In This Guide
Horse Racing: The Sport of Kings
Most horse races last about two minutes, but horse racing fans will tell you there’s more excitement in those two minutes than in an entire football or baseball game. This Web guide explains how horse racing has evolved to its current form, directs you to the best news and handicapping sources, shows you how and where you can wager, and helps you become involved in the sport.
Expand All Guide SectionsHistory and Types of Horse Racing
Horse racing dates back to 4500 B.C.; today, it is one of the most ubiquitous sports, contested on ... read more »
Basics of Thoroughbred Horse Racing
This section helps you understand the different types of horses and races, and teaches you important horse racing terminology.
Insights for Basics of Thoroughbred Horse Racing
- Horse racing beginners should also check out the introduction to handicapping in the “Betting on Horse Racing” section of this Web guide.
- A thoroughbred is a breed of horse whose ancestry traces to three foundation sires—the Darley Arabian, the Godolphin Arabian and the Byerly Turk. These three stallions were brought to England from the Middle East during the 17th century and bred with English horses. The result was an animal that could carry weight with sustained speed over extended distances.
- The Jockey Club is the official registrar of thoroughbreds in the United States. There are similar authorities in other countries.
Top Sites for Basics of Thoroughbred Horse Racing
For an introduction to thoroughbred racing …
National Thoroughbred Racing Association
has a “Virtual Q&A” designed to help beginners understand the sport. Receive a video answer by typing in a question or clicking the “Help” button and choosing from a list of phrases.
Oaklawn Jockey Club
describes how thoroughbreds differ in colors and running styles, and how races vary in level, distance, surface and track conditions.
For glossaries on thoroughbred racing …
Equibase
has a glossary of horse racing terms.
The Jockey Club
has a glossary of terms for horses, explaining what a horse is called based on its sex, age and other factors.
Horse Racing Associations, Tracks and Famous Races
Professional horse races are operated by track owners under the observation of national ... read more »
Horse Racing News and Handicapping Information
This section features the best sources for news on racing and breeding, as well as valuable ... read more »
Betting on Horse Racing
This section teaches you how to handicap and shows you the best Web sites to place online bets. read more »
Buying a Racehorse
Many premier horses are owned by wealthy breeders who have been in the game for decades. But just ... read more »
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