starting gate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Each Derby candidate has only one or two chances remaining to earn one of the 20 stalls in the oversized starting gate at Churchill Downs.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

With one surgically rebuilt knee and a completely torn ACL in the other, the 41-year-old Vonn gutted her way to the starting gate and had a real chance of medaling before her violent crash.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026

"Standing in the starting gate yesterday was an incredible feeling that I will never forget. Knowing I stood there having a chance to win was a victory in and of itself."

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

Vonn crashed just 13 seconds after leaving the starting gate, losing control and falling hard on the course.

From Salon • Feb. 8, 2026

When my bat meets ball, the ball takes off like a missile toward right field, and I take off for first like a Thoroughbred exploding from the starting gate.

From "A High Five for Glenn Burke" by Phil Bildner