Dictionary definition of “open (up) daylight”

open (up) daylight

v. phr. especially in horse racing, to out-distance a competitor. Subjects: English, Horses, Sports & Recreation, Slang

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Citations: 1882 Bismarck Tribune (Dakota Territory) (July 7) “The Fourth’s Furore” p. 2: Before the Girl got down to business again the Maid opened daylight between them, but losing her grip before reaching the home stretch on the first half mile, the Girl gathered her in and showed her heels to the pacer to the finish. 1936 Syracuse Herald (N.Y.) (Jan. 26) “Gratton Colt Is Surprise As He Takes Derby Trial” (in Hialeah Park, Fla.) p. 3: The speedy Baby Bubble quickly outfoot that gelding and opened up daylight over Grog. 1978 Beverley Smith Globe and Mail (Toronto, Can.) (June 20) “Mat Hanover winner in 2:03 2/5 at Mohawk in first betting outing” p. P36: He quickly opened up daylight on the field, and coasted home by four lengths. 1984 Globe and Mail (Toronto, Can.) (Sept. 24) “Birdies win for January” (in Concord, Mass.) p. S10: Then January opened daylight with birdies on the third, fourth and fifth holes. 1986 Gary Reinmuth Chicago Tribune (June 6) “Spence: USFL Rejected Offers” p. C2: With Boston opening up daylight in the American League East, New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner now says trading Don Baylor to the Red Sox might have been a mistake. 1993 Peter Byrne @ Bailbao, Spain Irish Times (Dublin, Ireland) (Mar. 29) “McKiernan’s silver lining” p. 1 (supplement): Strong and composed, she showed no outward sign of weakening under the pressure and when she decided to go for home, 1 190 metres from the finish, she quickly opened up daylight between herself and the Irish girl. 2000 Ed Fountaine New York Post (June 9) “Go For The Global Goodie ; Longshot Is Primed For Belmont Stunner” p. 104: In the last 20 years, just four favorites have won the Belmont Stakes. That trend will continue tomorrow when a big longshot, Globalize, scoots to the lead on the far turn, opens daylight and outlasts the favorite, Aptitude, in the 132nd Test of the Champion. 2005 Kat Thompson SportsFan Magazine (Apr. 14) “Ladies and Gentlemen, Start Your Equines”: Bellamy Road, who not only opened up daylight (that’s equine parlance for “a can of whoop-ass") on his rivals at last weekend’s Wood Memorial (huh, you said…Oh, shut it) but also broke a 13-year-old stakes record in the process.

Posted 15 Apr 05 | Permalink | Tell a Friend