Things You'll Need:
- Race Program
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Step 1
Pick a horse to watch. Some people, such as racetrack announcers, can watch the entire field of horses. For most people, it is a lot easier to watch one or two horses during a race.
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Step 2
Understand the tempo of the race. Thoroughbreds measure time in furlongs (1/8 mile) and 1/4 miles. An average furlong goes in about 12 seconds. Standardbred horses clock time in quarters, which range from 26 to 30 seconds on average. Quarter horses generally race in distances set by yards and it is an all out sprint.
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Step 3
Begin watching for your horse at the start of the race. Flat racers, such as thoroughbreds and quarter horses, start out of a stationary starting gate. Standardbreds line up behind a mobile starting gate across the racetrack.
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Step 4
Keep an eye on how your horse starts out the race. If they seem to take off slow do not be alarmed, especially in longer distance races, they might be a closer. A closer is a horse that finishes stronger. The start and finish of races are always the fastest parts of the race, while the middle part of the race is more evenly paced.
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Step 5
Follow your horse through its course. Check to see if it is filling in the gaps, if the jockey/driver seems to be rating the horse fairly and not racing too hard too soon; and if your horse has any room to get out to compete. These are all things to keep in mind and base the performance of your horse off of.
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Step 6
Cheer your horse to the finish. Even if the horse you picked is in the back, they still might have enough energy to come up and win. Look at the times that are being posted to see if the race is going fast or slow for more insight. Good luck!
