An overview of racing from cave paintings to the evolution of different racing styles through the organization of specific racing breeds and regulations.
A look at the "big picture" of the pari-mutuel industry -- its size, scope and economic impact.
An explanation of how horses are entered in to races, how they are grouped into competitive categories, requirements to compete in a race, the types or classifications of races contested, purse structures and claiming races.
An overview of the functions of the businesses and organizations associated with the pari-mutuel racing industry.
The history, equipment, conduct and regulations of thoroughbred racing.
The history, equipment, conduct and regulations of American quarter horse racing.
The history, equipment, conduct and regulations of standardbred (harness) racing.
The history, equipment, conduct and regulations of greyhound racing.
A look at what it's like to "own a sports team" (even if it's a single player) and costs involved.
An overview of the bloodstock side of the equation and the people involved with the animals.
An overview of greyhound production and ownership.
A look at stewardship of the animal athlete during and after its career.
An overview of the regulatory environment in which racing exists.
A discussion of the duties and responsibilities of the officials who oversee the conduct of racing and are charged with insuring its integrity.
A presentation of the current medical issues, regulations and technical advances affecting the industry.
A look at the ABC's of simulcast agreements and revenues.
An overview and comparison of the structure and conduct of horse and greyhound racing around the world.
An analysis of the composition, structure and maintenance of dirt, turf and synthetic surfaces.
An explanation pari-mutuel system of wagering including what the odds on the tote board represent, an overview of the information offered to the betting public and how to create a balanced (mathematically accurate) morning line.
A reference guide to related chapters in the The Complete Idiot's Guide to Betting on Horses, Win, Place and Show: An Introduction to the Thrill of Thoroughbred Racing and New Thoroughbred Owners Handbook.
Topic |
Module |
Idiot's Guide |
Win, Place and Show |
New Thoroughbred Owners Handbook |
| Introduction and Syllabus | 1 | |||
| History of Racing | 1 | 1 | 3 | |
| Business of Racing | 2 | |||
| Anatomy of the Racing | 3 | 2, 3, 13, 14 | 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 21, 22 | 12, 13 and page 213 |
| Organizations | 4 | |||
| Thoroughbred Racing | 5 | 7 | 2, 8, 16, 17, 23 | |
| Quarter Horse Racing | 6 | 7 | ||
| QUIZ | ||||
| Standardbred Racing | 7 | 7 | ||
| Greyhound Racing | 8 | |||
| Owning Race Horses | 9 | 8, 9, 10 | 4, 5, 18 | 1-5, 8-11 |
| Equine Bloodstock Industry | 10 | 5-7, 14, 15 | ||
| Owning a Racing Greyhound | 11 | |||
| Animal Welfare and Retirement | 12 | 4 | 10 | 16 |
| QUIZ | ||||
| Regulatory Framework | 13 | 15 | page 212 | |
| Racing Judges, Stewards, Officials | 14 | 11 | 12 | |
| Medication and Drug Testing | 15 | 5 | ||
| Simulcasting | 16 | 22 | ||
| International Racing | 17 | |||
| Racing Surfaces | 18 | 12 | ||
| Racing Information | 19 | 16,18,19 | 12,14,15 | |
| QUIZ |
| Page | Comments |
| 14 | Thoroughbreds can come in pinto coloring - it is rare but the genetics arepossible. In fact, a very "loud" foal was born right here at the U of A farm. Some sires are known for producing offspring with white body markings. |
| 21 | Just like the Thoroughbred, there are a few pinto-colored Standardbred horses. Not surprising since the ancestry of these two breeds is the same. |
| 153 | Bettors can get good information on distance races and do like to bet the longer races -- as long as the race itself is competitive! |
| 156 | The 870-yard races are NOT rare in Quarter Horse racing. The 660-yard and 770-yard races are seen much less due to the fact that the configuration of most tracks is not suitable for these distances. |
| 161 | The value of claiming races can go much higher than $50,000 these days with the big tracks getting as high as $100,000! |