The Human Factor In Horse Racing: How It Affects Horse Racing Results

Though horse racing is fundamentally about the horses, one cannot underestimate the role played by humans. After all, human money is involved and human effort is engaged in all phases of the sport of kings, but which nowadays is also the sport of professional and amateur gamblers.

Horse racing results are also dependent on the training skills of the trainers and the riding skills of the jockeys. Thus, when placing a bet on a horse consider the human factor.

What Does a Horse Trainer Do?

A horse trainer is the horse's coach. As such, he has the responsibility of priming the horse for its races. Tasks usually include appropriate exercises, diet, grooming routine, and other physical and mental conditioning. He is also in charge of determining future races that the horse is to enter.

Unless you personally know the horse's trainer, you cannot judge the trainer without looking at the horses he has trained. He is like a popular sports coach whom you only know because of his track record, which is usually the most reliable measure of his effectiveness.

Thus, if you desire horse racing results in your favor, then examine a trainer's track record. Usually, top trainers have produced winners in almost all the top races in the United Kingdom. Look for them in your next bets; or find up-and-coming trainers.

Trainers also have vested interests in horse racing results. They can earn lucrative incomes from the percentages of winnings owners give them. Thus, if somebody you personally know and trust gives you a favorable tip about a certain trainer, then check him out. It will probably pay off in the future.

What is the Jockey's Role?

When betting on horse racing results, never underrate the role of the jockeys. They might be small and petite, but they pack plenty of power. Their riding skills can make even the most ordinary or break even the most outstanding of horses.

If you have racked up a few betting experiences, you will notice that only a few jockeys rack up consistent wins in the majority of the races. If you judge the horse as acceptable to your standards and the jockey is reliable, then they might be the best combination for you.

Generally speaking, jockeys with excellent riding techniques, physically strong, intelligent track tactics, and right timing are usually your best bets. They too have a vested interest in the horse racing results because they are given a portion of the purse winnings aside from their fixed riding fees. If the horse you are betting on has a jockey that does not meet your standards, you would be better off considering the next one on your list.

Dangers of the Job

Trainers and jockeys face dangers just like any coach and athlete, the jockey most of all. Trainers can encounter hot-tempered, barely trained, and dangerous horses. These can result in trainers being subjected to injuries and possible death should the training regimen go out of hand.

Jockeys have it worse. They can suffer from physical and mental illnesses that can be debilitating and life-threatening. These include physical injuries like concussions, arthritis, bone fractures, and spinal injury leading to paralysis. Mental tolls exerted on jockeys include easting disorders and alcoholism brought by the pressure to maintain low weights. And you thought that only models strived to be as thin as reeds!