Few would gainsay that gambling is deep-rooted in British life, an eagerness pursued at each level of society from the bingo hall to the bridge parlour however naturally, particularly connected with horse racing. Nonetheless, regardless of, or maybe due to its wide-reaching nature, betting has its critics. It is frequently attacked as a unnecessary evil, as a unethical and sterile activity seducing its protagonists into over the top inclusion and tantalizing them into crime and corruption. Admittedly the comparatively tax—free rewards of betting have attracted a criminal element, and definitely reliance on the level of Dostoevsky’s ‘hero ‘, masochistically losing his cash, his outlays a prelude to orgasm, is a clear exhibition of sickness.

Most gamblers nevertheless , are some distance from being social deviants. The overt rationale behind betting on horses is to earn money, however aside from those owners, trainers, and jockeys in the know, and an elite group (though one hesitates to use the collectivity with such highly individualistic men) of pro gamblers, most backers can’t hope even for a regular income and certainly not for a fortune. Most of them do not have the means to finance the huge outlays which gigantic winnings require.

Also, to achieve success in the longer term the hacker needs to know form, genealogy, and probability concepts; the bookmaker merely has to wait for the punters ‘ mistakes. Over a period most gamblers lose; they know they lose; yet they continue to bet. What they are looking for is the infrequent windfall, the finance for a spree be it in the tavern or mall. In effect , for them gambling is an ineffective but exciting alternative option to saving.

Indeed, excitement is perhaps the genuine motivation for most gamblers. Win or lose, gamblers get ‘a substantial quantity of excitement. And a diversion from the cares and worries of daily life’. Gambling has a crucial temporal aspect, the delay between making a bet and knowing the result. The result is that on the racecourse ‘some of the most stimulating moments in a man’s life. Are those which pass between the time when the horses have flashed by the post and when the winner’s number is hoisted ‘, and off the course the strain can be prolonged until the press rush out the early editions.

For most gambling is a chance to brighten up their lives; taking a chance destroys routine be it the daily grind of the factory operative, the unending unrewarded jobs of the housewife, or the boredom of the leisured classes, encircled by the requirements of the social calendar. Maybe for the rich gambling is a form of conspicuous consumption, a way of putting their wealth in evidence. For the poor betting is, in the words of George Orwell, ‘the least expensive of luxuries’: an outlay of ten new pence or even less gives them an opportunity to beat the system; for a second they are able to try and control their fate. And make no bones about it, gambling on horses has more to do with ability than luck. Although they utilize imperfect info, most backers make a genuine mental effort, selecting their selections by a calculated application of rational criteria. Ultimately, betting also performs a social function in providing an open sesame to certain sub—cultures: ‘What won the 3.30? ‘ is a safe conversational gambit in any working-class bar. In such cultures the facility to pick winners brings social recognition, and the eagerness to share horse racing systems particularly the hot tip directly from the stable thru dubious casual friends, serves to cement relations. Clearly gambling has its positive side and is not just the reckless, anti-social activity, caricatured and condemned by the anti—gambllng brigade.

Harriet Harman is a betting fan and correspondent on horse gambling systems, including popular manuals and software like Cash Master.

No doubt Henry VIII had his own views in regards to what constituted the ‘sport of kings’; nevertheless it is horse racing that typically carries this appellation. Yet to suggest that racing was the prerogative of an elite is wrong: it was the sport of all, a common interest of peer and peasant, of lord and labourer. Indeed, although William IV himself had no great passion for the turf- he was “bored to death at Ascot” — he recognized its worth as a social institution:

Horse racing emerged naturally out of an environment in which horses played an important role: as well as providing a means of transport, they were also status symbols, their quality an overt display of the owner’s wealth. Ownership unavoidably engendered rivalry, which in turn led on to the organization of races, initially only matches between two horses but later formalized races with a number of entrants. Some races would also serve a business function in letting owners show off their horses prior to offering them for sale. Many race conferences in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries were not only for thoroughbred racehorses. At all but the major fixtures there might be events for half-bred horses, hunters, and, occasionally, even ponies.

One reason for this range of rivals was the transport situation: as long as horses needed to be walked to conferences they inclined to race only hereabouts, so restricting the number of entrants at any actual gathering. The use of heats was another device to obtain a full day’s racing from a limited supply of horses. The winner of an event was the 1st entrant to win 2 heats; this may frequently require 4 or maybe more races. Another reason for the selection of horses participating was that most race conferences at this time were essentially social events, and not only for the privileged leisure classes. They were a high point of the social calendar for the majority of the local citizens who, starved of arranged public entertainment, came determined to enjoy their meeting. If it was feasible to participate at more than spectator level, then they needed to do so; therefore farmers raced, and frequently rode, their half breeds and others their thoroughbred hunters and racing stock. What larger aspiration could there be than to ride one’s own steed to victory at one’s local meeting?

Races before 1840 weren’t gate-money events. Spectators paid no entry fee: everyone was again able to watch and to watch was free. Unless onlookers wished to view from the grandstand (not that there always was one), they paid nothing to see the races.

