mobile starting gate

device

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

A mobile gate is a specialized starting gate used in harness racing. It is affixed to the rear of an automobile and features two metal arms that extend to the sides. These arms fold and swing forward to ensure a fair start for the competitors. A starting gate, in general, is a mechanically operated barrier designed to initiate a race. The mobile gate specifically aids in providing an equitable beginning for horses in harness races by its unique design and deployment mechanism.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

harness racing
The decline and rise of harness racing.
…Ohio, in 1927); and the mobile starting gate (a pair of retractable metal wings mounted on the rear of an automobile that moves off slowly, getting the horses off to an even running start, and then accelerates away and off the track) was instituted, also at Roosevelt, in 1946.
Read More
…Ohio, in 1927); and the mobile starting gate (a pair of retractable metal wings mounted on the rear of an automobile that moves off slowly, getting the horses off to an even running start, and then accelerates away and off the track) was instituted, also at Roosevelt, in 1946.
Read More