starting gate

noun

1. any of various types of movable barriers for lining up and giving an equal start to the entries in a horse or dog race.

starting gate

noun

1. a movable barrier so placed on the starting line of a racecourse that the raising of it releases all the contestants simultaneously
2. the US name for starting stalls

Word History and Origins

Origin of starting gate¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Citizen Bull also won the American Pharoah at Santa Anita and now has 40 qualifying points for the Derby, which is very likely to get the horse in the starting gate at Churchill Downs.

From Los Angeles Times

People create their own statement pieces involving the Twin Spires, horses and even the starting gate at Churchill Downs, which is celebrating the 150th running of the famous race this weekend in Louisville, Kentucky.

From Seattle Times

The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby will take place Saturday afternoon, and the horses are scheduled to leave the starting gate at 7:03 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times

Last year’s Kentucky Derby Day at Churchill Downs saw 143 horses enter the starting gate.

From Los Angeles Times

“The parties are fighting these battles district by district in courtrooms across the country that are aimed at giving Democrats a better chance at the starting gate,” said Wice.

From Seattle Times