purse

award

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

A "purse" can refer to a small bag or receptacle for carrying money and other small items. It can also denote resources or funds, and most notably, a sum of money offered as a prize or the total prize money for an event.1

A "purse race" is a type of race where a fixed purse is offered, and entries typically close less than six weeks before the meet begins. This contrasts with a "stake race," which has different entry requirements.2

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horse racing
Match races
…horses, the owners providing the purse, a simple wager. An owner who withdrew commonly forfeited half the purse, later the whole purse, and bets also came under the same “play or pay” rule. Agreements were recorded by disinterested third parties, who came to be called keepers of the match book.…
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…horses, the owners providing the purse, a simple wager. An owner who withdrew commonly forfeited half the purse, later the whole purse, and bets also came under the same “play or pay” rule. Agreements were recorded by disinterested third parties, who came to be called keepers of the match book.…
Read More