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Packed with helpful information about racing and betting, what to except at the racecourse and how best to prepare, it's designed to help you make the most of your day or night out. There are two types of racing, flat racing and jump racing, and these events take place across Britain at 60 venues, all year round. Whichever racing and course you choose, you're sure to find a friendly and exciting atmosphere, masterful jockeys and superbly conditioned racehorses. And remember, for everything you will ever need to organise and book for a day or night out at the races, just call 02392 681 415 or mail to info@gohorseracing.co.uk. INTRODUCTION TO RACING Flat Racing All thoroughbreds celebrate their birthday on 1st January, and those destined for flat racing start at the age of two. Whilst flat racing takes place throughout the year, the season proper starts at the end of March and runs through until the first week of November. The very best horses continue as three years olds to compete in the Classics, of which they are five: the 2000 Guineas for colts (boys), 1000 Guineas for fillies (girls), Derby for colts and fillies, Oakes for fillies, and the St.Leger which is open for both. Jump Racing or National Hunting Jump racing also takes place throughout the year with the season proper running from October to April. Jump racing takes horses over hurdles and steeplechase fences. Hurdles are brush panels approximately 3ft high, which collapse if a horse hits them. Fences are stable obstacles that are much larger and wider. The Jockey Jockeys are expected to be at their absolute peak nearly all year round, often riding on six races a day. Very view jockeys ride over both flat and jumps, as the average weight for a flat jockey is 8 while a jump jockey weights around 10st. Frankie Dettori is a famous flat jockey while Tony McCoy has gained fame over jumps. Despite the weight, a jockey has amazing balance and agility, whilst having incredible upper body strength. In addition, each jockey needs to have an understanding of how best to ride a horse-is it a front runner or does it like to challenge late? Does it have the turn of foot to quicken through a gap in a split second, or does it need to steadily build momentum? For information on HOW TO BECOME A JOCKEY click HERE The Trainer At the racecourse, you will notice how impressively fit and healthy the horses look, and it is the trainer who is responsible. The trainer devises fitness plans for each horse, so that they hit peak fitness and strength at exactly the right time during the season. PICKING A WINNER How to look for signs of success There's a huge amount of information in newspapers and on your racecard which can help you choose a horse to follow, but before you make a decision, why not take a close first-hand look at the field of horses prior to each race in the parade ring? When inspecting a paddock here are some encouraging signs to look out for: A shiny coat An intelligent and alert look A well-muscled body A springy step However, be cautious if your horse shows signs of: An agitated, nervous disposition Significant sweating HOW TO READ FORM Form guide Having looked at the horse first-hand, the next thing to do is consider its form. The horse you pick needs to be fast enough to win over the distance and the going (track condition). Form is simply information about a horse's past performance, and is often displayed as shown below. Understanding the basics Distance: Like humans, most horses tend to be either sprinters or distance specialists. Going: The going is the state of the ground, and ranges from firm (hard) through to heavy (wet and muddy). Many horses tend to run better on a particular surface type. Class: Races are graded, so you need to consider if your horse is going up or down in class. Running fifth in the Derby would be better class than winning a minor race. Course: Some horses perform particularly well at certain courses. Trainer and jockey: It's always a good sign if either have been recent winners. Horse Talk a bluffer's guide Colt: Male horse. Filly: Female horse under five years. Gelding: Male horse that's had the ability to father offspring removed. Connections: Generally, the people connected to horses who gather in the parade ring. ie: owner(s), trainer and jockey. Furlong: One eight of a mile (approx 200m) and the unit of distance that races are measured. So one mile four furlongs is a mile and a half. Handicap: Type of race where the first in the list (the best horse) carries the most weight and the one at the bottom carries the least. Designed to give horses an equal chance of winning. Going: The state of the racecourse surface, ranging from heavy to firm. On the bit/ On the bridle: When a horse is finding it easy and is not being pushed along. Bad news then if the one you've backed has been OFF the bridle since the start. Silks: The colours worn by the jockey. Weighed-in: This means all the jockeys have checked in OK after the race. They are the magic words you want to hear from the racecourse announcer if you've won, as the bookies now have to pay you! For information on HOW TO DRESS IN THE RACECOURSE click HERE Fo information about RED RUM, THE BEST HORSE IN UK HISTORY please click HERE  | |
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