This has led one sports historian to debate that racing was arranged solely for horse betting purposes, for if entrance cash was not charged then obviously racing had no requirement of spectators. It is true that racing could take place without an audience, but if the crowd hadn’t been part and parcel of the local meetings, then certainly they would be more than the yearly or semi- annual events that they were. At Newmarket, where racing was exclusive to the upper classes and the masses were actively daunted from attending, conferences were far more frequent. Here, and at a few other select conferences, betting may have been the fulcrum of the sport, but some place else racing was closely associated with local holidays: travelling shows, gaming booths, lager tents, cock fights, boxing and wrestling matches, open—air dancing, and, for a privileged few, balls and dinner parties, all made a contribution to a full day out.

Harriet Harman is a gambling fan and journalist on horse racing systems, including preferred manuals and software such as Cash Master.

The health and safety of jockeys must be a major consideration for all racecourses. It was disappointing then, that the BHA’s Disciplinary Panel had two tracks before it last week as it looked into breaches of the rules governing their responsibilities in this area.

In the case of Salisbury racecourse, which is controlled by The Bibury Club Limited, they related to its meeting on 10 October this year. There were charges that one of the ambulances on duty that day did not have the full complement of gear set out in the BHA’s General Instructions, and that one of the ambulances was left untended in the first race, so it could not be used instantly if called on. In addition, the panel heard that some of the checks Racecourse Medical Officers (RMO) are required to carry out at the beginning of each race weren't conducted. The panel ordered a fine of ?3,500 on The Bibury Club for these failings.

Newton Abbot Races Ltd, handling executive of Newton Abbot racecourse, were also queried about their supply of medical facilities. The pre-race inspection on 7 October identified missing gear in one of the ambulances and also in the bags carried by Racecourse Medical Officers. There had been also no direct outside telephone line from the Jockeys ‘ Medical Room. As the equipment supplies had been made up before racing commenced, and the Chief Medical Adviser pointed to the fact that they were only other minor nature, the disciplinary panel warned Newton Abbot Races Ltd as to its future conduct.

The General Instructions about the supply of medical support are detailed, running to some 40 pages. They set out the staff needed and their many various responsibilities: a minimum of two Racecourse Medical Officers who must act on at least 8 days racing each year; a professional nurse on duty in the Jockeys Medical Room; and at least one first aid attendant at every fence or hurdle as a jumps meeting.

Each race meeting must be covered by three ambulances, 2 of which must carry a paramedic on board. One of those paramedic ambulances must be on the course at every point. It’s not that long gone that racing got delayed at one meeting as the two paramedic ambulances had each taken a wounded jockey to infirmary and a further one needed to be rustled up from somewhere.

One ambulance and an RMO are on duty at the start of each race, and on the rare occasion the doctor’s services are required there the race can’t get moving till he has given the all clear on any jockey he has examined.

There is a amazing list of clobber required with 20 items in the doctor’s bag, and around 50 on each of the three ambulances. These go from stretchers, spinal boards and dressings, through simple oral medication like aspirin, up to 14 items to help with breathing and 12 or so drugs which can sometimes be injected if required. The Jockeys ‘ Medical Room holds a fresh set of supplies.

RMOs have to examine every jockey who falls, and then finish a report on his fitness, even if they find him unhurt. As fast as possible after the report has been finished the course Stewards ‘ Director enters the info on the BHA wounds database, and if an injury results in the rider being stood down the medical suspension will be identified, a so-called red entry. Other copies go to the Chief Medical Confidant and the Pro Jockeys Association, which handles any insurance claims.

When we are going racing we see extraordinarily hardly any of this work, which is exactly as it should be. And there are lots of other behind-the-scenes roles that go towards making a day at the races run smoothly for everybody involved. I’ll be looking at some of those activities in the future articles.

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There are many misconceptions regarding the treatment of racehorses in the UK. In actuality, there have been numerous protective measures put in place by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) which keeps track of the condition of horses and carries out investigations and examinations to make certain that each horse is safe, healthy, and receiving the best level of care from their racehorse trainer, jockey, owner, and others involved in the sport.

Included in the BHA Rules of Racing, the racehorse trainer is subject to the Animal Welfare Act which acts to safeguard the horse from instances that may result in harm, disease, pain and/or suffering. Horses must pass the vets inspection of health before being allowed to enter a race.

Everyone involved in the sport stands to benefit when a racehorse is well cared for and thus in better condition to compete. The racehorse trainer in particular knows well that there is no benefit to run a horse that is unwell, weak, or injured, and that taking such a risk would only endanger its health and impede future performance.

Measures put in place by the BHA include course and jump inspections to ensure high safety standards and the presence of a horse ambulances and vets on the course to provide quick treatment if required. Horses are tested prior to racing for the presence of any drugs that might increase performance or mask injuries or illness. When it comes to the use of a whip in horseracing, it is the policy of the BHA that vets look over the horses following each race, and if any maltreatment or improper use involving a whip is identified, disciplinary action is to be taken against the rider.

