The Luxury and Style of Horse Betting
If you’ve ever attended a high-stakes horse race, you know just how intoxicating the energy can be. The pounding hooves surrounded by hundreds of thousands of spectators, all holding their breath and clutching their bet slips; it’s enough to send shivers down your back. Horse racing seems to be one of the oldest traditions that still thrives in our present-day society, and the culture surrounding this world-class sport has remained largely intact.
Although people have been racing horses since they’ve been riding them, Thoroughbred racing, as we know it, is rooted in English aristocracy. It’s called the “Sport of Kings” because only the wealthiest nobility were privileged enough to own horses. The first purse recorded was £40 for a 3-mile race, offered during the Richard the Lion-Heart reign (1189-1199). Horse racing was a dangerous affair, so naturally knights were selected as riders.
Fortunately, you no longer have to be a king to own a race horse nor a knight to ride one. As long as you’re properly licensed, anyone can own a racehorse, but racing is still very much an elitist sport. No where is this more apparent than in the fashion.
Sit in the grandstand, and you’ll be surrounded by suited up men and fashion-forward ladies, all inspired by a traditional southern style. Though horse racing style has evolved since early racing days, one accessory that has been consistent since the 1920s are hats. Men gravitate towards fedoras and bowler hats, while women’s sun hats have become increasingly extravagant (and difficult to see over). The Kentucky Derby site even has an elaborate “What to Wear” section to help create a slick Derby outfit. If you’re still unsure about what you should sport for a big race, just check out what the wealthy and famous are wearing.
Churchill Downs has a broadcasted red-carpet entrance for all the VIPs and celebrities that flock to the Kentucky Derby, so you can check out what your favourite football players wore – because a ton of professional athletes are spotted at the Derby every year. There are some pretty awesome videos of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrating a big Kentucky Derby win. If you’re looking to rub elbows with some of these high-profile names, reserve yourself a spot in Millionaires Row.
Regardless of status and fame, one action at the races binds everyone together, and that’s the horse racing wager. People place bets, big and small, on their top contenders. Whether you place bets based on the odds, or if you prefer to go with who the pros are betting on, filling out your bet slip is half the excitement. With Bodog’s virtual and automated Bet Slip, you can place a number of horse racing wagers in a few simple steps. With the excitement of American Pharoah’s Triple Crown victory still in the air, horse racing handicappers are getting an early start to this year’s season, so don’t miss out on the action.
