The Basics of Horse Racing Betting
The first recorded horse race took place in France in 1651, as the result of a wager between two noblemen. The popularity of gambling and horse racing grew during the reign of Louis XIV (1643-1715). During Louis XVI’s reign, racing was formalized with a jockey’s club, and the King imposed rules by royal decree, including requiring certificates of origin for all horses. Foreign horses were also given extra weight to ensure fairness in betting.
Origins
The origins of the horse race are not entirely certain. However, archeological records show that it was practiced in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Later, equine contests spread to China, Persia, and the Middle East, and were also practiced in North Africa. Horse races in medieval England originated when horses for sale competed in competitions to showcase their speed to potential buyers. It is thought that the first purse was offered during the reign of Richard the Lionheart, when knights rode three-mile races to earn money.
Classifications
There are several different types of horse races, and identifying their quality will help you choose the best races for your bets. Flat and jump racing are both classified by prize money. The higher the class, the better the prize money. Elite-level trainers tend to target big-money races with horses with the strongest pedigree. In these races, the jockey is often the most important factor. Nevertheless, all horses have their own merits, and each race has its own specific classification.
Distances
The distances of horse races are crucial to betting strategies. Horses run at different distances depending on the course and distance, and some require more stamina than others. A mile-and-a-half race, for example, requires much more stamina than a one-mile event. Some distances also require a horse to accelerate quickly. Knowing what distance a horse is most comfortable at will help you determine the odds of its winning a race.
Bets
Bettors can make money on horse races by placing bets on multiple horses. A $2 across-the-board bet, for example, would pay out if one of the horses finishes in the pole position. If the horse fails to finish in the top three, the better will lose all his money. The odds are slightly better on the first-place horse, but the bet would still be a risky bet.
Offtrack betting
Offtrack betting is an excellent way to place a wager on a horse race, and is legal in all 50 states. Offtrack betting is typically done in person at an offtrack betting venue (OTB), but can also be done through advance deposit wagering websites. To place a bet at an OTB, a bettor must choose a race and horse, specify the amount they are willing to wager, and specify the horse program number.
Selima
The Selima horse race was an important event in the history of American Thoroughbreds. This foundation mare was imported to the Province of Maryland in the early eighteenth century by Benjamin Tasker, Jr. During the 1750s, she became a prominent Thoroughbred. In 1752, she was exported from England to the Province of Maryland. She would go on to become one of the foundation mares of the American Thoroughbred.
Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes is a famous horse race held in Baltimore, Maryland. This race is held annually on the third Saturday in May, two weeks after the Kentucky Derby and three weeks before the Belmont Stakes. The winner of this race is awarded the Woodland Vase, a trophy made of silver. It is considered the most valuable trophy in sport, and is housed at the Baltimore Museum of Art.