In horse racing, the letter 'F' is an important abbreviation seen in race forms and results, indicating that the horse fell during the race. This notation signifies that the horse lost its footing or balance and went to the ground at some point during the event, unable to complete the race.
When a horse falls, it is typically unable to continue and is recorded as having failed to finish the race. This can be due to various reasons, including misjudging an obstacle, a stumble, or an interaction with another horse.
Understanding Race Abbreviations
Beyond 'F' for 'fell', horse racing uses several other abbreviations to concisely communicate a horse's performance or reason for not finishing a race. These are vital for accurately interpreting a horse's form and past performance.
Here are some common abbreviations you might encounter:
| Abbreviation | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
| F | Fell | The horse lost its footing and went to the ground during the race, resulting in a non-completion. |
| R | Refused | The horse stopped or hesitated to such an extent that it effectively declined to continue the race or tackle an obstacle (e.g., a jump). |
| BD | Brought Down (by another runner) | The horse fell or was severely impeded and unable to continue due to interference from another horse during the race. This implies external causation rather than the horse's own fault. |
| U or UR | Unseated Jockey (or Unseated Rider) | The jockey was dislodged from the horse during the race, but the horse itself may have remained on its feet. The horse did not complete the race with its rider. |
| P or PU | Pulled Up | The jockey intentionally stopped the horse during the race, often due to concerns about the horse's well-being (e.g., lameness, injury, or exhaustion). |
| CO | Carried Out | The horse deviated from the proper course, often drifting wide or running off the track, and did not complete the race correctly. |
| DSQ or D | Disqualified | The horse's result was nullified after the race due to a rule infringement (e.g., carrying incorrect weight, impeding another runner, or failing a post-race drug test). |
Why This Information Matters
These abbreviations are critical for anyone studying a horse's "form," which refers to its past performance record. For instance, a horse with a history of 'F's or 'U's in its form might be considered less reliable over obstacles in jump racing, indicating a potential risk factor for future bets.
Understanding these symbols allows bettors, trainers, and racing enthusiasts to quickly grasp what happened to a horse in previous outings, providing insights into its consistency, resilience, and potential weaknesses. This information is readily available on race cards, online racing databases, and form guides provided by organizations like The Jockey Club.
