starting gate

American  

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 British  

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

---

Etymology

Origin of starting gate

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

It’s way too early to think Potente will turn out like that, but he did earn 50 Kentucky Derby points, all but guaranteeing himself a spot in the starting gate at Churchill Downs.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2026

Vonn crashed just 13 seconds after leaving the starting gate, losing control and falling hard on the course.

From Salon • Feb. 8, 2026

"I will not go home regretting not trying, I will do everything in my power to be in that starting gate."

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026

In challenging conditions, with a lower starting gate due to poor weather and visibility, in the number six bib, Vonn was on form from start to finish.

From Barron's • Jan. 10, 2026

But somehow, after throwing a fit in the starting gate and being left flat-footed at the bell, the colt won his race that day.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand