winning post

a post on a racetrack, marking the goal of a race.

Origin of winning post

First recorded in 1810–20

Ross had ceased to compete three miles short of the winning-post, but bravely walked it out and came in seven minutes later.

Yesterdays with Authors |James T. Fields
Through a great tumult of shouting the two horses dashed past the winning-post.

Rosa Mundi and Other Stories |Ethel M. Dell
So they had not gone half way when he was in at the winning-post.

Myths and Folk Tales of Ireland |Jeremiah Curtin
“You see, I was a week or so behind you, but I mean to catch you up and come neck and neck into the winning-post,” he continued.

New Arabian Nights |Robert Louis Stevenson

The starting-post was on the right near the entrance to the field; the winning-post on the left directly opposite the Grand Stand.

The Combined Maze |May Sinclair

winning post

the post marking the finishing line on a racecourse