Most major tracks are one mile ovals. The furlong (one-eighth of a mile) is the basic unit of measurement. The most common race distance is 6 furlongs (6/8 or 3/4 mile). The furlongs are easily visible to the naked eye or through binoculars when you visit the track. They are represented by poles. The poles are named by their distance from the finish line. For example, the 1/8 pole is one furlong from the finish. The 1/4 pole is 2 furlongs (2/8) from the finish. The 3/4 pole (6/8) is 6 furlongs from the finish. This is the point where the gate will be placed for 6 furlong races (the most common distance). The poles are color coded: 1/8 poles are green and white, 1/4 poles are red and white, 1/16 poles are black and white.

Back