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America’s pari-mutuel horse racing industry will not deteriorate with the growth of legal sports betting. Instead, it provides gaming operators another revenue stream in addition to the ever-popular casino business.

 

 

Today’s Horse Racing in America

 

Interest in horse racing has seen a steady decline towards the second half of the 20th century, and this coincides with the uptick of Native American casinos in the 1990s. To this effect, state policymakers are embracing commercial gaming and placing their interests on existing horse tracks.

 

This is exciting news for track operators, as the bubbling casino industry has more or less left them on the sidelines. Corporate interests are naturally focused on the more lucrative business of slot machines as compared to horse racing.

 

For generations, horse racing has held very strong financial, cultural and emotional ties among Americans. In order to protect this historical connection, many states instituted requirements for operators to maintain a number of races every year to continue running their casinos. Some even go as far as using taxes on casino games to subsidize the horse racing stakeholders. These nationwide protective efforts, also known as decoupling, look like they’re here to stay.

 

 

Decoupling Conflicts

 

American culture is tied strongly with horse racing, despite the notable decline seen in recent years. As other gaming options enter the foray, however, interest in the tracks continues to wane. Many historic racing venues see no other choice but to shut down. For example, the Arlington International Racecourse located in Chicago closed after a century in action.

 

With that being said, major events such as the Triple Crown races continue to attract hundreds of thousands every year. This also applies to marquee tracks, like the Saratoga Race Course. Sadly, that isn’t the case in Pennsylvania, where state horse tracks perform worse than low-level baseball leagues in terms of audiences despite receiving the most significant economic incentive in the state, amounting to $3.3 billion since 2004.

 

Undoubtedly, this sets the scene for financial and emotional conflict. Is the major financial investment worthwhile? Some argue that the horse racing industry provides significant economic impact, not forgetting the employment of thousands.

 

On the other side of the fence, stakeholders feel that the financial subsidies aren’t fair to taxpayers. In Florida, this has led to lawmakers passing a decoupling legislation that allows jai-alai frontons, former greyhound racing facilities, and Standardbred horse tracks to offer poker and other card games without putting up races.

 

 

The Legalization of Sports Betting and Its Effects

 

Americans love the idea of putting money where their mouths are when it comes to their favorite sports teams. Today, more than 100 million Americans in 32 states can place a legal sports wager. The legalization of sports betting brings about the more intuitive and beginner-friendly fixed-odds format, which contrasts against horse racing’s pari-mutuel method.

 

Sports betting presents another revenue generator for operators despite it being the lower-margin offering. Plus, it is easier to manage compared to horse racing. The growth of fixed-odds betting is shifting operators to consider it above the traditional pari-mutuel wagering.

 

This shift in trend is happening globally. In Australia, it is one of the most popular betting options. Such markets are giving bettors hundreds of additional wagering options that are not available via pari-mutuel.

 

 

What’s Next for the Horse Race Betting Industry?

 

It remains to be seen whether the nation’s iconic horse racing track industry will survive in this new era. Operators cannot depend on subsidies alone. If venues like the Kentucky Derby want to stay alive, they will have to adapt sooner rather than later. Otherwise, they will meet an end similar to Chicago’s Arlington Park.

The 2022 Cheltenham Festival is quickly approaching, with the opening day of the biggest National Hunt meeting of the year taking place on Tuesday, 15^th March. Who is leading the odds on the best horse racing bookmakers?

Once again, Irish-trained horses will be looking to maintain the dominance that they shown at the Festival in 2021.

Still, there is a new wave of British runners that could be best placed to throw down challenges in the biggest races. But, which horses will be the biggest stars at the Cheltenham Festival this year?

Constitution Hill

The Cheltenham Festival will get underway with the G1 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, and it could shape up to be one of the most thrilling races of the week.

Irish-trained Sir Gerhard leads the charge for the visitors, but it has been all about the Nicky Henderson pair of Constitution Hill and Jonbon in this division so far this season. We like the chances of the prior mentioned Constitution Hill, who has dazzled since being beaten by a head in a point-to-point.

His most recent display at the start of January in the G1 Tolworth was simply stunning, as he beat Jetoile by a 12-length distance on a testing day for conditions. No matter the surface, this five-year-old looks more than capable, and he could be one of the emerging British stars coming out of the Festival this year.

Galopin Des Champs

One race that looks almost certain to be going to the Irish is the RSA Chase. Galopin Des Champs still holds an entry for the Stayers’ Hurdle, but the Novices’ Chase looks to be the route that Willie Mullins takes with this supremely talented six-year-old. After winning three from two from five over hurdles in 2021, he was sent chasing this season.

