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Fast Horses, Classy People—Why You Need to Get Into Horse Racing
You may have noticed horse racing showing up in a few posts recently. That’s because it may be one of the most underrated spectator sports, and it’s one you need on your radar. It’s also one of the oldest sports in the world—horse racing using both chariots and mounted riders dates back to the times of the Roman Empire. And organized racing in North America began when British soldiers raced their horses through the colonies during the 17th century. That’s a pretty solid pedigree.
Horse racing is usually associated with those of the upper class, especially when we’re talking about the Triple Crown races. Over time, horse racing has transformed from an activity of soldiers and others with access to horses, to a spectator sport that offers not only entertainment and excitement but also an opportunity to make money. Because now anyone can go to a track or use an online horseracing betting website and throw down a couple of dollars. And nothing makes watching the ponies run more thrilling than having a few bucks riding on the nose of winner.
If you’re looking to attend a race live, I recommend journeying to one (or all) of the legs of the Triple Crown, the three biggest races in thoroughbred horse racing in America—the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. These three races bring in the most money and highest bettors to the sport. The high profile races feature the best horses, whose owners spare no expense on training and competition. Celebrities and athletes are common sights at these events, typically sporting formal wear and fancy accessories, like outrageous hats, while sipping signature cocktails. The attendance of people of high power and wealth adds to horse racing’s culture of classiness, making the average attendee like us feel like a high roller.
Something that has helped create this culture of horse racing is the economic gain that can be seen from betting on horses, for both owners and bettors. The classiest of bettors out there usually place their bets at local tracks where they offer stands to watch the races, food and drinks, and of course, places to legally wager bets. More prestigious tracks might offer private seating and various other amenities… for a price.
However, if you can’t get to the track or have trouble finding the time to go, other options are available. One of those options is using the Internet to watch and bet online. Although it doesn’t have the same classy vibe you get at the track, it does offer the same financial benefits. Betting online gives even more opportunities for monetary gain because it provides you the opportunities to bet on a variety of horses and races, while putting all the important information right in front of you.
While the culture of going to the track makes some guys feel like they’re part of the upper crust, it can definitely alienate those who don’t feel like they have the bank account to belong. Internet wagering can give you a more inexpensive option that doesn’t include costs for transportation, hotels, meals, and other expenses you could be putting towards actually betting on the horses.
Either way, horse racing still has the air of a culture of class, with the availability of gentlemanly wagering helping create and sustain this culture. And the addition of online betting looks to add more fans.
[Image: Softeis under CC]
