Horse racing is probably the oldest sport around, and it is the one people have been betting on the longest too. If you are thinking about taking a delve into the world of horse racing, then you might be eyeing up the TVG preakness stakes picks.

Before you get started, we will give you a heads-up into the world of racing, so you go in knowing all you need to know as a newbie to the scene.

What You Need To Know

Knowledge is power in betting on horse racing. There is information and rules at play all the time. However, we can’t help you out with all the rules. Different races will have different rules, and so it is best to look them up themselves. 

However, we can help you with understanding all the key information to help get you started on your horse racing journey.

2 for 1

There are many types of horse racing, but the two most popular are flat and jump racing, in which the horses either race flat on the ground or have to race while going over jumps. 

Both of these types of races will take place all year round, however they do have their peak times. We can safely say that horse racing gives so many options, so you will never be bored.

When The Horse Is The Most Important

In flat and jump racing the horse is the most important thing, a good horse is capable of winning with a new and inexperienced jockey, but no pro jockey can win with a slow or amateur horse.

The horse is the most significant part of this sport, and a good jockey is truly just the icing on the cake. 

Predictability Is Important

Horses will usually be consistent in their performance. This is why we will often see a world favorite horse being consistently the best or in the top picks. 

To pick a great horse stuck their form, and look for their typical behaviors, it is easier to pick a winner when you know what you are looking for. 

Handicapping

Handicapping is analyzing information that has been collected from previous races to get an idea of the ability of the horses that will be running. There are many handicapping systems that have been developed, many are simple. 

Understanding this system is ideal for any bettor to make some cash. There is never any point in picking a horse with a hard handicap. This system assesses horses on their ability. 

The Types Of Race

We could sit around and talk about horse racing all day, but it is not just the horse that matters, one horse cannot win every type of race. 

Some horses and breeds of horses are better at different types of races. For example, a thoroughbred may be the best type of horse to run the flat, but a standardbred will slay on the track at harness racing.

Choose which type of race you want to focus on, get to know the horses, their names, their ability, and from there you can be a successful bettor! 

Flat

Racing on the flat is the type of racing we usually think of when we think of what horse racing is. It will typically take place on a track for a mile length. The horses can reach up to 64 kilometers per hour/ 40 miles per hour, or more! 

Thoroughbreds are the most common horse used in flat racing

Steeplechase

Steeplechasing is another type of race in which riders and their horse will have to jump fences, bushes and other obstacles while maintaining control and being the fastest on the track too. 

Much like flat racing, the most common breed used in Steeplechasing races is Thoroughbreds. 

Harness

Harness racing is different, and it may make you think of old Roman competitions. The horse will trot or pace as they pull the driver along in a cart. The cart is known as a ‘sulky’. 

In harness racing you will not see many thoroughbreds, instead you will see standardbreds. These horses will run differently, pacing. Pacing is actually very fast, and a horse pacing will often be faster than a horse cantering.

Endurance

Finally, there is endurance racing which is a test of the horse and their rider in their stamina and level of training as they will compete against one another over a long distance with no stopping. 

Arabian horses are typically found to be very popular in endurance racing as they have extreme stamina.

Scroll to top