn't uniform across all US racetracks. Some tracks continued to use traditional methods of starting races for a longer period.
Modern Day Starting Stalls

Today: Starting stalls/gates are sophisticated devices designed to ensure fair starts and enhance safety. They are made of lightweight materials, have adjustable positions and feature mechanisms for releasing the gates simultaneously.

Technology: Modern stalls often incorporate technologies like cameras and sensors to monitor horse movement and facilitate accurate starts to races.
Advantages Of Starting Stalls

  1. Fairer Starts: Stalls ensure all horses have an equal chance at the beginning of the race.
  2. Safer Races: By controlling the start, stalls minimize the risk of collisions and injuries.
  3. Enhanced Excitement: Stalls create a more dramatic and exciting start to the race.
Impact On Horse Racing

  • More Competitive Races: Stalls created a level playing field, fostering competition and making races more unpredictable.
  • Improved Safety Standards: The use of stalls significantly reduced the number of accidents and injuries during races.
  • Enhanced Entertainment Value: Stalls added an element of drama and excitement to the start of races, attracting more fans.
Starting Stalls Of The Future

As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see further refinements to starting stalls.

The focus will likely be on further improving safety, precision and the overall experience for both horses and spectators.
Who Makes The Starting Stalls & Gates?

Steriline Racing and Fornells are at the forefront of the starting stalls and gates production at the moment. One and two gate mechanisms are popular at the training yard. Each flat racing racehorse trainer will need access to training stall facilities, so it's big business.

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Types of Starting Stalls Used in Horse Racing:

Horse racing uses a variety of starting stalls to ensure a fair and safe start. Here are some of the most common types:
1. Traditional Starting Stalls:

"Gate" Stalls: These are the most common type and feature individual stalls with a gate at the front.

"Swinging" Stalls: This type uses a hinged gate that swings open on the side, allowing horses to exit together.

"Drop" Stalls: Here, the floor of the stall drops away, propelling the horse forward at the start.


2. "Handicap" Stalls:

"Barrier" Stalls: Used for handicap races, these stalls are located at different points along the track, giving horses a head start based on their handicap.

"Scratch" Stalls: Located at the back of the starting line, these stalls are used for horses that are scratched from the race.


3. Other Starting Methods:

"Standing Start": This method is used in some types of racing, especially in steeplechase events. Horses are lined up at the starting line and released upon the signal.

"Mobile Start": Used in some flat racing, this method involves a mobile starting gate that follows the horses at a slow pace before releasing them at the starting line.


International Variations:
While the general principles remain the same, different countries and racetracks may have specific variations in their starting stall designs:

Australian Stalls: Often feature wider stalls and gates that open in a slightly different manner.

European Stalls: May have different gate configurations or materials.

American Stalls: The "gate" stall is the standard and often features a specific "gate-latch" system.


Factors Influencing Stall Design:

Type of Race: Flat racing vs. steeplechase vs. harness racing.

Track Size and Configuration: The layout of the racetrack influences the design and placement of stalls.

Horse Size and Breed: Stalls need to accommodate different sizes and breeds of horses.

Safety and Fairness: The design must prioritize the safety of both horses and jockeys while ensuring a fair start.

Blogger Sandracer @ 11:03 pm, September 26, 2024  

Companies that manufacture starting stalls for horse racing?

Steriline Racing: This Australian company is a global leader in the field, providing starting gates to prestigious racetracks like Churchill Downs, Royal Ascot, and Meydan. They prioritize safety and design, using advanced materials and testing procedures to ensure the best possible experience for jockeys, handlers, and horses.

RaceTech: Based in the UK, RaceTech offers a range of starting stall solutions tailored to different racecourse needs. They work closely with racecourse officials to ensure safe and efficient starts, providing comprehensive support services including assembly, commissioning, and training.

Tekide: This French company specializes in the design and manufacture of starting gates for horse racing. Their products are known for their durability, weather resistance, and ease of use. TÉKIDÉ starting stalls are designed to provide maximum safety for all involved, with secure locking systems and synchronized door openings.

Fornells Horse Racing: This Spanish company offers a wide range of starting gates and training gates for horses. They cater to various needs, providing options from standard to platinum models. Fornells starting gates are built to withstand frequent use and harsh weather conditions, ensuring long-lasting performance.

Smaller Companies Who Manufacture Starting Stalls?

While larger companies like Steriline Racing and RaceTech dominate the commercial horse racing market, there are several smaller companies specializing in training starter stalls for horse racing stables. These companies often offer more personalized service and tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of individual stables.

Equine Equipment Specialists: This UK-based company focuses on providing high-quality, affordable equine equipment. They offer a range of training starter stalls designed to help horses become accustomed to the starting gate environment.

Stable Solutions: A US-based company that specializes in equestrian equipment. They offer custom-built training starter stalls that can be adapted to various stable layouts and horse sizes.

Racing Equipment Australia: This Australian company provides a range of racing equipment, including training starter stalls. They offer both standard and custom-designed options to suit the needs of Australian stables.

Equitech: A Canadian company that offers a variety of equine equipment, including training starter stalls. They focus on providing durable and safe products for horse training.

Blogger Sandracer @ 6:44 pm, September 28, 2024  


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