Betting on horse races is particularly popular in the USA and the UK. In the popular Korean series "Squid Game," the main character, Song Ki-Hun, also places bets on horses in the first episode. Let's dive into the specifics of betting on horse races and explore horse racing bet types.
Horse Racing Rules
Races are held on tracks of either oval or circular shape. To make it easier for the spectators to watch the finale, the straight portion of the track is always positioned opposite the stands.
At the start of the race, organizers use two types of starting lines: a regular mark (like in athletics) and gates. When using gates, each horse is placed in an improvised stall, which helps prevent conflicts between the animals. Horses can also get nervous before the start, which may cause them to "argue" with each other due to anxiety.
When the starting signal is given, the gates open, and the race begins. Jockeys are just as important as the horses in the race. An experienced rider will help maintain balance around the turns, distribute the horse's energy across the track, and try to accelerate the horse on the final straight. This is something to keep in mind when placing bets.
The distance of the race can vary depending on the competition. The finish line can either be a ribbon or a marked line. The winner is determined as the horse whose head crosses the finish line first. If a winner cannot be determined, a photo finish is used.
Types of Races
Flat Racing: These races involve young horses under the age of 2. The distance ranges from 1 to 3 km, and the race takes place on a flat surface.
Hurdle Racing: The distance is up to 3 km. These races are for more experienced horses aged over 2 years. Along the course, obstacles (hurdles) are placed. These hurdles are made from branches and rods; if a horse hits them, it will lose speed but won't suffer any injuries.
Steeplechase: This type of race is only for experienced horses (from 4 years old). The distance can be up to 7 km. The track includes large, static obstacles made from logs that must be jumped over, or the horse may get injured. There is also a water ditch on the track. Notably, in steeplechase races, the horses are not usually champions from younger ages.
Betting Strategies for Horse Racing
Trixie: The most common strategy for horse racing bets. Select the first three races of the day from different racetracks. In each race, choose a clear favorite with odds of 2.00 or higher.
Then, create a combination of bets:
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Favorite 1 + Favorite 2
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Favorite 1 + Favorite 3
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Favorite 2 + Favorite 3
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Favorite 1 + Favorite 2 + Favorite 3
Dutching (Dutching Schultz Strategy): Legend has it that this strategy was created by the accountant of the famous American gangster Al Capone, Dutch Schultz.
The Dutching strategy is based on placing multiple bets on horses with odds of 4.00 or higher. With such odds, bookmakers believe that several horses have a chance of winning.
Betting on Outsiders: Favorites in horse races win more often, but outsiders can sometimes come in first as well.
To bet on underdogs, look for outsiders whose odds are steadily decreasing. For example, when the line opens on a horse, the odds might be 56.00; after an hour, they drop to 48.00, and after three hours, they may be 29.00, while the favorite's odds remain unchanged.
If you find an outsider in good form, it may be worth taking a risk and betting on them. You can use the race card to identify promising underdogs. It's important to note that if 1-2 bets per day on underdogs out of 10 bets are successful, you'll be in a good profit.
Tips for Beginners: What to Pay Attention to When Betting on Horse Races
If you're planning to place bets on horse races, here are several key factors to consider:
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Horse's Age: The younger the horse, the better its chances of outrunning an older, more experienced competitor. It's best to avoid betting on very young and inexperienced horses (under 2 years old) that might struggle to manage their energy throughout the race.
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Weather: An outsider will have a better chance of winning if it rains on race day. Keep track of the weather and take advantage of any mistakes bookmakers make.
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Jockey's Weight: The jockey's weight is usually around 60 kg. If a jockey is just starting their career in horse racing, they might exceed this limit to improve the balance with the horse. Lighter jockeys tend to have more experience and better chances of winning.