<P> A horse length, or simply length, is a unit of measurement for the length of a horse from nose to tail, approximately 8 feet (2.4 m). </P> <P> The length is commonly used in Thoroughbred horse racing, where it describes the distance between horses in a race . Horses may be described as winning by several lengths, as in the notable example of Secretariat, who won the Belmont Stakes by 31 lengths (248 feet (76 m)). More often, winning distances are merely a fraction of a length, such as half a length . In British horse racing the distances between horses are calculated by converting the time between them into lengths by a scale of lengths - per - second . The actual number of lengths - per - second varies according to the type of race and the going conditions . For example, in a flat turf race run on good going, a value of six lengths - per - second is used; in a national hunt race on heavy going, where horses are assumed to be moving more slowly, the value is four lengths - per - second . </P>

How much time is one length in horse racing
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