Horse races are an enduring part of the world’s culture, with records of the sport dating back thousands of years. It’s a betting sport that is practiced by millions, with dozens of horse tracks operating around the globe. The best horse races are often known as ‘classics’, and feature some of the most talented racehorses in the world.
Among the classics are the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes in America, and the Epsom Derby, 2,000 Guineas, and St Leger in England. However, there are many more high-quality races to choose from around the world. The Dubai World Cup is one of the most prestigious races held each year, and it offers the biggest prize money of any horse race in the world.
When it comes to betting on a horse race, there are many important terms you need to know to make the most informed decision possible. Some of the most common include:
COUNTERFORCE- Two horses running head-to-head at the same time in a race, or a pair of horses on equal footing with each other. DESCRIPTION OF RACES- Races that are classified by their prize money, level of competition, and other factors. GRADE CLASS- A ranking system used to classify horses and racehorses, with the highest ranked having the best chance of winning a race.
POLE POSITION- A mark on a racing track that indicates how far from the finish line it is. POOL- Total amount of money bet on a particular race, including win pool, daily double pool, exacta pool and more.
TRACK BIAS- A factor in a horse’s performance on a given racing surface. For example, if the track has recently been rained on, it may be muddy, which can slow down a horse. In contrast, a dry track will allow horses to run at their fastest.
WORKOUT RACE- A race that is intended to prepare a horse for another race. These races usually have lower stakes than a main event, and are usually held on dirt or turf.
PRIX- An official assessment of a racehorse’s merit, published by a horseracing authority. The PRIX is calculated using the results of international races, with each country’s top performers being added to the list. The PRIX is updated regularly. The PRIX is also used to allocate weight to riders, with apprentices allowed 10 pounds less than the runner-up until they win five times, then seven pounds for one calendar year thereafter. In addition, a horse’s PRIX can be impacted by its sex, age, jockey, and training. In short, a PRIX is one of the most important factors in determining a winner. It is considered the best indicator of a horse’s chances in a race. This is why so many bettors follow PRIX updates on a regular basis. The PRIX is calculated by the IFHA (International Federation of Horseracing Authorities). The IFHA has a membership of 57 countries, and it was founded in 1977. Its mission is to unify the worldwide racing industry and encourage the growth of horseracing.