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 • Mar. 7, 2026

"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 • Feb. 17, 2026

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

From Salon • Feb. 8, 2026

Rast, placed fourth after the first go, topped the times after the second run, but unfortunately for her there was still one skier in the starting gate still to go.

From Barron's • Jan. 25, 2026

He took the rider and Seabiscuit out to the starting gate.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand