Few weekend activities are quite as quintessentially British or Irish as spending a glorious spring or summer weekend watching a spot of elite horse racing. Whether you prefer taking in steeplechases, like those seen at the Cheltenham Festival or flats races, nothing compares to the thrill of jockey and steed charging in unison towards the winning post.
This article examines how people can improve their enjoyment of a top racing meet or festival.
Contents
Prepare Properly
Once you have booked your days off work for the entirety of a horse racing festival, it would be remiss of you not to go the extra mile to prepare yourself for the races by perusing online form guides and corresponding betting offers.
Rather than trawling all about the internet for these, there are comparison websites where everything you need in the build-up to race week is collated for you. This includes tips from racing experts, bookie offers and welcome bonuses for new customers and even full lists of runners for upcoming races like those that take place during the Cheltenham Festival.
If you still cannot pick a winner after all that, then just sit back and enjoy the action instead.
Caption: Backing a winner and watching it romp home is one of the best feelings in sport
Preparing for Your Weekend at the Races
Research the Races and Horses
Before you head to the track, take some time to research the races and horses scheduled for the weekend. Look up the race cards, which provide information about the horses, jockeys, trainers and past performances. This will give you a better understanding of the contenders and help you make informed betting decisions.
Useful Resources:
- Official racetrack websites
- Racing publications and websites (e.g., Daily Racing Form, Equibase)
- Horse racing forums and discussion boards
Different Types of Bets
Horse racing offers a variety of betting options, each with it’s risks and rewards. Some popular bets include:
- Win: Betting on a horse to finish first
- Place: Betting on a horse to finish first or second
- Show: Betting on a horse to finish first, second or third
- Exacta: Picking the first and second-place finishers in the correct order
- Trifecta: Picking the first, second and third-place finishers in the correct order
- Superfecta: Picking the first, second, third and fourth-place finishers in the correct order
Learn about these bets and decide which suits your betting style and budget.
Set a Budget and Stick to It
Horse racing can be an exciting and emotional experience, but it’s important to approach it with a clear head and a firm budget. Determine how much money you’re comfortable spending on bets throughout the weekend and divide it accordingly. Avoid chasing losses or betting more than you can afford.
Betting Strategies
Consider Multiple Factors
When handicapping horses and making betting decisions, consider factors beyond past performance. Look at the horse’s pedigree, the jockey’s record, the trainer’s success rate and the track conditions. Each of these elements can impact a horse’s likelihood of success.
Look for Value Bets
Rather than always betting on the favorite, look for value bets – horses with good odds that the public may underestimate. These bets can offer a higher payout if successful. However, remember that value bets also come with higher risks.
Keep Track of Your Bets
As you place bets throughout the day, keep a record of your wagers. This will help you stay within your budget and track your success rate. Consider using a betting log or smartphone app to make this process easier.
Don’t Chase Losses
One of the biggest mistakes newcomers make is chasing losses by placing larger, riskier bets in an attempt to recoup previous losses. This often leads to even greater losses. If you are on a losing streak, take a step back, reassess your strategy and stick to your budget.
Have a Live Stream to Hand Whatever Your Vantage Point
Whether you manage to watch from trackside or spectating from an establishment elsewhere, having a live stream of all the action is a must, especially when the runners disappear from view to jump a distant fence or round a sharp bend on a course’s outer extremity.
Many online bookmakers now provide free streaming of most races that they produce odds for and all people need to do to get access to such streams is to open an account.
Food, Drinks and Entertainment
Food and Drink Options
Most racetracks offer various food and drink options, from casual concessions to upscale dining. Take a break between races to grab a bite or a refreshing beverage. Some tracks even allow fans to bring food and non-alcoholic drinks, so check the venue’s policies beforehand.
Special Packages and Promotions
Many tracks offer special packages and promotions to enhance your race day experience. These may include exclusive seating areas, food and drink vouchers or behind-the-scenes access. Check the track’s website or inquire at the ticket office about available options.
Enjoy the Entertainment and Special Events
In addition to the races, many tracks feature live music, family-friendly activities and special events throughout the weekend. Take some time to enjoy these extras and make the most of your time at the venue.
Dress to Impress Wherever You Are
A day spent enjoying the racing is never quite the same if you fail to try to get dressed up for the occasion.
Whether you are in the grandstand or screaming home the favorite from Timbuktu, donning your top hat or your fascinator will make you feel like a million dollars. After all, dress codes for race days are made for a reason!