Nowadays there are many sports to keep an eye on and even make benefits. Though one of the most respected and highly known is horse racing. It’s an elite and bohemian discipline to look out for.

The pleasure of watching such occasions is enormous as well as the earning from gambling on it. In order to understand the main and crucial aspects of the sport let’s overview everything step by step.

What is horse racing about?

It is a sporting event where cloven-hoofs compete for the best time on the track. It can take place on a flat or bouncy track and on grass, sand, or synthetic materials.

Depending on the region and type of occasion, a wide variety of equipment is used. Spectators at races often gamble on the outcome, making the process a very lucrative industry of bookmakers.

Historical background

The practice is ancient. Many cultures have observed various forms of the sport, from Greek and Roman chariot races to Bedouin tournaments in the Arabian desert. This sport was enjoyed as far back as the Olympic Games in ancient Greece and Rome, although it was a race of carriages.

Modern sport originated in Newmarket, an English settlement where horse racing has been held. The city became the center of British discipline, and much of the work that led to the development of the discipline was done there.

Basics to be aware of

In general, the breeding of a cloven-hoofed is crucial here. Many animals around the world are divided into breeds, such as thoroughbred, standard, or quart. Thoroughbred running remains the dominant industry to this day all around the globe.

That’s why animals must usually be registered in the breed and papers issued before they can compete, and different studbooks are used to determine which ones are thoroughbred and which are not.

Horse racing may be very dangerous to cloven-hoofs and their jockeys. Running at high speeds puts animals at risk of falls and injuries, and many events before they are fully mature, putting them at risk of developmental disabilities. Cracks in leg bones and hooves are particularly common here due to the intense pressure on an animal’s legs and feet on the treadmill.

The difficulty of the competition is generally determined by the length of the course. Occasions on slopes are more challenging, as races on longer courses test speed and endurance. In obstacle events where animals collide with jumps, the difficulty may be adjusted by altering the height and location of the jumps.

In all cases, the owner of the winning animal receives a purse consisting of prize money and a trophy.

There are several equine superstars in this international industry, as well as famous jockeys, owners, breeders, and trainers. Some cloven-hoofs travel around the world to compete in prestigious competitions, and animals are regularly shipped around the world to breed and sale.

Judgment of competitions

There are no points to determine the winner. Everything is determined by who crosses the finish line first, although there are indicators such as travel time, but only for statistical purposes. However, there are tournaments which usually reward the «best-dressed horse», which recognizes the animal’s physical shape and appearance.

Indeed, the essence is the jockey must finish the jump-off before rivals. Now, when there is a tie between two or more participants and it’s impossible to judge who has won, then judges should move on to a photo finish.

General rules of events

Different national organizations may have different rules. In general, the vast majority of rules are very similar and many are based on the original UK Racing Administration rule book.

To give an instance, flat racing must invariably start with starting positions or starting gates. All steeplechases must start with a starting gate or flag (special permission is required).

A false start is announced when the starting judge believes the animal has broken loose before the start of the race.

Jockeys should try to lead their cloven-hoofs to the best of their ability to try to win. Additional disqualifications and penalties may apply if, in the opinion of the stewards, the participant has failed to do so.

Jockeys must move safely and follow the prescribed course while overcoming all obstacles (if any). To finish the road, they must cross the finish line on. Depending on a specific event, there will usually be several cash prizes divided among the first, second, and third finishers.

Which are the subdisciplines of the sport?

Actually, it is divided into many categories. This variety allows you to choose one of those categories or disciplines which are most appealing to their taste. There are flat roads or smooth, barrier, cross-country, pair and trot, and sled contests. Among the most famous in almost all countries, the following stand out.

Flat racing

Here the competitions consist between 2 or more participants, mostly thoroughbred animals, and are held on specially designed tracks. Such events are called soft or slick because they contain no obstacles to be avoided during the competition.

