off to the races (also: off at the races, away at the races, away to the races)
idiom

- an expression characterizing the activity or excitement that is just beginning

- (we are) leaving for something interesting or exciting

The Free Dictionary

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PHRASE ORIGIN

The phrase "off to the races" conveys the sense of people eagerly leaving for the racetrack to witness the excitement and competition unfold. Over time, the expression has been adapted more broadly to refer to the beginning or initiation of any exciting or energetic activity, not just limited to horse racing.

BTW, horse racing was brought to the American colonies by European settlers, where it quickly gained popularity. The first racetrack in the United States was established on Long Island in 1665.

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THE GREATEST RACEHORSE OF ALL TIME

Secretariat (1970-1989)

An American thoroughbred racehorse, Secretariat is widely considered to be the greatest racehorse of all time. He won the U.S. Triple Crown in 1973 with an unprecedented margin of victory, setting new track records in all three races. His incredible speed, stamina, and competitive spirit earned him the nickname "Big Red" and cemented his status as a national icon.

Even in 2024, the name “Secretariat” is recognizable to millions of Americans otherwise unversed in horse racing. After 50 years, tributes to this famous racehorse are still to be found — more than 250 streets in the US are named after Secretariat (more than any human athlete).

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COMMON HORSEY IDIOMS

- straight from the horse's mouth = getting information directly from the authoritative source

- dark horse = a little known person or thing that emerges to prominence

- a horse of a different colour = something that is distinct from the norm

- horse around = to fool about, play roughly

- a one-trick pony = someone who only has talent in one area

- back the wrong horse = to support or bet on the losing side

- on his high horse = he has an arrogant, superior attitude

- wild horses couldn't drag me away = nothing could make me leave this place/situation

- horse trading = negotiating hard to reach a compromise

- look a gift horse in the mouth = to be ungrateful for something received as a gift

- horse feathers = nonsense, rubbish

- hold your horses = be patient, wait a moment

- horse sense = practical thinking and good judgment

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SYNONYMS

beginning the adventure, breaking ground, commencing (the excitement, the festivities, the journey), embarking (on an adventure), entering the fray, getting things going (the ball rolling, the party started, underway), going full throttle, heading out, hitting the ground running, initiating (the fun, the thrill ride), in motion, jumping into action, kicking off the action, kickstarting, launching, OFF TO THE RACES, on the move (the way), picking up steam, rolling out, setting in motion (out, sail, the stage), starting the adventure, the engine, the journey, the race, the show), taking off, underway, unfolding the excitement, unleashing, ushering in the thrill

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SMUGGLE OWAD into a conversation, say something like:

“We’re OFF TO THE RACES! At the beginning of 2024, there are multitudes of exciting project possibilities — the key is to focus on the most important single one.”  

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P.S.

2024 promises to be a very exciting year, with many words and phrases reflecting the opportunities and challenges ahead.

In the spirit of OFF TO THE RACES, we’re wishing you, your family, and friends a brilliant year start!

Warmests,
Paul, Helga, & Jennifer

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