PU in horse racing stands for Pulled Up, indicating that a horse was stopped or withdrawn from the race by its jockey before reaching the finish line. This decision is usually made when the jockey feels the horse is struggling, is potentially injured, or cannot continue at a competitive pace.
What Does PU Mean in Horse Racing?
When a horse is marked as PU in race results, it signifies that it didn’t complete the race because the jockey chose to pull it up. This action is taken out of caution to protect the horse’s welfare, especially if it’s clear that continuing would pose a risk. The PU notation is common in longer races, particularly in National Hunt (jump) racing, where the physical demands on the horses are greater.
Why Is PU Important?
Understanding the PU designation is crucial for bettors and racing enthusiasts analysing form. A horse that has been pulled up in previous races might be seen as a riskier bet, especially if it’s had repeated PUs, which could indicate underlying health or stamina issues. However, it’s also common for horses to bounce back from a PU, especially if it was due to temporary factors like unfavourable ground conditions or a one-off incident.
Examples of PU in Horse Racing
For instance, if a horse was racing in muddy conditions and began to struggle, the jockey might pull it up rather than risk injury. When analysing a horse’s past performances, seeing a PU can be a cue to investigate the conditions of that race to determine whether it’s a cause for concern in future betting decisions.
Related Terms
- Fell (F): Indicates that a horse fell during the race and didn’t complete it.
- Unseated Rider (UR): When the jockey falls off or is unseated, causing the horse to be removed from the race.
- Refused (RR): When a horse refuses to jump a fence or continue running, it’s noted as Refused or RR in the race results.