And the distance to cover may vary from about four hundred meters to about two km. Each animal has a saddle and must be led by a jockey. The style also falls under the category of gallop running.

Obstacle course

Obstacle running belongs to the category of gallop and is associated with a high risk of falling. Because in such events the rider has to make the cloven-hoof jump about 20 hurdles, each more than 1 meter long. It is certainly very demanding.

Class of occasion set

Within flat roads, they are generally divided into different classes. There are two very well differentiated basic types:

• class 1 contests;
• handicap roads.

Class 1 events are the most crucial, and in them, all cloven-hoofs usually compete at the same weight. In turn, they are divided into groups according to their importance, mainly in relation to breeds, from international occasions to more national and local events.

For the most important competitions in this first group, you must take into account the thoroughbred males usually prepare for competitions throughout the year and therefore participate in several runs.
Handicap differs in that different weights are assigned to animals based on their ability and skill. They are also divided into several classes.

Distance variety of the events

The distance covered in the race is another way of classifying the different types of competitions. In general, distances may vary from 400 to 4 000 meters, although they generally range from 1 to almost 2 kilometers, the latter equal to 1 mile.

Classic competitions

If you dig a little deeper into the different types of the sport, you’ll find many other classifications, such as so-called classics: British occasions in which non-German three-year-old participants compete in major events. Another type are nannies, where take part handicapped riders for two-year-old competitors which have never won it.

Derby as a key point

It is a type of running where jumps are of great importance compared to other disciplines. It is often part of a triple or quadruple turf crown. The most notable exceptions to this rule are the Hong Kong Derby and the Singapore Derby, in which only purebred four-year-old participants compete, and the Canadian Rhythm Derby, the annual road for four-year-old «old walkers» (standard discourses).

In Nordic tournaments, derbies are only allowed for four-year-olds. An exception is the Finnhorse Derby, in which only five-year-olds can take part. Most contests take place about two and a half km apart.
England was the driving force behind the great events that became very popular. Over time, the idea of a discipline became associated with the most famous competitions.

In this regard, it should be noted the term has its etymological origin in English after the nobleman Edward Stanley who started organizing occasions years ago at his estate at Epsom Oaks. Since then it has become the most important occasion of the year.

The Ascot tournament is now a major social event in the UK. The representatives of the sports world and high society members gather for three days in the small town of Ascot, east of London, where the British Royal Family is present as special guests.

The Kentucky Derby (held in the American city of Louisville) and the Epsom Derby (located in the English county of Surrey) are among the most famous in the world today.

One more definition

The term is also used in countries like Spain and Italy to refer to a sporting contest (football match to give an example) with teams whose fans have a well-known rivalry. Usually, derbies are between teams from the same city, although they can also be historical or even cultural.

What are the biggest tournaments?

There is a heap of various tournaments, but only a few of them are globally recognized and loved by millions of spectators. To bet lucratively you have to get acquainted with each of the occasions below. Don’t waste time and start!

Royal Ascot

Each year the Ascot Circuit outside London prepares to host one of England’s most profound traditions, an contest featuring the finest competitions accompanied by experienced jockeys; all in a glamorous environment where Britain’s elite will enjoy the 30 races scheduled over five days in June.

Royal Ascot has been originally set by all the hallmarks of the British royal family since it was opened in 1700 by Queen Anne, who built a course just minutes from what is now Windsor Castle. The first road was open to any competitor who wanted to win 100 guineas. Currently, the head of the royal family visits it every year.

One of the most important features of the tournament is the strict dress code visitors must follow. If you are a man and you want to be on the royal fence, you must look like a true gentleman and wear a suit with a waistcoat, top hat, and black shoes, while women should wear discreet dresses, although the use of overalls was allowed that year.

The dress code varies according to the area of the circuit visited, in Queen Anne and Windsor boxes the dress may be a little more relaxed, always respecting elegance and sophistication. In addition to the equestrian competitions, perhaps one of the most representative symbols of this tournament is the exclusive hats and headgear which women must wear as part of the dress code.

Epsom Derby (Downs)

This tournament is among the three oldest and is included in the «Golden Crown». Here the winner of the English Triple Crown is crowned three times, with the Epsom Derby being the main prize.

To this day, the best participants from all over the world take part in it. Also, the Epsom Derby is a national event of England – the runs attract more than 400 thousand spectators. The origin story of the tournament was successfully told in the above section. So let’s get to the current.

The tournament is held annually in June on the first Saturday. The first day of the ox race, in which only mares participate, is called Woman’s Day (Dama de la Dama). All ladies dress elegantly on this day, because on this day there is a competition for the most elegant outfit, and the winner receives a prize — a luxury car.

The jury consists of sports and show business stars, and journalists.

It has long competed with another prestigious run – Royal Ascot, which is considered the most glamorous and worldly. Their rivalry began over 300 years ago due to disagreements between royal politics and court parties.

If Royal Ascot was founded by the Protestant Queen Anne, then the monarchist George I, heir to the crown after Anne, favored horse racing at Epsom. Since then, with the ascension of a new royal person to the throne, sympathies have alternately shifted one way or the other, depending on political preferences.

The Kentucky Derby

It is one of the most important American competitions with an impressive prize pool. Like the Epsom Derby, the Kentucky Derby is part of the Triple Crown along with two other tournaments.

The first thing you should know is this sporting contest, which came into being in May 1875, is the oldest and most essential in the United States. It was first held in Louisville, so it is held every year in that city and is so crucial it was set during the World Wars and the Great Depression.

It is traditionally held on the first Saturday in May and was only postponed to September once and set with no spectators in 2020 due to a pandemic.

The Triple Crown, by the way, is the most demanding racing complete tournament and to win the title you must win the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Steak, and Preakness Steak.

Throughout the history celebrities, athletes, and politicians such as Muhammad Ali, Richard Nixon, Justin Timberlake, Jack Nicholson, and Queen Elizabeth enjoyed and attended it.

So you are free to gamble on each of the tournaments above. Being widely spread, predictions about them are accepted in many betting sites and apps. But to stake correctly, find out the tips below.

How to bet on horse racing?

As it’s a very popular sport to make predictions on, to gamble lucratively you have to learn how such betting works. Don’t be in a hurry to make the first stake, it’s better to study all the particularities of gambling and look for a reliable bookmaker. We have tried to make the process easier for you, so let’s dig into the main aspects to know.

Choose a reliable betting site

To succeed you need to find a safe place to make predictions and win. It’s not simple. In India, there are lots of online platforms, where stakes on the discipline are offered. Among the most reliable (approved with International Authorities — being licensed) sites with multiple varieties of bets and other opportunities are:

• Parimatch;
• Betobet;
• Betwinner;
• Royal Panda;
• ComeOn;
• etc.

It doesn’t mean they are the only ones, but these bookmakers are worth paying attention to. When you have finished with the choosing process, start learning basic prediction types, which may be placed.

Types of bets to put

Generally, there are two types of stakes. On one hand, you have single bids involving only one player to count on, and on the other hand, you find combination (mixed, plural)bets involving staking on several participants.

Here are the basic online predictions:

• A stake on the winner of the race or, conversely, on the fact that the cloven-hoof will definitely not finish first;
• A bid on a participant in the TOP three. You can also gamble on a place in the TOP four, top six, etc;
• Predictor stake — it’s placed on two rivals that should reach the finish line first and second. This offer can be a random sequence or an accurate prediction for the first and second-place winners;
• Duel gambling — it’s a choice of which of two opponents finishes earlier;
• The finish result — is a prediction that the competitor will go the full distance without going down!

Of course, there may be other offers, but these are basic.

Tips on how to choose the winner

In most races, it is best to look at all the information available at the bookmaker to determine the winner, to give example, most bookmakers and experts (like us) post numerous reviews and ratings on the sites. In order to succeed and make correct online predictions, you should follow the following tips.

