Oct 19 2009
Betting On Horses: Basic Info
Anyone who has ever placed a sports bet, or lives near a major track, can’t help but wondering how horse races work. Between the odd-sounding bets, the multiple types of races, and people betting on multiple races at multiple tracks, it gets to be a lot to keep track of.
In reality, though, the fancy bets are not as fancy as they sound. Over the next few posts, I’ll try to explain them so that you can bet them properly.
In terms of how to win your bets at the track, it gets a little tougher. The race program will let you know what horses are racing with what jockey that day. Then they sell race sheets which help betters handicap the various races. The real pros also are familiar with the horses, and their previous performances. They also watch as the horses are brought out to the turf to examine their gait, their features, and their reaction to the type of turf they will be running on.
But with bets starting at $2, the track could be a much worse place to bet just on a hunch. Not only that, but the tracks are beginning to reinvent themselves. I always had the impression growing up that the track was for old, rich people. This is no longer the case. Del Mar is a great example of the new track.
It is very affordable to get into the races, including trackside open seating where people bring coolers and folding chairs. After the races on Fridays, there is a free concert on the track grounds. On a recent trip, the track was very busy, and people were dressed in everything from shorts and flip flops to the traditional white hats.
So go to the track and have a good time!
