The word "pastpointing" is spelled as /pæstˈpɔɪntɪŋ/. The first syllable is pronounced with the short "a" sound as in "cat", followed by the "s" sound. The second syllable has the "p" sound, "ah" sound as in "father", and "stressed" "oy" sound as in "toy". Finally, the last two syllables have the "n" sound and "ing" as in "sing". This word is commonly used in neurology to describe a disorder where a person overshoots their target when pointing to an object.
Pastpointing is a term used in horse racing and betting to describe the act of a jockey urging the horse to continue gallantly beyond the optimal point in a race, resulting in a diminished chance for victory. It refers to the situation where a jockey misjudges the distance to the finish line and mistakenly believes that the horse needs further urging to secure victory. As a result, the jockey pushes the horse too hard, in the belief that it needs extra encouragement to maintain its lead or close the gap, even though the actual finish line is already within reach.
This term can also be applied to punters who, in the excitement of the moment, continue to place bets on a horse or sports outcome that has already proven successful. Pastpointing in this context is characterized by an overshooting of the logical assessment of future success, leading to additional, potentially unnecessary, wagers.
The consequences of pastpointing can be adverse, as it often leads to exhaustion for the horse, increasing the risk of injury, or for bettors, causing losses when they continue to bet beyond the point of predicted success. To avoid pastpointing, jockeys and bettors are advised to accurately assess the progress of the race or bet and make well-informed decisions based on their observations and knowledge of the competition.
The word "pastpointing" is derived from the combination of two words: "past" and "pointing".
The term "past" comes from the Old English word "paȝest", which means "beyond, after, or behind". It can also refer to a position in relation to time or space.
The word "pointing" is derived from the verb "point", which originates from the Old French word "pointer" and the Latin word "punctare", both meaning "to mark" or "to indicate". "Pointing" can refer to the action of directing attention or indicating a specific location or direction.
When combined, "pastpointing" denotes the act of going beyond a specific point or target, often used in the context of horse racing. It refers to a jockey mistiming their moves or actions during a race, causing the horse to pass a certain point or miss it.