Check the previous performance of your favorite

Lots of resources (online sites) report the history and previous characteristics of each instance. That way, you can see what the rating was in previous races. Of course, if you can’t find the data directly, keep calm and google a little more.

When the stats is found, look at the type of terrain, distance, prestige, and categories of previous wins. For example, if your favorite came first in a class 3 hurdle race, it’s hard to say how it will do in a class 1 hurdle race.

Check the rates

The golden rule of sports betting works out here too — the cloven-hoof with the lowest odds is considered the favorite here. Predictions may be wrong, but odds are a good indicator of how the animal, jockey, and trainer have done in previous tests.

If you are not sure if the favorite is first, the two strategies are to make a double stake to create a lower-risk gamble or win a spot, depending on the number of participants. At the basic level, it is necessary to remember that the favorite wins in 3-4 cases of 10 given.

Discover the surface

Competing is done on different coverings: mud, grass, and all-weather, which may be used all year round as it is artificial grass. Males walk on a given covering in different ways, some are faster on dirt, and others get better results on artificial coverings.

The program shows the results of each male on each cover, which is very useful when placing bids. If the creature is doing well on grass, mind it before betting.

In the warmer months, the ground and grass is usually dry, which helps performers run faster. Also, remember the paths are not perfectly equal: some roads are faster, forcing the creatures running along them to take advantage and eventually position themselves better systematically.

Learn about the creature’s behavior on the day

Many experienced bettors base their strategies on the cloven-hoof’s behavior before the competition. Whether you’re watching him on screen or live, you should learn a little about its mood by watching his performances during the warm-up laps.

If you notice that some participants are more nervous than others, refusing to take a step or back off, it could mean they are not in their best shape in the final lap, affecting their earnings.

Check a trainer’s reputation

A trainer can be a key aspect in horse racing, as sometimes the same trainer has several animals competing in the same race. Once you know their names, you are free to use a strategy to review their previous performance on the same day.

It is a good indicator of the potential outcome as the samples share common variables, at least those related to learning. In case you notice a winning streak of several males from the same trainer, expect a win-win bid.

Check the reputation of the rider

A jockey or rider is not obliged to perform the same male. The rider may easily travel around the world riding several animals. Therefore, it is difficult to know whether his or her victories are related to the skill of a male or vice versa.

The sport is one of the few disciplines in which an animal is more revered than a human. In fact, on the track, you can hear the crowd cheering the horse more than its rider.

That’s why your playing strategy should focus on finding a balance between the reputation of the rider and the reputation of the creature. But if you have to select one, the best tip is to give more weight to the creature, as it will bring victory.

Start with simple stakes

When placing bets on horses, there are basically two types of bets: straight and exotic predictions. To start off as a beginner you had better make straight stakes, they are as the name suggests simple to make and don’t demand a huge amount of deposit to be put in.

On the contrary, уxotic predictions are usually combination (plural) bids, being more difficult to make, understand and win, they cost more, although they report greater utility in return. The market requires some advanced knowledge that can be acquired gradually through simple gambling so as not to lose everything irretrievably.

Control your bankroll

Allocate the maximum amount to gamble daily, weekly and monthly for your predictions, and stick to it. In any kind of staking, fussing about supposed odds may make you very angry. You don’t have to gamble on every race, which is the most common temptation for beginners, and you should never spend more than a pre-allocated amount.

A good gambler carefully selects the offers where he or she believes to have a good chance of winning money. Keep track of the money you spend and win by staking separately from the rest of your finances.

To sum up: bet on or not to bet on?

To conclude, the discipline is amazingly interesting not only to study and keep an eye on but to make a profit staking on predictions offered. The variety of offers and tournaments cheers up and gives a strict belief in one’s own strengths. Gambling is a pleasant, chilling, and beneficial hobby to try on. So gamble and move on!