Horse Racing Moments

The last post we had was a introductory course in British horse racing.  We ended with the types of enclosures that one can visit and what one would expect from each.  Whichever type of enclosure you go to, it is best that you buy a race card once you get to the race course.  You would only need to spend about 2 – 3 quid for one and it will give you most of the information that you would need throughout the day.  Now let’s talk about the two types of racing.

The first one is flat racing, which, as its name suggests, is carried out on a track where there are no obstacles - the track is flat.  You can watch flat racing anytime in the year although the main season runs from April to October.  The other type of racing is the National Hunt.  As opposed to flat racing, this type of race has jumps.  You can also watch this race all throughout the year but the main season runs from October to April.  Some race courses have both kinds of races while others feature a single type.

Now how about betting?  There are two main ways – with the bookmakers and with the Tote.  The former offers fixed-odds betting.  That is, you always know how much you will win in case your pick makes it.  The latter offers pool betting, wherein all the bets on a horse are put into a pool.  The winnings are then shared among the bettors.

Though most of the focus in horse racing has come to be placed in the United States, horse racing in Great Britain cannot be overlooked today.  It is still one popular activity over there for many people of all ages.  Today, there are around 59 racecourses all throughout Britain.  These racecourses vary widely to suit each and every taste and budget.

The numerous racecourses are broadly categorized into the following groups:

•    Members (also called Club or Premier) Enclosure
This is the high end option for going to the horse races.  Racecourses which fall under the Members Enclosure category often offer the best viewing and other facilities.  Though the name may be misleading, anyone can book a ticket for a Members course.  It’s just that the members of the course carry a badge that allow them more access.

•    Tattersalls (also called Grandstand or Paddock) Enclosure
The largest enclosure of the bunch.  You would expect this place to be crowded and buzzing with activity all throughout the day.  More than betting, you can find other activities such as eating and drinking and socializing.

•    Silver Ring (also called Course or Park) Enclosure
Known to be the least formal and least expensive of them all.  Perhaps one reason is that from this enclosure, you cannot see the Parade Ring or the Winners Enclosure.  Still, you get to see the horses on the racecourse and for many, that is all that they want.  You can also get food and drink in this enclosure but the trend is to bring along food for a picnic.

Let’s look at some more aspects of British horse racing in the next posts.

If you have been active in the horse racing scene in the past few years, the name would definitely ring a bell.  Funny Cide was born in Saratoga and he won 11 of 38 career starts.  To date, he has earned $3,529,412.  In 2003, he won the Eclipse Award for the nation’s best 3-year-old.  This Friday, Sackatoga Stable, the group that owns Funny Cide announced that he has been retired.  Here is an excerpt from the announcement.

“I’ve retired the horse, and it was after a nice race he had out at Finger Lakes,” the trainer Barclay Tagg said yesterday. “Everybody was happy; everybody was thrilled. It was a good time to do this, on a winning note.”
Tagg added that Funny Cide was not injured and could have continued to race.
“He’s fine and he looks great,” he said. “It was just time to do this.”
Funny Cide will remain at Tagg’s stable at Belmont Park and will be converted to a stable pony, accompanying his former stablemates to the track each morning during training hours.

A little bit more history on Funny Cide – he won the Grade I Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont in 2004.  Yet it seems that 2003 was his last great year as his career spiraled downward after that.  In any case, he had his own share of supporters.  In fact, many believe that the owners’ decision in retiring Funny Cide is the right one, as they believe that he has had his day in the sun.

Italy is well known around the world for its numerous attractions.  However, there are some less known places and activities that would catch the attention of some people.  One of the lesser known places in this wonderful country is Sienna.  Located in about an hour from Florence, this medieval town has a lot to offer.

Imagine staying in a little town with ancient brick alleyways and medieval fortresses all around you.  It is the epitome of peace and quiet.  Cars are even banned from majority of the city.  You can just walk around and enjoy the scenery and not be bothered by motorists and the pollution that motored vehicles bring.

Yet as quiet as Sienna is, it has some piece of action to offer as well.  Horse racing enthusiasts will find it a delight to watch bare back horse races at Il Palio.  One should not miss these bare back horse races which are held at the Piazza del Campo.  Neighborhoods are all involved in the races and the action starts even before the races begin.  Different groups go around in the middle of the night, making a ruckus and challenging their neighbors.  During the race day itself, each neighborhood has a contestant that they will back with all their might.

It is indeed quite a different experience from horse racing as we know in the U.S. and other parts of the world today.  Yet real lovers of horses and the sport of horse racing will definitely appreciate the culture and the excitement that this kind of horse racing will bring.

Here are more things to look out for when conducting a paddock inspection.

1.    Pay a lot of attention to the details.  No matter how tiny it may be, do not discount any particular detail.  The negative signs that you should look out for – aside from those mentioned in the last post – are: a dull coat, runny eyes or nose, open sores, front wraps, tendon problems, and popping the tail up and down.

On the other hand, you should also be on the lookout for positive signs.  After all, what you want is to find the horse that will increase your chances of winning.  So what signs should you look for in a good horse?  It does not always follow but in most cases, a dressed up horse is a good sign.  A very neat mane and even a plaited mane is a simple statement that says that horse is well taken care of.  A prancing horse is a good sign as well.  other signs are a shiny coat, dapples, and bright shiny eyes.

2.     After you “around the paddock” inspection, do not think that your job is done.  Wait for the jockey to actually mount the horse and head on to the track.  You should also see if any negative or positive signs show up at this point.

3.    At this point you should be ready to make your pick.  Go ahead, trust your guts and wager!  Best of luck to you.