The Beginners Guide To Racing
The Runners Number
Horse’s are entered for a race a long time in advance of the race date. Runners may well then be withdrawn from the race due to other commitments or a multitude of other reasons. As a rule, when the final runners are declared (usually the day before), the race numbers are then allocated. This is done either alphabetically in non hadicap races or in handicap races by the weight carried. In a handicap race, number 1 is allocated to the horse carrying the most weight and so on down the weights. If however a runner is withdrawn, after a race number has been allocated, the number will not be used as it cannot be reallocated.
Race Colours
These are not chosen at random, but are the colours of the racehorses owner. If he or she has more than one runner in the race, the runners will have different colour caps.
Race Types
There are several types of race ,which basically fall into two categories. These are handicap or non handicap races. A non handicap race is where the runners carry more or less the same weight as their rivals . Therefore in theory it should be easier to select the winner of the race based on their previous form. On the other hand, a handicap race is one where each runner carries a different weight according to his or her ability. Therefore if horse A were to beat horse B and they raced against each the following month, horse A would usually be forced to carry a higher weight in that race in an attempt to create a level playing field.
Weight Carried
The weight a horse is set to carry includes the jockey, the saddle and racing cloth etc. It is balanced by adding extra weight under the saddle. Should a jockey be overweight,this will be declared, if the horse in a handicap race is not rated up to the standard or conditions of the race, it will be declared as running out of the handicap and in both of the above circumstances will be deemed to be running at a disadvantage. At the end of a race, you will notice that a jockey has to take his saddle etc into the weighing room to get weighed. This is to ensure that he is still carrying the same amount of weight as when he started the race.
Headgear
A horse may wear blinkers or similar accessories, which are to try and improve certain aspects of their performance. Sometimes they work, sometimes they do not. As a rule, the main types are Blinkers, Visors, Hoods, Cheek pieces or Tongue Straps. A combination of the aforementioned can be worn, but must be declared, as they may affect the performance of the horse on the day.
The Going
This is the description of the underfoot conditions on the day. The ground could be listed as being anywhere from Firm (which is rare in jumps racing), to Heavy. This will Affect the way the majority of the runners will perform on the day. At most racecourses the going is also expressed as a figure ie 5.6, which is meant to clarify the situation. Unfortunately these figures vary between courses, so do not blindly rely on them as a reference point.
Obstacles
These are usually either Hurdles (which are smaller fence like obstacles), which can be knocked over if hit, ( but can still be responsible for bringing a horse down). There are also Fences which are larger hedge type obstacles used in Chase races which are very unforgiving .
Jockeys
The jockey is usually retained by each yard the horse is trained in, but any jockey can ride any horse within reason. Obviously some jockeys are better than others, amateur jockeys that are still learning their trade are given a weight allowance. This is allocated to the horse he or she is riding, which makes up for their inexperience. A good amateur jockey is worth his or her weight in gold.
Trainers
Some trainers are better than others, but most trainers have a type of runner or race that they do better in. Also, some yards come into form at certain times of the year, which is worth looking into. Obviously the better the trainer, the better the horses he or she is given to train. Not all yards are equal and it can be worth following the smaller yards for better value.