Back a Winning Horse: An introductory guide to betting on horse racing

Is this the right book for me?

Do you want to make smart choices and win at the track?
Whether you are a novice better or an experienced punter, it has all the tips and advice to help you spot a winner and enjoy this popular national pastime.

This new edition has been been brought right up-to-date with interactive features. It explains not only such basics as the form and the nature of the races, but will also explain in full where to bet, how to bet, and how to do so successfully. It offers full and unique coverage of the latest phenomena, such as internet betting, online betting exchanges and spread betting. It also gives you vital tips in addition to providing practical information on how to avoid credit card fraud and how to make a successful selection.

Back a Winning Horse includes:

Chapter 1: Horse racing
Origins of horse racing
Thoroughbred horses
Types of racing
Grading of racing
Handicaps
Conditional races
Gambling on horse racing
A day at the races
Owning a racehorse
Racing around the world

Chapter 2: Racecourse betting
On-course bookmakers
Tote betting
Pari-mutuel
Bookmaking
Understanding the odds
Factors affecting prices
Placing a tote bet

Chapter 3: Betting shops
Types of price
Disadvantages of using a betting shop
Writing a bet
Bookmakers' rules
Types of bet

Chapter 4: Remote betting
Internet betting
Types of internet betting
Types of bet
How bets are matched
Ordering odds
How to bet
Spread betting
Playing safe
Telephone betting

Chapter 5: Making your selection
Factors you can assess
Factors you cannot assess
Gathering information
Systems
Effect of the draw at British and Irish racecourses
Chapter 6: Betting tips
Be aware of rules
Appreciate your chances of winnin
How bookmakers make a profit
Keep records of your gambling
Set a budget
Staying in control
Take account of all costs
Be selective
Take your time
Maximize returns
Be realistic
How bookmakers try to make you spend more money
Ground
Type of race
Betting on handicap races
Number of runners
Backing favourites
Take the best price
Making the best bet
Betting each way
Bets to avoid
Placing large bets
Big winners
Steamers
Collecting winnings
Betting exchanges
Hedging
Dutching
Syndicate betting

Chapter 7: Checking results and calculating winnings
Checking results
Disputes with bookmakers
Calculating winnings
Using a ready reckoner

Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features:

Not got much time?
One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.

Author insights
Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience.

Test yourself
Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.

Extend your knowledge
Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of the subject.

Five things to remember
Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts.

Try this
Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.

• Publisher: John Murray Press
• ISBN: 9781444102918
• Number of pages: 224
• Weight: 180g
• Dimensions: 196 x 128 x 22 mm