The exercise which a racehorse is put through is no more strenuous than what they would experience if they were in the wild running with their herd. The more physically demanding challenge of jump racing is not put on the horse until it is at least 3 years old.

Animal welfare organisations such as the RSPCA, SSPCA and WHW support the horse racing industry. Every attempt is made to avoid injuries, repair fractures when possible, and minimize dangers that can lead to fatalities. Although there is still inherent risk involved, as with any sport, there are only about two fatalities occurring for every thousand racehorses.

In spite of rumours to the contrary, horseracing is not a cruel sport. The horse trainer, owner, breeder, jockey, veterinarian doctors, and administrative staff are all invested, motivated, and committed to providing excellent care that creates stronger and healthier horses more capable of competing at their best with a reduced risk of needless injuries or illnesses.

If you are considering to buy a racehorse then a racehorse trainer will usually have a good selection of racehorses for sale.

Being a racehorse owner brings with it many benefits. Previously, only the rich and privileged could afford to own a racehorse. By owning a racehorse you can enjoy the rich tradition of horse racing. The benefits for the owner are numerous. Being involved in your horses training and development is a thrill in itself. For many, it is a life long dream to own a racehorse. Fulfilling their childhood fantasies provides them great satisfaction beyond what money can provide. There is nothing quite like the thrill of see your horse racing. There aren’t many sports that can compete with this is the same way.

Nowadays buying a racehorse is made much easier through the various ownership options which are available. They can choose between sole ownership or co-owner of the horse. Being a co-owner puts racehorse ownership within reach of people who cannot otherwise afford to buy and maintain one.

Racehorse ownership can also bring other benefits. If your horse is any good you could stand to win a fair amount of prize money. Some races provide prize money to the first 6 finishers. Others would reward the top three only. The owners also receive commemorative trophies for their winning horses.

The second benefit of racehorse ownership comes on the race day itself. Race day perks include access to exclusive areas and facilities.

It is not unusual to receive appearance money. Appearance money is paid to encourage horses to run in particular races and is paid to the racehorse owner. In 2008, appearance money amounted to 1.5m.

By owning a racehorse you become eligible to reclaim VAT paid out on the horses upkeep which includes training and vet fees.

The Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) Badge Scheme provides 2500 racehorse owners with free entry to 800 race fixtures each year, so even when your horse isn’t running you can enjoy a day at the races for nothing.

The sixth perk of racehorse ownership is sponsorship. You are permitted to seek a sponsor for your horse to help with costs. In return for publicising the logo or business which sponsors your horse you will receive money.

The seventh benefit is having the opportunity to name your racehorse. Horses under the age of 2yrs are generally unnamed. Providing the horse hasn’t been raced, you can have the enjoyment of coming up with a name for it. The name has to be limited to 18 characters or less. The name must also be totally unique.

And finally, there is the privilege of choosing your own racing colours. Every horse must race carrying the distinctive colours of their owner. Your racing colours should not duplicate anything which is currently registered. Those people watching the race will need to be able to identify who’s horses are running. All racing colours must be registered with the British Horseracing Authority.

If you have a love for horseracing and want to have further involvement then a racehorse trainer can supply you with the essential next move towards racehorse ownership.

People conform to dress codes at special occasions. Women tend to wear evening dresses to formal occasions and short dresses at cocktail parties. Dressing up to a theme is done for fancy dress. The party at the horse races usually focuses on hats, which is a more traditional accessory.

Even though people have different ideas when it comes to fashion they do follow a protocol called dress code for events. Proms and dances usually see women in long, glamorous dresses, wearing accessories like gloves, scarves and jewelry. Men opt for formal suits and ties at these events. Dress codes allow a bit of room of individuality.

When dining out, smart casual dress is usually the attire of choice for most. This is quite an open ended category but it usually means that open toed shoes or short pants are not permitted after dark. Some establishments enforce that men wear buttoned shirts and do not permit sneakers to be worn. Some places may insist a jacket is worn.

Fancy dress is a bit more fun. These events will have a theme and people will need to dress according to that theme. This is an instance where creativity is permitted and the sky is the limit. Both adults and children enjoy events that are based on themes. It is considered bad taste not to dress to the theme if you are invited to one of these.

Black tie events are arguably the most formal occasions, and most people do not attend these very regularly. Awards ceremonies and even some fashion shows are examples of where this dress code should be followed. Women are usually in long dresses but they are more elaborate than formal occasions. Men generally wear tuxedos to these events, and some opt for top hat and tails for greater effect.

Cocktail parties can give people a chance to merge fashion with comfort. Women generally wear shorter dresses, but trousers and skirts are also acceptable. Men can even wear open shirts to these events, although closed shoes and long pants are generally prerequisites. It is still an occasion to see high fashion at work though.

Dress codes give people boundaries in terms of what they can wear to special occasions. Short dresses are commonly worn to cocktail parties while long dresses are reserved for formal events and black tie. Restaurant eating calls for a more smart casual approach. The party at the horse races usually features people in hats.

Horse racing enthusiasts, have a look at our website for fabulous horse racing party dress ideas. You can also get free horse racing tips and complete details about where to find the best horse race form guide online, now!