Race Comment Explainer

Original comment with matches highlighted:

chased leaders, mistake and lost place 9th, off after,

Matched phrases & meanings

Phrase	Meaning
Chased leaders	Running directly behind the horses in front of the field.
never on terms	A clear statement that the horse was never competitive in the race.
tailed off	A definitive statement that the horse was finished and effectively out of the race

Summary

Running directly behind the horses in front of the field.
A clear statement that the horse was never competitive in the race.
A definitive statement that the horse was finished and effectively out of the race