Galopin Des Champs was the ‘wow’ performance of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival, as he won by a massive 22-length distance from Ain’t That A Shame in the Ballymaloe Relish Beginners Chase. The result on paper just doesn’t do the performance enough credit, as the six-year-old jumped extremely well throughout and was prominent throughout. He eased clear under Paul Townend, and even the impressive Bravemansgame shouldn’t stop his clear momentum.

Honeysuckle

From the stars of tomorrow to the star of right now. There is not a more exciting horse in training anywhere in the world than Honeysuckle at present. The eight-year-old mare made her reappearance at Fairyhouse in November, and won the G1 Hatton Grace’s Hurdle by an emphatic eight lengths from Ronald Pump.

She, and the superstar that is Rachel Blackmore, dominated the G1 Champion Hurdle 12 months ago, winning by a commanding six and a half lengths from Sharjah, before she ended her 2021 campaign with victory over the same rival in the G1 Champion Hurdle at Punchestown.

She is a perfect 13 from 13 over hurdles and has looked every bit as unbeaten as that record would suggest for trainer Henry De Bromhead. There looks to be no horse in the division that come close to stopping the mighty Honeysuckle regaining her crown in March.

Galvin

The featured race of the week takes place on Friday, as Minella Indo looks to win a second straight Gold Cup. Returning two-time winner Al Boum Photo is also in the frame for Willie Mullins, but we like the chances of Galvin for trainer Gordon Elliott.

Elliott has been in excellent form since returning to training, and looks to claim a number of huge winners at the Festival in 2022. Galvin has been in exceptional form so far this season, and has won two from three.

His only defeat came against Frodon in the G1 Champion Chase at Down Royal, but he stayed on strong against the free-running British raider. His best performance to date came at Leopardstown over Christmas, as he claimed success in the G1 Savills Chase.

His final kick towards the line was ultimately enough to claim victory over A Plus Tard, who was second in the Gold Cup last year. This eight-year-old looks to have everything going in his favour, and has an outstanding chance of winning a second Gold Cup for Elliott.

Gambling on horse racing is an activity that stretches across millennia. Our ancestors did it, and it is plain to see why. Horses are majestic beasts, and watching thoroughbreds race each other is a sight one is not likely to forget. It is one of those activities that are exhilarating to behold while also being relatively harmless. This is why horse racing is accepted even in countries that are strict about gambling.

Despite its very strict gambling laws, Sweden enjoys horse racing tournaments. The sport is referred to as harness racing there. However, the country enacted some new laws in 2019 that severely lessened the barriers to gambling, opening up the market for the bästa casino på nätet. With this monopoly ended, Carlos Norberg brings you the important racing jargon you need to know to enjoy the sport! You won’t find a better guide to horse racing, so follow him here. For now, let’s get started!

Handicap

Depending on their overall rating, some races give different weights to different horses. Better horses are given more weight than their less capable competitors in the hope that all competitors have the same chance of winning.

Furlong

In a mile, there are 8 furlongs, which are about 200 metres each. It takes a mile and a half to run 12 furlongs.

Horse Races

All-weather, national hunt, and flat are three different types of horse races. When you race on a flat surface without any jumps, it’s called “all-weather racing.” Only a few races offer this kind of racing surface. People who like to watch horses race over obstacles instead of on the ground call their favoured format “jump racing.”

Apprentice

An apprentice (or “conditional” in jump racing) is a new rider who is still learning the ropes. They will only be able to ride with a weight allowance if they win a certain number of races. (7), (5), or (3) are added to a jockey’s name on a racecard when the jockey is an apprentice.

Rails

The rails are the white constructions that surround the course and prevent riders from veering off track. They’re made of malleable plastic, so they’ll move if hit by a horse. This is to ensure the safety of both the horse and the rider.

Does a Draw Affect a Horse?

When visiting some racetracks, being drawn to a specific spot is crucial. The ground is better in one spot than another in some races.

Bit or Bridle?

These terms indicate that a horse is in good condition and that the jockey is not moving. Horses that are ‘off’ the bit or bridle are being pushed along by the rider and may be struggling; on the other side, horses that are ‘on’ the bit or bridle are having a hard time.

What Is the Meaning of Steward’s Question?

It’s possible that there was interference or something else that gave one horse an unfair edge. The Stewards have decided to investigate the results. This is stated over the tannoy on a racetrack, so spectators are aware.

Walkover

It’s known as a “walkover” when only one horse shows up, and no one bets. To collect its money, the horse, on the other hand, must demonstrate that it is healthy by trotting a furlong.

