Definition

1. Verb:
   • To compete in a horse race. This verb describes the action of a horse and its jockey participating in a formal contest of speed against other horses.

Usage

• The verb "horse-race" is used to describe the specific action of taking part in a horse racing event. It is less common than the noun form "horse race."

Examples

• Verb:
  • The champion thoroughbred will horse-race again next Saturday.
  • They decided to horse-race their new colt in the derby.

Advanced Usage

• The verb form can be used in a figurative or journalistic context to describe intense competition, often in politics or business, drawing a direct analogy to the dynamics of a literal horse race.
  • The two leading candidates continued to horse-race through the final weeks of the campaign.

Variants and Related Words

• Horse race (n): A contest of speed between horses, usually with riders (jockeys).
  • The Kentucky Derby is a famous horse race.
• Horse racing (n): The sport or industry of racing horses.
  • He has been involved in horse racing for decades.

Synonyms

• Race: To compete in a contest of speed.
• Run: To compete in a race (often used for horses, e.g., "The horse will run in the third race").

Notes

• The verb "horse-race" is derived from the noun. Its usage is primarily literal but can be applied metaphorically. The more common way to express the action is often "to race" or "to run in a horse race."

Verb

1. compete in a horse race