Understanding horse racing form can be approached in various ways, but here we provide you with the fundamentals to enhance your experience at the races.
Throughout this article, we will explain the significance of the information displayed on a race card, covering everything from the jockey to the horse’s form.
For those new to horse racing, the race card may seem complex at first glance, but as you progress through the content, each highlighted section will become clear in its purpose.
Deciphering a Horse Race Card
While the layout may vary slightly on different race days, race cards generally contain the same information. Below, we dissect the key details you can expect to find on a race card and explore each element in more depth.
Silks
The silks or colors represent the attire the jockey wears during the race. If an owner has multiple horses in the same race, each jockey will wear a different color hat.
Age and Weight
The race card displays the horse’s age and weight in stones and pounds (e.g., 11-10 represents 11st 10lb) for races in the UK and Ireland.
Trainer and Jockey
The trainer and jockey details are identified with ‘T’ for the trainer and ‘J’ for the jockey. The trainer prepares the horse, while the jockey rides it.
Betting Forecast
The betting forecast provides predicted odds for each horse in the race. These odds may differ among bookmakers.
Horse’s Profile
A horse’s profile encompasses comprehensive details such as previous form, wins, ratings, and more.
For any information you need about a horse, refer to its profile.
Racing Post Ratings
Racing Post Ratings (RPR) indicate the horse’s ability as rated by the Racing Post. Higher ratings suggest greater potential.
While these ratings fluctuate, they serve as a guide rather than definitive information.
Understanding Horse Racing Abbreviations
Horse racing abbreviations can be confusing initially, but we simplify them in this easy-to-follow guide.
Race Types
Abbreviations for various race types are clarified for better understanding.
| Abbreviation | Term |
| Am | Amateur |
| App | Apprentice |
| Auc | Auction |
| AW | All-weather |
| Ch | Chase |
| Cls | Class |
| Cond | NH Conditional |
| Div | Division |
| Gd | Grade 1, 2, or 3 (jumps) |
| Gp | Group 1, 2, or 3 (flat) |
| Hcap | Handicap |
| H | Hurdle |
| List | Listed |
| Mdn | Maiden |
| NHF | National Hunt Flat Race |
| Nov | Novice |
| Sell | Selling |
Sex and Colors
Abbreviations for horse sex and color are explained for clarity.
| Abbreviation | Term |
| b | Bay |
| bl | Black |
| br | Brown |
| ch | Chestnut |
| c | Colt |
| f | Filly |
| g | Gelding |
| gr | Grey |
| h | Horse |
| m | Mare |
| r | Rig |
| ro | Roan |
| wh | White |
Going
Abbreviations for ground conditions in horse racing are elaborated.
| Abbreviation | Term |
| Fm | Firm |
| Gd | Good |
| Yld | Yielding (only in Ireland) |
| Sft | Soft |
| Hvy | Heavy |
| Standard | Standard AW |
Distance
Distances and winning margins in horse racing are outlined for better comprehension.
| Abbreviation | Term |
| dist | Distance |
| f | Furlong (200m per furlong) |
| l | Length |
| m | Mile (i.e 1m) |
| nk | Neck |
| nse | Nose |
| y | Yards |
Headgear
Explanation of headgear worn by horses in racing for better understanding.
| Abbreviation | Term |
| h | Hood |
| b | Blinkers (1 or 2 indicates first or second application) |
| p | Cheekpieces |
| t | Tongue-tie |
| v | Visor |
| e | Eye hood |
| Ht | Hood and tongue-tie |
| e/c | Eyecover |
| e/s | Eyeshield |
Form Figures
Explanation of form figures denoting a horse’s past performance in races.
| Abbreviation | Term |
| 1 | 1st |
| 2 | 2nd |
| 3 | 3rd |
| 4 | 4th |
| 5 | 5th |
| 6 | 6th |
| 7 | 7th |
| 8 | 8th |
| 9 | 9th |
| 0 | Finished outside top 9 |
| P | Pulled up |
| F | Fell |
| B | Brought down |
| C | Carried out |
| O | Horse ran out |
| V | Void race |
| U | Unseated rider |
| S | Slipped up |
| D | Disqualified |
| R | Refused to race |
Other Abbreviations
Explanation of additional abbreviations commonly found in race cards and online platforms.
| Abbreviation | Term |
| BF | Beaten favorite last time out |
| Btn | Beaten |
| C | Previous course winner |
| C- | Co-favorite of 3+ |
| CD | Course and distance winner |
| J | Joint favorite |
| N/R | Non-runner |
| 1 or 2 (next to trainer’s name) | Horse having first or second race for that trainer |
| RTF% | Trainer’s horses running percentage over past 16 days |
| TS | Topspeed |
| W1 | First run post wind surgery |
| W2 | Second run post wind surgery |
Live TV Information
Details on where to watch the race are typically provided in the top right-hand corner of a race card.
| Abbreviation | Term |
| ATR | At The Races |
| RTV | Racing TV |
| RTE 1 or 2 | RTE (Ireland) |
| ITV | ITV 1 Racing |
| ITV4 | ITV4 Racing |
Step-by-Step Guide to Reading a Horse Race Card
Now equipped with the knowledge to read a race card, delve deeper into horse racing form for a richer experience.
1. Assess Race Information
Review the track name, race type, distance, and other key details to understand the race conditions and course layout.
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2. Review Individual Horse Information
Identify the horse’s number, odds, pedigree, and race conditions to make informed betting decisions.
3. Evaluate Horse Performance in Pace Races
Assess a horse’s form over its last 6 races to gauge its performance, with the option to watch replays for additional insights.
4. Utilize Horse Racing Platforms for Selection
Platforms like Timeform, Racing Post, and Racing TV offer valuable data for selecting winners through sectional times, speed bias track, and other factors.
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FAQs about Reading Racing Form
1. Where Can I Find a Horse’s Racing Form?
You can access a horse’s racing form on platforms like the Racing Post or watch race replays on select online bookmakers.
2. How Do You Identify the Best Horse in a Race?
Assessing a horse’s rating can help you determine the top horse in a race.
3. Who Determines the Race Winner – the Best Horse or Jockey/Trainer?
A combination of all three factors – horse, jockey,
