When most of us imagine a day at the races, we picture hats, fine dressing, and prestige. While these have certainly been significant elements throughout the history of organised horse racing, the sport involves much more, and a long history of tradition is attached to it.
The true origins of horse racing can’t be pinpointed—it’s an activity that has been around as long as we’ve had a relationship with horses. Evidence exists across many cultures, making it difficult to identify a single origin. That said, horse racing as we know it today is heavily influenced by standards developed in Britain and other parts of Europe. This influence is why some of the most prestigious horse racing events are in the UK.
Our attachment to horse racing is fascinating, but if you’re new to the sport, you’re likely brimming with questions about how it all works and what you can expect from a day at the races. To help you navigate the unique world of horse racing, we’ve compiled a guide to the basics so you can feel confident stepping onto the grandstand to watch the race unfold—and maybe even test your luck by placing a bet.
What Is Horse Racing?
In its simplest form, horse racing is exactly what it sounds like: a competition between horses based on speed and stamina to cross the finish line first. It’s become a popular spectator sport globally, with racing events everywhere from Dubai to the United States.
A race consists of several key players, including the racehorse, jockey, and trainer. You’re most likely to encounter thoroughbred horses at the tracks. Jockeys guide and control horses during races, allowing them to maintain a steady pace and rapidly respond to the track. Jockeys must be in excellent physical condition to fulfil their work and are often highly celebrated in racing.
Trainers help prepare horses for races with consistent training across various terrains and focus on building strength and agility. They also monitor the horses’ activity to mitigate injuries and keep horses healthy.
Types of Horse Races
The work and capabilities of racehorses, jockeys, and trainers are put on full display during races, which usually fall into two categories: jump racing and flat racing. There are other forms of racing, such as harness racing, which involves a horse pulling a two-wheeled cart; however, if you’re heading to a day at the tracks for the first time, jump and flat racing are the two most relevant for newcomers as they have the most pomp and circumstance surrounding them.
Jump racing requires horses and jockeys to navigate obstacles such as hurdles and fences during races, testing speed, stamina, and agility. Jump races range from two to four and a half miles long and are officially called National Hunt racing. There are different types of jump racing, usually noted in the race title, such as ‘steeplechases’ or ‘bumpers’, with the name indicating the obstacles on the track. Popular racing events with jump racing at the centre include the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National Festival.
Flat races do not include obstacles and instead have a level track for horses and jockeys to navigate. These races can occur on grass, synthetic turf, and sand, though grass is the most commonly encountered terrain in the UK. Popular flat horse racing events include Royal Ascot and the Epsom Derby.
Races are further categorised by factors like age or experience and are given titles such as ‘classics’, which are reserved for three-year-old colts and ‘maidens’, which are for horses that have not previously won a race. Additionally, you may hear the term ‘stakes’ associated with some races. It refers to the prizes available, with each participant putting money, or a stake, towards the total prize.
How to Read Race-Day Programs
Race-day programs break down the day’s events and will bring together all the information we’ve discussed, such as the jockeys and racehorses on the track, the type of races to occur, the trainers, and the track terrain. The programs will also include information about the horse and jockey’s past race performances and betting odds, which are used to help make informed bets on races—which, for many, is an integral part of the day.
Common types of bets placed at the tracks include:
- Straight bets: these are lower-risk options where beginners can wager on the horse that will win (come in first), place (come in first or second), or show (come in first, second, or third)
- Exotic bets: these are riskier and more complex bets that have higher potential payouts. Common types include exacta, where you bet on the exact horses that will earn first and second in the correct order, and trifecta, betting on the first three placements in the correct order
- Multi-race bets: these are similar to exotic bets in potential earnings and involve wagering on the outcomes of multiple races in one wager, such as which horses will win two consecutive races
You used to have to be at the track to place bets to physically see a teller, but as online gambling has become more commonplace, it’s now far more accessible. Sites like those analysed on casinos.com allow you to place bets and follow races remotely. However, if you plan to wager, don’t forget to consider elements not listed in the race-day program, like the weather, as these can play a crucial role in race-day outcomes.
What to Expect at the Track
Beyond understanding the fundamentals of races and how to wager, a day at the races can also come with a few other elements to be aware of. For instance, some events have strict dress codes for racegoers. Some racetracks may also have age restrictions, though most are family-friendly. Often, you can watch the races unfold from the stands or find a comfortable spot indoors, complete with food and drinks, to watch the race from a window or screen.
Before heading to the track, look into what you should expect and any dress codes you should know—but regardless of the prestige or casual nature of a track, you’ll get wrapped up in the excitement of hearing and seeing the horses come barrelling out of the gate.
