Handicap Races
Handicap races are races in which each horse carries a specified amount of weight with them. This weight is determined by considering the horse’s previous performance and is designed to even the field somewhat. The individually assigned weights mean that weaker horses stand more of a chance against the usual winners.
Number of Runners
Different horse races will have different numbers of runners. Some people prefer to only bet on races with a number of competitors in a relatively narrow range. However, it is up to you what this range is if you have one at all. When there are fewer runners in the field, the winner is usually a short-priced favourite. This means that returns on smaller races tend to be relatively small.
On the other hand, the larger the field is the more opportunity for an upset result. You can improve your chances by placing an ‘each way’ bet rather than a straight bet.
Races to Avoid
The less uncertainty there is in a race, the easier it will be for you to bet on. Every extraneous variable that might change the performance of a horse and the outcome of a race adds to the level of uncertainty. For this reason, many experienced gamblers choose to avoid certain types of race - in particular, ‘maiden’ races and ‘apprentice’ races.
The runners in a maiden race will be horses who have yet to win themselves a full race. The horses may well be ridden by a proficient and experienced jockey, but these are still unpredictable races and not a good place for the beginner bettor to hone their skills.
An apprentice race is one in which the horses are ridden by apprentice jockeys. As with untested horses, these largely untested jockeys add another level of uncertainty to the race.
Where to Bet
You can bet on horse races in the UK either online, in person or at bookies. Online gambling has become increasingly popular in recent years. Now that there are widespread high-speed 4G mobile data networks, public Wi-Fi and a smartphone in every pocket, it has never been easier for gamblers on the go to indulge their vice.
Betting online is a great place to start for a couple of different reasons. First of all, the internet is awash with websites and services set up to either facilitate the placing of bets or to provide punters with horse racing tips. These will help you to place a few bets and see how the whole process works.
Betting on the horse races is undoubtedly fun and exciting, but it is important to practice in moderation. Make sure that you only ever bet money that you can afford to lose. If you can’t stop yourself from gambling, seek support immediately.