How to Watch Stakes Races

Stakes races represent the best in horse racing. They attract large crowds and the best horses in the thoroughbred industry. Thoroughbred owners could literally win millions if their horse finishes first. You don't have to be a thoroughbred owner to enjoy watching stakes races.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Going to the Track

1. Get seat reservations at the track weeks prior to the event. You need to get reservations years in advance if you are attending the Breeders' Cup or Kentucky Derby.

2. Plan your transportation to the racetrack. Most racetracks have valet parking if you drive. Anticipate a large turnout, especially if it is a nice day.

3. Bring a pair of binoculars to the track so that you can watch the race more closely. The horses are barely visible with the naked eye when they are running on the backstretch.

Once You're at the Track

4. Buy a track program, which contains horse names, jockey names and trainer information. Most importantly, the program will list the jockey silks so that you can easily identify a horse during the race.

5. Monitor the horses walking in during the post parade. Horses will give clues about their current physical condition by the way they walk.

6. Watch the horses break from the starting gate. This is an exciting part of stakes races. Use your binoculars when the horses are on the backstretch.

7. Keep your eyes on the horses when they are racing on the final turn. At this point in the race, jockeys will be making some moves to improve their positions. Also, listen to the track announcer for additional information.

8. Examine the results when the horses cross the finish line. Do not throw out any wager tickets until the race is declared official.

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