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.

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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

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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

Each Derby candidate has only one or two chances remaining to earn one of the 20 stalls in the oversized starting gate at Churchill Downs.

From Los Angeles Times

"When I think back on my crash, I didn't stand in the starting gate unaware of the potential consequences. I knew what I was doing. I chose to take a risk," she added.

From BBC

Days earlier, Shiffrin left the starting gate in the women’s team combined skiing event with the U.S. in first place after a brilliant downhill from teammate Breezy Johnson.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Standing in the starting gate yesterday was an incredible feeling that I will never forget. Knowing I stood there having a chance to win was a victory in and of itself."

From BBC