The rails are typically made of wood or plastic and serve to define the track where the horses will race. They play an important role in maintaining the integrity of the racecourse, as they keep the horses from veering off the designated path. The positioning of the rails can also influence the race, as the distance from the inside rail to the finish line can vary based on where the rails are set, affecting the running path for each horse.
Rails (Racecourse) Example
For example, during a race at a major horse racing event, if the rails are set close to the inside of the track, horses running along the rail may have a shorter distance to cover compared to those running farther out, which can impact the outcome of the race.