Race Comment Explainer

Original comment with matches highlighted:

in rear, closed 3f out, pushed along chasing front rank well over 1f out,

Matched phrases & meanings

Phrase	Meaning
Pushed along	The jockey started to urge the horse (hand-riding, not necessarily using the whip).
Plugged on	Kept going without showing much pace.
One pace	The horse maintained its speed but could not accelerate or quicken.
Rear	Running near the back of the field.

Summary

The jockey started to urge the horse (hand-riding, not necessarily using the whip).
Kept going without showing much pace.
The horse maintained its speed but could not accelerate or quicken.
Running near the back of the field.