Horse Racing Glossary - O

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Objection – A complaint about the conduct of one of the competitors in a race.

Odds - The ration between the amounts staked on the outcome of a bet, based on the probability either way.

Odds-against - Odds e.g. 3/1 when the numerator is larger than the denominator.(i.e. in this instance, the bookmaker is asserting that there is a 3 out of 7 chance that the horse will win)

Odds-on - Odds e.g. 3/7 when the denominator is larger than the numerator (i.e. in this instance, the bookmaker is asserting that there is a 3 out of 7 chance that the horse will win)

Off – The start of a race.

Off-slip – A slip that is passed through the till right before the race is underway. The serial number is used to determine whether a bet was placed before or after the off – if it was, it is void.

Off the bit (Off the bridle) – Horses that are let down by the jockey in the early stages of a race and urged to put in more effort.

On – Term to indicate that a bet has been struck.

On the nose – bet to win

Outside – Enclosures at a racecourse other than the main enclosure.

Outside stable - A stable other than the one with which the normally rides.

Outsider – An unfancied runner.

Over broke – Where the odds are such that a punter can bet on all the runners and be sure of a profit.

Overlay - Where the winning chance of a contender is underestimated.

Over round - Number, expressing the percentage "take" a bookmaker has on a race. i.e. 117 = the number of pounds one would have to stake if one placed a bet on every horse in the race to win £100. Usually between 115 and 135.

Over staking – When the total amount of money tendered and accepted with a betting slip exceeds the amount required to exercise the bet.

Over the top - Beyond its best.

Overweight - When Jockeys riding weight (of jockey + tack) is above the minimum allowed by the handicapper.