Jargon Buster
- Maiden
A horse that has yet to win a race; maiden races are restricted to such horses, though sometimes the conditions of the race allow previous winners (e.g. maidens at closing, i.e. those that have not won a race up to the time the entries close), in which case penalties are allotted for later wins.
- Maiden handicap
For maidens aged three or above that have run at least four times and have a maximum rating of 70.
- Mare
Female horse aged five years old or above.
- Market/betting market
A market is created, according to demand, by the prices offered for each runner by bookmakers.
- Median auction maiden
A race for two-year-olds by stallions that had one or more yearling sold in the previous year with a median price not exceeding a specified figure.
- Middle distances
On the Flat, races beyond a mile and up to 1m6f are the middle distances. A middle-distance horse is one that runs mainly over such distances or is regarded as being suitable for those distances.
- Minimum trip
The shortest race distance: five furlongs on the Flat, two miles over jumps.