Betting Guide

Picking a winner

You could pick a horse just because you like its name or the colour of its racing silks, but if you want to leave less to chance you should 'study the form'.

'Form' is simply the information and facts about a horse's past performances. You can find a summary of form in the national newspapers, the Racing Post or in the Racecard on sale on the day.

When looking at form, you should take into account whether the horse has won previously over a certain distance or going. You might also look at the weight the horse is carrying compared to previous races, or whether it is going up or dropping down significantly in the class of the race.

Studying the form can help pick a winner but it's definitely worth actually having a look at the horses before the race, either in the pre-parade ring or the Parade Ring, to see how they're looking.

The sort of signs you should look for in a potential winner are:

• Good muscle tone, often referred to as 'condition'
• Shiny coat, bright eyes, forward-pointing ears and an alert manner
• A relaxed forward stride - unnecessary agitation could mean that the horse is wasting energy
• Profuse sweating can indicate nerves, but for some horses this is normal
• Don't be put off by blinkers or visors, which are worn to help channel the horse's concentration during the race

Placing a bet

Your first time in the betting ring may be a little daunting, but you will soon find that it is very easy to place a bet. You simply tell the bookmaker the horse's name, the type of bet and the amount you'd like to bet. In return, you'll be given a ticket or receipt confirming your bet. Keep this safe as you'll need it to claim your winnings if your horse is successful. Here are some guidelines for new racegoers to follow:

1. Each bookmaker will offer slightly different prices, so shop around for the best odds against your selection.
2. Call your bet clearly to the bookmaker by stating the name and/or number of your chosen horse and the stake.
3. Listen to the bookmaker repeat your bet to his/her clerk and correct him immediately if any details are called wrongly.
4. Make sure you obtain a ticket from the bookmaker and keep it safe.
5. If your selection wins, hand the ticket back to the bookmaker for settlement. Never destroy or dispose of your ticket until after the "Weighed in" announcement has been made. Betting with the bookmaker is tax-free.

Check the minimum stake accepted by each bookmaker on his display board. Some bookmakers do not take sums under £5 but others are happy to accept £2 bets. Tender the correct change when possible.

You may bet with confidence with any bookmaker on course as they operate with National Joint Pitch Council (NJPC) approval. In the unlikely event of a dispute with a bookmaker, you should contact the NJPC Betting Ring Manager, who can be found on the ground floor of the Grandstand.

The NJPC also offers a 'late pay' service in case the bookmaker leaves the course before you have collected your winnings. Late pay claims should be sent to NJPC, Chord Business Park, London Road, Godmanchester, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE29 2WL

The Tote

The Tote can be found in all enclosures. The system operates by pooling all bets placed on the race and sharing out the proceeds amongst the winners. Leading up to the race, an approximation of the current odds (to a £1 unit stake) will be shown on the Tote Screens. However, the size of te payout will depend on the amount of money bet.

To place your bet with the Tote, state the amount of your stake, the type of bet, and the number of the horse you wish to back and in which race e.g. £5 to win on number 5 in the next race.

NB the minimum bet size on the Tote is £2. Tote betting vouchers may be purchased in advance with your admission tickets.