Where did the term 'scratching' in horse racing come from?

Question

I have always wondered from the first time I ever herd the term.

because it doesnt mean that they have a scratch on them..only that they wont be racing...but where did the term come from?

Answer 1

because years ago all the entered horses names were written on a chalk board and if one wasnt runnin they would scratch out the name

Answer 2

It means the horse has been taken out of the race,

For what ever reason the trainer has for that

Some might come up sore. or muddy track ,or many other reasons

Hope this helps

  

It means to.. take out,, erase .scratch out ,mark it as out >>

Race trainer etc many yrs

Answer 3

From the term to scratch an entry on a piece of paper. As in "scratch that out."