Read the racecard
A racecard is your guide to the runners. Start with the distance and race conditions to understand the contest.
DoubleHandful
Back to the website — going easily on a tight rein
Free racing guide · By Ian Wood
10 Things Every
Racegoer Should Know
A friendly introduction to British horseracing — whether you are visiting a racecourse for the first time or simply want to understand more of what you see and hear.
Request your free copyA glimpse inside
Enjoy the racing
with more confidence.
The two-page PDF offers ten straightforward explanations. Here are three of the subjects it covers.
Understand the going
The going describes the condition of the racing surface. Some horses prefer quick ground; others favour softer conditions.
Know how handicaps work
In a handicap, horses carry different weights according to their official ratings, aiming to give them more equal chances.
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The complete guide
to horseracing.
DoubleHandful is Ian Wood's A–Z reference to the language, traditions and practical realities of British horseracing.
Discover the book