A horse race is a sporting event that involves betting and a lot of excitement. Betting on horse races is common in many countries around the world and there are a number of different ways to place bets including betting to win, place, or show. Some bettors like to make accumulator bets where they place multiple bets on several horses in a race. The amount of money paid out for placing bets varies depending on the size of the field and how much a bettor wants to risk.

In addition to betting on the winner of a race, some fans like to place bets on the exact order in which a horse will finish. This type of bet can be very lucrative and can be a great way to make money. A person can place these types of bets with a number of online betting sites. However, it is important to understand the terms and conditions of a horse race before making a bet.

ABOUT- An incident that affects a horse’s racing performance, such as a bumped or steadyed horse at the start or being in tight quarters with a rival on a turn. Also used when a horse hits the rail during the stretch run. This can be caused by a horse ducking in for the lead while being pushed to the outside by another rival. It may also be due to a rider’s mistake or a rider’s mishandling of the whip.

BACK OF THE CLASS- A horse that raced well back in the field and was never a factor in the outcome of a race. This could be a result of overmatching or being under pressure early in the race to prompt the pace and then tiring.

BLACK AND WHITE- A bet placed on a horse to win by either exacta (first and second) or triple (first, third, and fourth). Also called a “pick 3”.

CLAIMING- A process in which a jockey can claim an entry in a race by paying the owner a certain sum of money. This is a popular method for increasing the chances of winning a race.

CLOSE- A horse that finished close to the winner or in the top three. Often the outcome of a race is determined by the final sprint down the stretch.

DRAUGHT- A horse that breaks awkwardly at the start and takes a while to find his stride. Sometimes the term is used when a horse was not knocked, steadied or bobbled at the break but just came away from the gate a little tardy.

EXPERIENCED- A horse that has run a certain number of races and has the ability to perform at a high level in future events. This can be a very useful metric for handicappers when analyzing the competition in a particular race.

FEELING GOOD- A horse that has been raced well and appears to be in good shape at the conclusion of the race. This is often a positive sign for a horse’s future prospects.