Horse Racing Cafe

Ethann McKinley asked:


A horse race must be run outdoors. This makes for extreme variability in ground and weather conditions, which affect horse racing results. In fact, if human and horse factors are ideal, the ground and weather conditions will put a damper on the race.

A vote in favor of ground and weather conditions is that these are easily visible. Unlike human and horse factors, you need not be a rocket scientist to determine how these conditions will impact on the race.

Ground Conditions

Unfortunately for humans and animals alike, the race track’s ground conditions depend solely on the presence or absence of rain. When it rains, the track is a messy affair of mud, water, and potholes. When it shines, the track is a dusty affair of wind-blown soil.

You can almost accurately determine horse racing results based on the racing history of the horses on both dry and wet ground conditions. Generally speaking, wet tracks are usually slower than dry tracks, what with the slippery conditions and the difficulty of turning corners. Wet tracks also make it harder for horses in the rear positions to accelerate.

If possible, ask for the history of the horses pertaining to their wins and losses in both track conditions. If the track is dry and the horse is said to run better in wet conditions, and vice-versa, then re-evaluate your betting options. Do not expect a horse to run better in conditions he is not comfortable in, not even a maiden.

However, you also need to confirm the information you secured. The person you inquired from might have vested interests and consequently become less than honest with you. Remember, everybody on the race track has a personal interest in the horse racing results.

You can do this by actually seeing how the horses run in wet conditions. Go to the track early, if possible. However, if you have reliable proof that the horse runs well in both dry and wet conditions, then the ground conditions should not be a significant factor. Look into post position, jockey and trainer combinations and other factors.

Weather Conditions

With very few exceptions, race horses cannot perform well in all weather conditions. Horses are athletes, too, and their physical conditioning can sometimes be limited in one area only.

Look into the horse racing results of the horses in the race you are betting on. If they have performed very well in rainy conditions, then they probably would do so again in similar weather. If they have performed poorly in rainy conditions, do not ever place a backing bet on that horse. Maybe place a lay bet and you have more chances of winning!

Also, look into the horse’s fitness. The weather conditions exact a toll on all athletes, including dehydration. And we are not even talking of great possibility of debilitating injuries on both human and animal athletes on both rainy and sunny days!

Admittedly, there are plenty of factors to be considered before placing a wager on the final horse racing results. However, ground and weather conditions are the easiest to determine, so start from there. This is your money we are talking about and any significantly affecting factors must be considered to protect ownership.



Florence