Judynmik: To prepare the horses for the "charge", like charging into battle. I just watched the movie "The Patriot." No taxation without representation! John David Courthon: To inform the freaks who have their mortages riding on the horses. Mama needs a new pair of shoes! Frank Thurman: They blow a bugle before horse races because Michael Buffer is alergic to farm animals. Let's get ready to rumble! Bob Goldwin: You notice how the jockeys appear to be laying down on the horse? Something has got to wake them up! Willie Young: The bugle emits high frequency sounds that are heard primarily by horses, badgers, and seabass. Who knew? The bugling gets the equines angry. Their heart rate speeds up, and as soon as they open the gates, so do their legs. Why do you think the cavalry used the bugle during a charge? To impress Mel Gibson? Barry Petchesky: So people will know the race is about to start. What race? Brendan Walsh: 'Cause a piano would sound fairly stupid, wouldn't it? Have you tried a piano? Er, no. Well, then? Ah, bollocks!

Next, Answer Guy wonders why there are sand traps on golf courses. Got an answer? E-mail answer.guy@espnmag.com.