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

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

From BBC

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

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

“The year-end rally is still at the starting gate,” he said.

From Barron's

But when they get to the starting gate, says Dylan, “she’s just the competition that I have to beat.”

From The Wall Street Journal