horse racing gates

Question
Just went to see Secritariat and remember seeing a special somewhere that someone who we would not expect to be involved in horse racing made something that they started to use in the gates so the horses would stay in the gate and stay calm. I have searched all over the internet and can't find the answer. I know it was someone famous but not someone in the racing industry. wonder if you could help me out here as I was telling my friend that I remember it from some discovery or animal planet show. thanks ~ Brenda  

Answer
HI BRENDA , WELL I HAVEN'T HEARD THAT. THE STARTING GATE WAS USED SO THAT THEY COULD GET ALL OF THE HORSES AT ONE PLACE AT ONE TIME AND KEEP THEM LINED UP SO THAT THEY COULD GET A EVEN START FROM THE GATE. THEY USE TO JUST WALK UP TO A BARRIER THAT STRETCHED ACROSS THE TRACK AND THAT DIDN'T WORK TOO WELL AS ALL THE HORSES HAD TO BE LINED UP BEFORE THEY COULD START THE RACE. I DO NOT KNOW WHO YOU ARE TRYING TO FIND OUT ABOUT. THANKS Ed Hess