backstretch

noun

back·​stretch ˈbak-ˌstrech 

: the side opposite the homestretch on a racecourse

Examples of backstretch in a Sentence

The horses are in the backstretch.

Recent Examples on the Web

Green Carrera trailed down the backstretch before making a move on the far turn to score a fourth win in nine lifetime starts. — Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026

Eric Gutierrez grew up on Hawthorne Race Course’s backstretch, where horses and track workers lived. — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Last down the backstretch, lightning struck as this stretch-running son of Curlin thundered home with powerful strides and won the Kentucky Derby at odds of 23 to 1 under a brilliant ride from jockey Jose Ortiz. — Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026

About 350 horses are typically housed in the backstretch, the association said. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 17 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for backstretch

• etch
• fetch
• fletch
• ketch
• sketch
• stretch
• vetch
• wretch

Kids Definition

backstretch

noun

back·​stretch -ˌstrech 

-ˈstrech

: the side of a racetrack that is opposite the part between the last turn and the finish line