Even seasoned bettors need a helping hand every now and then when choosing a horse to bet on. Here's our guide to help you decide who to back.
If you’re new to horse racing, betting on your first race can be daunting. In fact, even seasoned bettors need a helping hand every now and then! And with so many competitors to choose from, and so much history to learn, it’s no surprise if you’re struggling to choose which racehorse to back.
That’s why we’ve put together a guide on how to find a winning horse – or at least what to keep an eye on to improve your chances! Obviously, we can’t guarantee a winner every time, but taking these factors into account will help you boost your play and make more informed decisions.
Ready to learn our top tips for picking winning horses? From the best qualities to look for, to the factors that could hold your horse back, here’s all you need to know about looking for your ideal racehorse.
What to look for in a winning horse
Before you place a bet, you’ll need to research the horses competing in a race, with some of the most important things to investigate including:
Speed
It seems obvious, but it’s a crucial element to picking your horse. Your chosen racehorse needs to be fast if it wants to beat the competition and either place or finish in first. Some horses are faster in different stretches of the race, however, so try familiarising yourself with the strengths of your chosen racer before placing your bet.
For example, one may have particularly impressive final sprints, while another will aim to maintain a lead from the start of a race.
Speciality
In horse racing, there are various race types to compete in, and it’s rare to see a horse that dominates the field across all disciplines. Some competitors prefer short races, while others excel over long distances, so learning your chosen horse’s strengths will help you decide which events are the best fit for them.
You should also consider the obstacles involved in your chosen race: one horse might be a powerhouse in flat races, while another could be a perfect fit for steeplechases. Make sure to review your horse’s win record and their history with different event types to determine where they’re most comfortable.
Previous wins
Racing is all about momentum, so you should take winning streaks into account when choosing a horse and placing your bet. Take a look at your pick’s previous performances, focusing on their last few races, and use their recent record to influence your decision.
You can also use their racing record to get an idea of which events a horse is best at. For example, a horse could have struggled in flat races recently, but still placed well in hurdle events.
A good jockey and trainer
Even the best racehorses need a skilled jockey to help them reach their full potential. When making your pick, make sure to look into the recent performance of the jockey as well, as they could have their own specialisms and racing preferences that can affect the outcome of an event.
Winning streaks are just as important to jockeys as they are to horses, too, so keep an eye on recent wins and losses.
Horses also need a talented trainer to help them learn to race. Of course, not every horse raised by a famous trainer will end up becoming a champion, but name recognition and reputation go a long way. If your horse’s trainer is known for working with winners, consider putting your bet behind them!
If you’re interested in which riders have enjoyed success at Cheltenham for example, see which jockeys have the most Cheltenham wins.
What can impact your horse’s chances of winning?
Now that we’ve talked about what could work in your horse’s favour, it’s also important to realise what could hold them back from winning a race. Here are a few things to watch out for:
Conditions
The weather conditions on the day of a race can influence how your horse performs. Some racers can easily deal with rain, wind, or cold, while others are more likely to struggle. These changes in the weather can also affect how the earth feels on a racecourse, with some horses being better suited to soft or firm terrain than others.
Performance of opponents
Rather than just focusing on the strengths of the horse you’re choosing to bet on, you should also research who they’re facing. If one of the other racers is on a hot streak of wins or is particularly well-suited to the type of race you’re betting on, you may want to consider changing your bet accordingly.
Age
Every horse racing career has to come to a close eventually, so it’s essential to consider your horse’s age. While they might have put up impressive wins a few years ago, if they’re reaching retirement age, they’ll likely struggle to perform as well as they once did. Similarly, horses that are too young may not have the experience needed to come out on top in a race against a veteran lineup.
What to avoid when betting on racing
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to betting, but there are a few common mistakes that bettors often fall into that can affect their play. These are a few pitfalls to avoid when placing your bet:
Don’t mindlessly bet on your favourite
It can be tempting to see your favourite horse in a race and immediately put your money on it to win, but if an opponent outmatches it, you’re at risk of losing your stake. Bet with your head, not your heart, and make sure to research the competitors in a race thoroughly.
Consider placing a multiple bet
If you can’t decide on one horse to win a race, or if you want to follow multiple events, consider placing a multiple bet instead of a series of singles. These can help you earn even more if all your chosen horses place; so if you prefer to play a high-risk, high-reward game, try experimenting with your options.
Don’t focus on one particular event
When researching your horse’s past performance, you may want to look at their previous wins at a particular festival. For example, if you’re betting on Cheltenham, you could be tempted to bet on a horse that won last year. A lot can change in a year, though, so make sure to take other races into account to influence your choice.
Follow the latest racing action with Betway
Now that you know how to choose your ideal horse in a race, why not head to our horse racing betting page and get yourself involved? Simply choose which race you want to bet on, find your preferred horse, place your stake, and wait to see if you win!
You can also explore our horse racing blog to learn more, with plenty of guides, tips, and betting picks available to enhance your play. Here, you can also read our guide on how to bet on horse racing for a full introduction to the sport, or learn more about horse racing terms you’re likely to encounter.
