selling race: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialized / Technical
Quick answer
What does “selling race” mean?
A horse race after which the winner must be auctioned to the highest bidder.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A horse race after which the winner must be auctioned to the highest bidder.
A type of horse racing event where the winning horse is offered for sale immediately after the race, with a minimum price set beforehand; also used metaphorically to describe any competitive situation where the prize or outcome is immediately monetized.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties but is more common in British and Irish horse racing. In American racing, the concept exists but terms like 'claiming race' (where any horse can be claimed for a set price) are more frequent.
Connotations
In both varieties, it denotes a specific, formal type of race within the sport. No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK/Irish racing journalism and commentary. Rare in general American English outside specific equestrian circles.
Grammar
How to Use “selling race” in a Sentence
[horse] runs in a selling race[owner] enters [horse] in a selling raceThe [race name] is a selling race.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “selling race” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The selling-race plate was presented to the owner.
- It was a classic selling-race contest.
American English
- The selling race conditions were posted.
- He specializes in selling race horses.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in the business of horse trading and bloodstock.
Academic
Used in papers on equine sports economics or history of horse racing.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside racing enthusiasts.
Technical
Core term in horse racing regulations, breeding, and sports journalism.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “selling race”
- Using 'selling race' to describe any race with sponsors or advertisements.
- Confusing it with a 'claiming race' where any participant can be bought.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the winner must be offered for sale at auction. However, the original owner can buy the horse back by meeting or exceeding the highest bid.
If the highest bid does not meet the predetermined reserve price, the horse is not sold and is returned to its original owner.
They are rare. The US system relies more heavily on 'claiming races,' where any horse in the race can be purchased for a set price before the race.
Very rarely. It can be used as a metaphor in business or politics to describe a contest where the 'winner' is immediately commodified, but this is not a standard usage.
A horse race after which the winner must be auctioned to the highest bidder.
Selling race is usually specialized / technical in register.
Selling race: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsel.ɪŋ ˌreɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsel.ɪŋ ˌreɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Selling Race' = Sprinting for a Sale. The horse races not just for victory, but to be sold immediately after.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPETITION IS A MARKET / A CONTEST IS A COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a selling race?