Black-Type Race

The finest races, as well as any race that reads “Listed” or “Group,” can be found on this list (or Grade for jump racing). Sales catalogues are referred to as “black-type.” In these catalogues, horses that have won or placed in these races are highlighted in bold.

Horse Terminology

• A colt is different from a gelding, a filly, and a mare because they are young. A young male horse is called a colt. It is between the ages of two and four.
• A gelding is a male horse castrated.
• A filly is a young female horse between two and four years of age. A mare is a female horse that is at least five years old.
• A yearling is a young animal that has recently been born, a one-year-old horse that can’t race.

Green

This word refers to a horse that isn’t very experienced and shows it by running across the track and not obeying the jockey.

What Is a Tongue-Tie?

This piece of gear mostly helps the rider keep control of a horse, but it also helps the horse breathe. They can be hard to handle if their tongue gets in the way of the bit.

What Distinguishes Cheekpieces, Blinkers, and Hoods?

All of this equipment helps maintain a horse’s attention.

“Cheekpiece nosebands” are fluffy fabric pieces on either side of a horse’s ears or nose.

Blinkers are devices that cover a horse’s eyesight, directing it forward rather than around.

A hood conceals a horse’s ears and is typically used on horses that dislike crowds or new settings. Some trainers use earplugs for a more practical effect.

Conclusion

Now that you know all the important horse racing lingo, you should have no trouble understanding what’s happening, navigating the gambling aspect, and, most importantly, having a good time!

Greyhound racing isn’t as popular as other sports in the UK, such as football, but it certainly has a dedicated and loyal following who tune in to as many races as they can and have their favourite runners and trainers in the sport. When assessing the variety of trainers in greyhound racing, it highlights the overall strength of the sport, with some of the best handlers making a real name for themselves over the years. Even going as far back as Norah Wilmot, the first female trainer in Britain to officially train a winner, trainers have always received the plaudits and have been respected figures in greyhound racing.

After all, not everyone can be a greyhound trainer. It takes a special type of person. They’re generally highly knowledgeable operators who strive to produce the best greyhounds possible, obviously with the aim of putting a winning run together eventually, be it with one particular project or a yard full of dogs who have the potential to reign supreme. Greyhound trainers need to know everything, too, from a dog’s behavioural patterns to their dietary requirements. All greyhounds are carefully managed to produce the goods and be a reliable proposition when it comes to betting on greyhound racing. With some of the top greyhound trainers registering success at the likes of Newcastle, Towcester and Romford, let’s take a look at a selection of standout names in the sport.

Nick Savva

Regarded as a trainer who has the know-how when it comes to producing winners, Nick Savva is a four-time Greyhound Derby winner who has recorded a string of successes over the years. The Cypriot trainer is training 18 runners at the time of writing and will undoubtedly be keen to build on some of his past success stories, namely his 25 winners from 2019 and his 55 victories from 2018. Savva has also managed to win the Trainers Championship on four different occasions too, helping to contribute to his overall glowing reputation in the sport.

P. W. Young

Avid followers of greyhound racing will instantly recognise the name P. W. Young. A highly successful trainer, P. W. Young had a memorable 2019 in particular, recording a massive 662 winners across the year out of 4,095 runners at Romford, creating an impressive 16.16% win rate in the process. Similar success was accomplished in 2019, too, when Young’s 5,842 runners managed to come out on top in 950 races.

Mark Wallis

One of the most respected trainers in the sport, Mark Wallis has managed to finish as the champion trainer every year between 2012 and 2018, highlighting the undoubted impact he has had on the sport. Wallis is known for his expertise in this particular area and his record speaks for itself, earning himself a 17.84% win percentage after clocking up 226 winners from 1,267 runners in 2019, while also recording a prestigious Greyhound Derby win. Most of Wallis’ runners race at both Crayford and Henlow.

Seamus Cahill

Boasting an extremely powerful yard that is regularly training large amounts of dogs throughout the year, Seamus Cahill is a former winner of both the Greyhound Trainer of the Year and Trainers Championship awards, after recording plenty of wins at the likes of Hove and Romford. Cahill is said to have around 186 runners in training at the moment, with the respected trainer hoping to produce another Astute Missile, a runner who managed to win the Greyhound Derby title at a massive price of 28/1 and further prove Cahill’s credentials as a result.

Angela Harrison

A winner of the Trainers Championship in 2019, Angela Harrison is yet another trainer with a great deal to offer to the sport in terms of winning runners. In fact, Harrison managed to get 258 wins from 1,572 runners at Newcastle in 2019, earning herself a solid success rate of 16.41%. Notable runners include Droopys Expert, alongside a whole host of other talented dogs Harrison is helping to nurture.

Other successful greyhound trainers include John Mullins and H. F. Williams.