In thoroughbred racing, “Broke Through Gate” describes a horse that lunged forward and forced its way out of the starting gate before the official start. The horse bursts through the closed stall doors—often prompted by nervousness or anticipation—breaking them open or slipping under the barrier. Because the break occurs before the starter releases the field, the race is immediately halted so the horse can be reloaded, or the animal may be scratched if it is deemed potentially injured or unsettled.