Horse racing is an exciting sport that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world.

For some, the sport is their life, as they follow all of the developments and track the performance of all runners and riders throughout the year. For others, going to the races is a special occasion that they enjoy once or twice each year, enjoying the experience and the atmosphere as much as the racing itself. Major races on the calendar like the Grand National are popular among these types of horse racing fans.

For the uninitiated, horse racing can seem like a totally different world. The smart attire, the seemingly different language spoken at the track and the myriad of different types of bets that can be placed. It can be a daunting prospect for anyone attending their first ever horse race. Here is a handy guide that might help.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask

This is true for every part of life. If you’re unsure of something, just ask. The bookmakers and staff based at the racecourse will be happy to help out if you have any questions about placing bets or any other element of the day.

If you have any questions before the day, you can consult the race course’s own website or contact them.

Dress Code

Typically, a day at the races is seen as an opportunity to dress up. Partaking in this pageantry is part of the horse racing experience.

There is no one-size fits all answer to what to wear though, dress codes can vary from race course to race course, and even event to event. It’s safe to assume that you should dress up smartly however, so don’t expect to get let in wearing a tracksuit and trainers.

If you are in doubt of what the dress code for the race you’re attending is, check the website.

Picking Your Horses

It can be a little daunting if you have never bet on horses before, however you will pick up the basics very quickly and soon come to enjoy the process of picking your horse and then cheering them on.

There are many different strategies that can be used for choosing who to bet on, but if you are new to horse racing you will likely benefit from reading betting tips from experts.

Types of Bets

There are a few different types of bets that you can place on horse races. Typically the main types are:

•       The Winner – a bet on which horse will win
•       Place – a bet on a horse finishing in the top few positions (this number depends on the race)
•       Each Way – a bet that is split 50/50 between a win wager and a place wager

If you are following the advice of betting tips, they may suggest which type of bet to place.

Enjoy Yourself

The most important thing to remember is that you should not forget to enjoy yourself. Soak up the atmosphere, enjoy spending time with your loved ones, and immerse yourself in the excitement of the races themselves. A day at the races needn’t be daunting, everyone has to start somewhere.